Florida Democratic Party to organize statewide voter registration rallies in response to Charlottesville attack

In response to the hateful demonstrations and violent protests in Charlottesville, Virginia, the Florida Democratic Party will organize voter registration rallies across the state.

The FDP says it is inspired by Kentucky’s Secretary of State Allison Lundergan Grimes, who recently issued the following tweet:

“They bring torches to push hate. We bring registration cards to promote democracy. Which side are you on? #Charlottesville #RallytoRegister”

After Grimes’ tweet, the Florida Democratic Party issued an email to its local Democratic Executive Committees, Democratic Clubs, and Democratic Caucuses to gauge interest.

The response from local Democratic leaders was overwhelming — “Democrats are fully committed to responding to hate with hope,” reads a release from the party.

As a result, the Florida Democratic Party will be organizing a statewide effort to #RallytoRegister on Saturday, August 19th.

“The white supremacists who organized the hateful demonstrations and violent protests in Charlottesville want to intimidate us — they will not,” said Florida Democratic Party Chair Stephen Bittel. “We will not fall silent, and we will not allow these acts of terror to subdue us. We are proud to be launching a statewide effort to expand the vote and counteract these acts of hate with hope. We are encouraging every Floridian to participate and #RallytoRegister on Saturday, August 19th. Take a stand — register to vote, join your local Democratic Party, and defend our democracy.”

Details on event locations and times will be forthcoming.