No evidence Florida is slowing voter verification, judge rules

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A federal judge has rejected the Florida Democratic Party's request to let people cast a ballot during early voting even if their registration application hasn't been verified.

U.S. District Judge Mark Walker said Thursday morning there is no evidence that state officials are dragging their feet in verifying applications.

Walker extended Florida's voter registration deadline until Oct. 18 due to the disruption caused by Hurricane Matthew. Early voting is scheduled to begin in some counties on Oct. 24 and statewide by Oct. 29.

Democrats say some election officials have told them that they won't be able to verify all the new registrations in time.

State officials say they are working to verify all applications by Oct. 29.

Associated Press