Gainesville Mayor Ed Braddy sent out a statement late Tuesday afternoon criticizing Democratic U.S. Senator Bill Nelson and former Republican Governor and current Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist for attempting to politicize the city’s ill-fated effort to add an early voting site on the University of Florida campus.
Last month, a state Division of Elections opinion requested by the city said the J Wayne Reitz Union in particular, and college facilities more broadly, were not allowable locations under the law the Legislature passed in 2013 expanding the sites where early voting may be offered.
Crist and Nelson alleged that the opinion was an attempt by incumbent Republican Governor Rick Scott to suppress liberal leaning voters on campus. Nelson made an appearance on campus Monday comparing the situation to something that would happen in a “third world country.” Crist is planning an appearance Wednesday.
Braddy, a Republican, sent out this statement on city letterhead late Tuesday afternoon:
“Gainesville is a great community and one that encourages all citizens to vote in the upcoming elections, including the many college students who call Gainesville home. It is disheartening to see Senator Bill Nelson and the evermore candidate Charlie Crist attempt to turn the serious issue of voting rights into cheap campaign fodder.
The fact is Gainesville extended the number of locations for early voting this year, and we are continuing to look for additional sites in a manner consistent with the law. We will continue to build on our strong relationship with the University of Florida to encourage student participation in local government.
For Senator Nelson to liken Gainesville to a Third World outpost is beneath the dignity of a United States Senator and more in line with a partisan operative.
The fact is, when Charlie Crist was governor, Florida cities had more restrictive conditions on early voting. The law was broadened in 2013 after Crist left office. It has gotten easier, not harder.
Although the law is not perfect, it is an improvement upon the past. Every registered voter in Gainesville will have the opportunity to vote in the upcoming elections.
I am proud of our city and her efforts to ensure that every voter has a chance to participate in our elections.