Charlie Crist, now a Democrat, told the committee recent changes to Florida’s election laws were “politically motivated” and helped suppress voter turnout. He named Republican Governor Rick Scott by name twice.
Crist took special aim at the decision to shrink the number of early voting days this year, especially the elimination of Sunday voting the weekend before the election.“There were lines in Miami Gardens, which is largely African American, three and four hours people had to wait to vote in early voting", complained Crist. "And over in Aventura on the same afternoon I saw lines that were requiring people to wait two and a half and three hours for early voting.”
Governor Scott helped usher the changes through the legislature, but this week on CNN he announced he wants to explore some election reforms, including the possibility of extending the length of early voting.
Crist says he welcomes the reversal from the governor because voters are demanding change.
“They at first I think were frustrated, but I think ultimately became infuriated", said Crist.
As for whether Crist is ready to challenge Governor Scott in Florida’s next governor’s race? Crist made no announcement but says in January he’s attending the BCS National Championship Game with the Democratic Governors Association.