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SB 1598FLORIDA · STATEWIDESession 2026dead
High Impact

Proposed Changes to Florida Election Laws (SB 1598)

Original title: Elections

March 13, 2026

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The Frame

What this does

This bill would change how the Secretary of State is selected, alter the process for voter registration, and allow eligible individuals to register and vote on the same day at polling locations.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Florida voters

Voters would gain the ability to elect the Secretary of State and register to vote at polling locations.

Third-party voter registration organizations

These organizations must comply with new reporting requirements to the Division of Elections.

Florida Commission on Offender Review

The commission is mandated to create and maintain a new database.

What changed

Last recorded activity March 13, 2026.

What's next

Introduced.

Summary

SB 1598 proposes shifting the Secretary of State from an appointed to an elected position and introduces new procedures for voter registration and same-day voting. The bill also mandates the creation of a new offender review database and updates requirements for third-party voter registration groups.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register to vote on election day under this bill?
Yes, the bill authorizes a person who meets certain requirements to register to vote at an early voting site or polling place and cast a ballot immediately.
How will the Secretary of State be chosen if this bill passes?
The bill requires that the Secretary of State be elected by voters rather than appointed.

Why It Matters

This bill would change how the Secretary of State is selected, alter the process for voter registration, and allow eligible individuals to register and vote on the same day at polling locations.

News Coverage

No news coverage found yet. Articles are indexed twice daily.

Lobbying Activity

Protect Democracy United (formerly known as UNITED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY)

$70,000

2026

GOVERNMENT ISSUES

In support of the No Political Enemies Act to prevent executive punishing of individuals or organizations for constitutionally protected speech, belies, viewpoints, or political participation. In support of amending DHS appropriation riders to improve oversight and accountability on Department of Homeland security surveillance. In opposition to the SAVE America Act and requiring unnecessary barriers to voting. In support of increasing federal election security funding and identifying risks to election security and confidence posed by executive orders. In support of encouraging congressional members to uphold their legal duty to seat future lawfully elected members of Congress from the midterm elections. In support of reforms that strengthening the independence of the Judge Advocate General Corps through reforms of notification to Congress on before their termination. In support of reforms to protect independent legal advice within DoD and protect the non-political nature of the armed forces. In support of reforming the national emergencies framework to prevent executive abuses. Advocating in support of reforms that would prevent the executive branch from harming First Amendment rights of broadcasters.

Protect Democracy United (formerly known as UNITED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY)

$70,000

2026

GOVERNMENT ISSUES

In support of the No Political Enemies Act to prevent executive punishing of individuals or organizations for constitutionally protected speech, belies, viewpoints, or political participation. In support of amending DHS appropriation riders to improve oversight and accountability on Department of Homeland security surveillance. In opposition to the SAVE America Act and requiring unnecessary barriers to voting. In support of increasing federal election security funding and identifying risks to election security and confidence posed by executive orders. In support of encouraging congressional members to uphold their legal duty to seat future lawfully elected members of Congress from the midterm elections. In support of reforms that strengthening the independence of the Judge Advocate General Corps through reforms of notification to Congress on before their termination. In support of reforms to protect independent legal advice within DoD and protect the non-political nature of the armed forces. In support of reforming the national emergencies framework to prevent executive abuses. Advocating in support of reforms that would prevent the executive branch from harming First Amendment rights of broadcasters.

FGA ACTION (FORMERLY KNOWN AS OPPORTUNITY SOLUTIONS PROJECT)

$180,000

BGR GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

on behalf of MELTSNER STRATEGIES ON BEHALF OF PROJECT FOR ELECTION INFRASTRUCTURE

HB STRATEGIES

on behalf of KNOWINK

HB STRATEGIES

on behalf of LIBERTY VOTE

Protect Democracy United (formerly known as UNITED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY)

