For Immediate Release
Friday, October 2, 2020
Contact: Mark Ard
850-245-6522
[email protected]
Florida Department of State Launches Election 2020: Protecting You and Your VOTE
Tallahassee, Fla. –
As Florida moves into the final weeks leading to Election Day, Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee launched a statewide voter education initiative focused on 2020 election security. The campaign is an extension of the Department of State (DOS) Division of Elections’ comprehensive effort to improve Florida’s election infrastructure and ensure that every ballot is confidential, secure, and counted.
The initiative, called “Election 2020: Protecting You & Your Vote,” is focused on four distinct themes: Election Security, Cybersecurity, Combating Disinformation, and Voting Options. The project showcases the diverse ways DOS has worked in an unprecedented level of cooperation and collaboration with federal, state, and local officials to ensure there are stronger election safeguards in place, reflecting Florida’s commitment to fair, secure, and accessible elections.
Secretary Lee also urged qualified Floridians who have not yet registered to vote to do so before the October 5 registration deadline for eligible voters who want to participate in the General Election on November 3.
“Free and fair elections are at the heart of our democracy, and Governor Ron DeSantis directed that we dedicate our every effort to ensure that we protect voters and their ability to vote in this important election,” said Secretary Lee. “Even before Florida voters go to the polls, it’s important that they know our state has taken comprehensive steps to safeguard them and our election process – to produce results that are accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.”
Working alongside all 67 county Supervisors of Election, DOS completed assessments of statewide election infrastructure, tackled weaknesses, and invested strategically to shore up election security. Under Gov. DeSantis’ direction, Florida invested millions of dollars to purchase additional cybersecurity, infrastructure, hardware, software, and training. The state has also taken extra precautions to protect voters and poll workers from COVID-19, recognizing and implementing guidance from the Florida Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
“Together with Gov. DeSantis, the department is committed to safeguarding the voting process, to protect against and prevent foreign threats to our elections and against cybersecurity encroachment,” said Secretary Lee. “Our partnerships with national and state cybersecurity leaders, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Attorney's Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement have provided the greatest assurance that Florida is prepared to hold safe and secure elections.”
The public awareness campaign includes digital display ads, social media, print design, outdoor advertising, digital billboards, and the production and distribution of Public Service Announcements – a series of videos and audio for statewide television and radio platforms. The campaign website and other assets were produced in both English and Spanish to reach Spanish-speaking voters.
For more information, visit the campaign website FloridaElection2020.gov
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