Judge strikes down parts of Florida election law; cites race

By BRENDAN FARRINGTON
Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A federal judge has struck down portions of a Florida election law passed last year, citing what he said were subtle tactics by the Republican-led government to suppress Black voters. The law tightened rules on mailed ballots, drop boxes and other popular election methods. In his ruling Thursday, U.S. District Judge Mark Walker said the changes made it more difficult for Black voters who, overall, have more socioeconomic disadvantages than white voters. Republicans have said the legislation was needed to guard against fraud. The legislature was one of many around the country to pass election reforms after former President Donald Trump made false claims that the presidential election was stolen from him.