(Florida) Responds to CNN Lawsuit Seeking List of Names

[CShine]

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - The list of approximately 47,000 registered voters who are potential felons is preliminary and should not be released publicly, the Florida Division of Elections argued in court papers Tuesday. The agency filed a response to a lawsuit by CNN challenging the statute that prevents copying the list of names that could be purged from voter rolls. U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson joined the lawsuit Monday. A hearing was scheduled for Wednesday in Leon County Circuit Court.

The list technically is a public record, but state law allows only certain people and groups, such as political parties or candidates, to get copies. Anyone else may look at the list, but can't copy it. Florida is one of seven states that does not allow convicted felons to vote until their voting rights have been restored.

"This preliminary list is merely a precursor to further scrutiny," the response read, adding that it will be further reviewed before anyone is at risk of being declared ineligible to vote in the November 2004 election.

Secretary of State Glenda Hood said Tuesday that the 1998 law prevents her from releasing the list to protect registered voters from having personal information distributed. "We need to balance an individual's right to know with people's right to privacy," Hood said. "It's important that Florida's 9 million voters know that the state is not going to be an agent to make their personal information available."


http://ap.tbo.com/ap/florida/MGB09Y0K8VD.html