Florida Democratic party chairwoman Florida Democratic party chairwoman Karen Thurman put forward a draft proposal today for a combined mail-in/in-person party primary on June 3 in order to get their delegates seated at the DNC. You can read the press release here, or the full memo Thurman sent to the presidential candidates, DNC Chairman Howard Dean, and Florida Democratic leaders here. In the memo, Thurman cites a poll commissioned during the state’s primary on Jan. 29 that found that 59 percent of Florida Democratic voters want a revote in order to seat their delegates. Thurman also reports that the poll found that only 63 percent said they would remain committed to the eventual Democratic nominee if their delegates weren't seated.
The proposal calls for a party-run mail-in vote, as well as well as 50 regional election offices in the state to allow people to vote in person. Vote-by-mail packets would be sent to all registered Democratic voters at least two weeks prior to June 3, would contain a prepaid return envelope, and would include instructions in English, Spanish and Creole.
Of course this still leaves the question of funding. Thurman estimates the cost at $10-12 million, and urged the recipients of the memo to start thinking about fundraising options. The state party is soliciting input on the proposal from the public through the end of the work day tomorrow.
--Kate Sheppard
