Those wacky Florida legislators, with their favorite lobby the National Rifle Association, are at it again. The same folks who proposed “Bring Your Gun to Work Day” and passed “Shoot First” legislation that allows anyone in Florida who feels threatened to blast away, have really capped it this time. So to speak.
Now they want to force gun and bait shops to perform voter registration. Hmmm…I wonder what kind of voters they’ll sign up? St. Petersburg Times:
Some shop owners say the mandatory requirement would be a burden while some Democrats accused Republicans of trolling for votes.
Rep. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, tried to broaden the bill to include beauty shops and day care centers. But [bill sponsor Rep. Greg] Evers rejected the move.
Greg and his NRA pals must have stayed up all night cooking up this one. The idea is that since places like Wal-mart sell hunting and fishing licenses, they are quasi-government institutions. Therefore they must offer more government services, like voter registration and filing your homestead exemption. Actually, you can’t file your homestead exemption but you can renew your license tag. Well, no, you can’t renew your license tag but you can pay your property taxes. Sorry, no, you can’t pay your property taxes but you can register to vote. I knew it was something.
Supporters say this is just one more way to spread democracy. Sun Sentinel:
Pollsters say hunters and anglers are more likely to support Republican candidates. And the measure would take effect just months before Florida voters elect the state’s next governor.
Pure coincidence, no doubt. And if you’re worried about how gun shop owners will be prevented from influencing potential voters about what party to register for or what amendment to support, don’t. These smart guys have already thought of that and it sounds like a surefire (no pun) plan.
The proposal would prohibit businesses from helping a customer fill out an application or collecting completed ones, but it does not call for the state to monitor the process.
Just trust us.
