At event on Monday that banned all local media except for Fox News, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed a controversial elections overhaul bill that curbs certain forms of voting.
Why it matters: The law increases restrictions on drop boxes, requires voters to sign up for mail-in ballots every year, and limits who can drop off ballots at drop boxes. Opponents say the law will make it more difficult to vote in the state, and will disproportionately impact communities of color.
What they're saying: With a cheering crowd behind him, DeSantis told Fox & Friends in an "exclusive" broadcast that he believes the law includes the "strongest election integrity measures in the country."
- "Me signing this bill here says, 'Florida, your vote counts. Your vote is going to cast with integrity and transparency, and this is a great place for democracy,'" DeSantis said.
- The event was billed as a rally "for the best governor in the USA." It's unclear if it was an official governor's event or campaign rally, per the Washington Post.
The big picture: Florida is one of a number of Republican-run states — including Georgia, which has faced intense backlash — that have either passed or are considering new voting restrictions after the 2020 election.
- Many of the laws are based on unsubstantiated allegations of widespread voter fraud propagated by former President Trump.
- Hundreds of corporations and voting rights groups have embarked on a pressure campaign to stop the laws from taking effect.
Go deeper ... Mapped: Which states are weighing voting changes