$70,000

2025

GOVERNMENT ISSUES

In support of the No Political Enemies Act to prevent executive punishing of individuals or organizations for constitutionally protected speech, belies, viewpoints, or political participation. In support of exploring enhanced reporting requirements to the Defense Production Act in the NDAA and tariff issuance to prevent executive abuse. In opposition to FCCs retaliatory agenda by advocating for meaningful First Amendment limits on its ability to punish news organizations for the content they air or the editorial decisions they make. In consideration of the Empowering SPEECH Act which primarily aims to protect First Amendment rights and related freedoms on college campuses In support of reforms that strengthening the independence of the Judge Advocate General Corps through reforms of notification to Congress on before their termination. In opposition to arbitrary deployments of National Guard members to American cities. In support of the Protecting Our Democracy Act to address abuses of presidential power, election security and integrity, and improving the system of checks and balances. In opposition to requiring documentary proof of citizenship through the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. In support of increasing federal election security funding. In support of maintaining the constitutional separation of powers ensuring that Congress has the power of the purse.

Protect Democracy United (formerly known as UNITED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY)

$70,000

2025

GOVERNMENT ISSUES

In support of increasing federal election security funding. In opposition to DC Home Rule Act being used for the extended federal takeover of the DC police. In support of a resolution ending the declared emergency in D.C. In opposition to arbitrary deployments of National Guard members to American cities. In support of the No Political Enemies Act to prevent executive punishing of individuals or organization for constitutionally protected speech, belies, viewpoints, or political participation. In support of the Protecting Our Democracy Act to address abuses of presidential power, election security and integrity, and improving the system of checks and balances. In support of reforms to the National Emergencies Act to prevent executive abuse. In support of exploring enhanced reporting requirements to the Defense Production Act and tariff issuance to prevent executive abuse.

Protect Democracy United (formerly known as UNITED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY)

$70,000

2025

GOVERNMENT ISSUES

In opposition to threats against the judiciary that erode constitutional safeguards, including the JUDGES Act (H.R. 1702), the PEPPER Act (H.R. 1789), the NORRA Act (H.R. 1526), and the Nationwide Injunction Abuse Prevention Act. In support of more robust funding to protect Congressional Members, staff, and families but also greater transparency on the threats. In support of judiciary security amendments to the reconciliation bill, (H.R.1) In support of the MARSHALS Act (S.1873) to transfer oversight of the U.S. Marshals to the judicial branch. In support of the Protecting Our Democracy Act to prevent abuses of Presidential power, restoring checks and balances and accountability and transparency in government, and defending elections against foreign interference In support of reforms to the National Emergencies Act. In opposition to the SAVE Act (H.R.22) and impediments to the right to vote. In support of federal election security funding. In opposition to the creation of a Sovereign Wealth Fund. In opposition to Executive impoundment of congressionally appropriated funds. In opposition to politicization of the armed forces. In support of more transparency around RIFs and protection of the federal civil service. In opposition to tax bill language designating non-profits as "supporters of terrorism." In opposition to reducing the funding of the Government Accountability Office.

Protect Democracy United (formerly known as UNITED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY)

$60,000

2025

GOVERNMENT ISSUES

In support of an amendment to the constitution regarding the presidential pardon power. Advocating for sets of questions to be asked during DOJ and OPM nominations to produce concessions and straight answers from nominees that might threaten the rule of law. In opposition to executive impoundments of Congressionally appropriated funds. In support of Congress's power of the purse powers during reconciliation process. In support of reforms to the National Emergencies Act through H.R.3988, the Article One Act. In opposition of the SAVE Act. In opposition to decreasing federal election funding, including funding for protection of elections officias and CISA. In support of proper enforcement of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and proper use of recess appointments powers. In opposition to the Reorganization Act. In support of protecting the right to vote and preparation for/prevention of election subversion and certification issues. In support of educating Congressional members on preventing abuse of executive power, including restoring Congress as a meaningful check on executive authority.

Sponsors

Discoveries

Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.

policy shift90% confidence

Executive Branch Restructuring

The bill signals a move toward increased electoral accountability for the Secretary of State position.

Connected Entities

Sources

Open source document

openstates.org

Analysis Score

0–100
  • Significance85
    How much this matters to a regular citizen
  • Controversy75
    Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
  • Entertainment20
    Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
  • Buzz60
    Current news / social attention level

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