Poder Latinx Condemns Passage of Florida HB 991 for Creating New Barriers to the Ballot

Orlando, FL — Following the Florida Republican-controlled Legislature’s approval of HB 991 last Thursday, March 12, Poder Latinx is raising concerns about the new election measure, which would impose proof of U.S. citizenship, additional documentation requirements, and restrict certain forms of voter identification when registering or updating their voter records in the state. 

“Florida should be making it easier—not harder—for eligible voters to participate in our democracy,” said Yadira Sánchez, Executive Director of Poder Latinx. “This bill effectively targets voters who may not have immediate access to documents such as passports or certified birth certificates, including students, seniors, and low-income residents. Many of these documents can be costly or difficult to obtain, turning what should be a straightforward civic right into a financial and bureaucratic burden. Measures like this risk discouraging eligible voters from participating in our elections and ultimately weaken the very foundation of our democracy.”

HB 991 is part of a broader national push to impose documentary proof-of-citizenship requirements for voting. Similar proposals are advancing in other states, and in Congress, there is growing pressure to pass the SAVE America Act, which would require voters nationwide to present documents such as passports or birth certificates to register. Poder Latinx, alongside other voting rights advocates, warns that these efforts reinforce false narratives about widespread voter fraud and risk disenfranchising eligible voters across the country.

“Voting is a fundamental right,” Sánchez added. “Our democracy is strongest when every eligible voter can make their voice heard without unnecessary barriers. We urge Florida leaders to protect access to the ballot and call on our communities to stay informed, engaged, and ready to defend their right to participate in our democracy.”

Carolina Wassmer, Poder Latinx’ Florida State Director, emphasized the law’s local impact: “As someone who works closely with Hispanic and Latinx families across Florida, I see firsthand how HB 991 will disproportionately affect our communities. This law creates new obstacles to the ballot at a time when families are already navigating rising costs of living, language barriers, and long-standing inequities in civic participation. Every eligible voter deserves to have their voice heard, and HB 991 makes that more difficult for the very families we support every day.”

Poder Latinx will continue working with community partners across Florida to ensure Latino voters have the information, resources, and support they need to register, stay on the voter rolls, and participate fully in upcoming elections.

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