Federal judges in Georgia and Florida on Wednesday and Thursday rejected requests to reopen voter registration for the upcoming November election.

U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, ruled that Georgia’s request to extend voter registration lacked sufficient clarity and detail regarding the specific harm to individuals. But U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle, an appointee of former President Bill Clinton, rejected it. Appealing to reopen voter registration after the Oct. 7 deadline. According to On CNN. This decision came despite vigorous appeals from civil rights and voter groups who argued that the disruption caused by Hurricanes Helen and Milton warranted an extension of the registration deadline.

CNN reported that attorneys for Republican Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger argued that extending the deadline would place a significant administrative burden on election offices. Judge Ross agreed, saying the harm to the state’s interests in maintaining the current deadline outweighed the plaintiffs’ concerns.

Federal judge rejects request to extend voter registration deadline as Georgia and Florida face storm damage ahead of election https://t.co/xbhplaHuFt

— CNN (@CNN) October 10, 2024

“Plaintiffs fail to point to any statute or authority that would allow defendants to extend the deadline,” Judge Ross wrote. “We haven’t really heard from anyone who can’t register to vote.” (Related: Fact Check: President Trump’s GoFundMe Donation Helps Hurricane Helen Victims)

Civil rights groups such as the Florida League of Women Voters and the Florida NAACP say the deadline was inconveniently set between two major hurricanes, forcing some residents to prioritize safety over voter registration, according to CNN. he claimed. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican, noted that there were no obstacles to registration before the hurricane and suggested possible future mitigation measures after assessing the damage caused by the storm. was firmly opposed to the change.

“If you can register today, that’s it. There’s nothing to prevent you from registering today. The storm hasn’t hit yet,” DeSantis said on Monday, CNN reported. “We’ll see what damage there is after the storm. And if we have to issue an executive order similar to what we did with (Hurricane) Ian and Helen, we’re willing to do that.” However, there are no plans to change the registration deadline. You can register now and there is no reason to do so.”

After Hurricane Helen made landfall, it caused extensive damage in the Southeast, leaving 32 people dead and nearly 600 missing, as well as destroying homes and infrastructure and causing severe disruption in western North Carolina. Hurricane Milton pummeled Siesta Key, Florida, on Wednesday with 190 mph winds, prompting officials along the Gulf Coast to warn of emergency evacuations and preparedness.

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