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Florida > The Florida Election Code > Election Code: Violations; Penalties

§ 104.30 Voting system; unlawful possession; tampering.

Overview of Statute

This statute states it is a misdemeanor of the first degree to unlawfully possess a voting system, components of a voting system, or key to a voting system. It is a felony of the third degree to tamper or attempt to tamper with a voting system, or to destroy a voting system, with the intent to interfere with the election process or the results of an election.

Statute

(1) Any unauthorized person who unlawfully has possession of any voting system, components, or key thereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(2) Any person who tampers or attempts to tamper with or destroy any voting system or equipment with the intention of interfering with the election process or the results thereof is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

History:

s. 26, ch. 13893, 1929; CGL 1936 Supp. 8202(1); s. 8, ch. 26870, 1951; s. 17, ch. 65-379; s. 52, ch. 71-136; s. 35, ch. 77-175; s. 29, ch. 2001-40.

Definition [Voting System]
A method of casting and processing votes that functions wholly or partly by use of electromechanical or electronic apparatus or by use of marksense ballots and includes, but is not limited to, the procedures for casting and processing votes and the programs, operating manuals, supplies, printouts, and other software necessary for the system’s operation. Fla. Stat. § 97.021(45).
Definition [Person]

An individual or a corporation, association, firm, partnership, joint venture, joint stock company, club, organization, estate, trust, business trust, syndicate, or other combination of individuals having collective capacity. The term includes a political party, affiliated party committee, or political committee. Fla. Stat. § 106.011(14).

Definition [Election]

Any primary election, special primary election, special election, general election, or presidential preference primary election. Fla. Stat. § 97.021(12).

Additional Resources

Further Reading

  • Fla. Jur. 2d Elections s 230, Theft, destruction, alteration, or wrongful possession or handling of ballots and election equipment and records