LAKE MARY, FL - The city of Longwood intends to cancel early voting for its residents, a decision strongly opposed by the Seminole County Democratic Executive Committee (SCDEC).

"The issue is voting rights and the integrity of the voting process," said Carol Cox, acting chair of the SCDEC.  "The Longwood commissioners intend to reduce and restrict those rights by taking from their residents the opportunity to vote early."

All five commissioners have clearly indicated they intend to approve the ordinance that would eliminate early voting within Longwood city limits.

Following a public hearing that will be conducted as part of this Monday's city commission meeting, the commissioners will cast a second vote on the ordinance.

If approved, any Longwood resident seeking to vote during the early voting period will have to travel to the Supervisor of Elections office in Sanford.

"At a time when we are seeking to increase voter participation in elections at all levels, restricting the rights of voters goes against the grain of our nation's long-standing democratic principles," said Cox. 

"It is difficult to understand their motivation to do so.  They have offered several inconsistent reasons.  The only reason that I can imagine is that it will make it harder for the sitting commissioners to be defeated when they seek reelection.  Limiting access to the polls is one means of limiting challenges to incumbents."

Although all five commissioners are Republicans, Cox said, "Our concern here is not partisan politics. Early voting benefits all voters. Republican voters will be able to enjoy the convenience of early voting as well as Democrats, Independents, and those of any other affiliation. It is about protecting the rights of all citizens in Longwood and increasing participation in the democratic process.  The commissioners are seeking to reduce and restrict those rights, and we strongly oppose that." 

Interim appointed Seminole County Supervisor of Elections Mike Ertel, a Republican, praised the Democratic Party and their stance on this issue during a telephone call he placed immediately upon learning of the party's efforts.

Cox pointed out that "if Mr. Ertel, someone well-known for his partisanship, can see that his fellow Republicans are on the wrong side of this issue, perhaps the Longwood commissioners will also agree about the need to expand rather than limit voters' rights.  We are hopeful that the commissioners will ultimately decide to place the public's interest ahead of their own."

The SCDEC hopes all Seminole County residents who are concerned about voters' rights will attend the next Longwood City Commission meeting on Monday, April 4 to oppose the commissioners' d! ecision to eliminate early voting.  The meeting begins at 7:00 PM at Longwood City Hall, 175 West Warren Avenue in Longwood.