Voting rights and election integrity took center stage at the Citrus County Legislative Delegation meeting on February 7, 2025, as the League of Women Voters made a passionate plea for reforms. The organization emphasized that a robust democracy relies on the participation of all eligible citizens, urging lawmakers to reduce restrictions on voter registration assistance.

One of the key issues raised was the need for funding to educate voters about changes in mail-in voting procedures. The League pointed out that since the last election, all requests for mail-in ballots must be made anew, which could confuse voters. They also highlighted a significant concern regarding the "write-in loophole," which in 2024 prevented 2 million registered voters across 21 counties from participating in universal primaries. The League is advocating for a constitutional amendment that would allow voters to decide whether to close this loophole, ensuring broader access to the ballot.

In addition to voting reforms, the League called for support of the citizen initiative process, which empowers voters to propose constitutional amendments through petition drives. They stressed the importance of maintaining this avenue for citizen engagement in the democratic process.

On the education front, the League urged for adequate funding for public education, noting that the diversion of public funds to private education is straining school budgets. They also addressed gun violence, advocating for stronger child access prevention laws and secure storage requirements for firearms, particularly in vehicles, to reduce theft and subsequent crimes.

The meeting concluded with a call for lawmakers to take these issues seriously, reinforcing the need for legislative action to enhance voter participation and public safety.