Judge blocks parts of Florida voting law

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A federal judge says some of Florida's new limits on voter registration drives are likely unconstitutional.

U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle on Thursday temporarily blocked implementation until a trial can be held.

One provision requires groups or individuals signing up voters to submit their registration forms to election officials within 48 hours of collecting them.

Others impose what the judge called "burdensome record-keeping and reporting requirements that serve little if any purpose."

The ruling was a victory for the League of Women Voters and other groups that challenged the provisions.

They say the restrictions passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature are aimed at suppressing turnout. Republicans contend they are needed to prevent election fraud.

Those and other parts of a new election law also are being challenged in another case.