TITLE
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE ABSENTEE BALLOT FRAUD TASK FORCE RECENTLY CREATED BY THE MIAMI-DADE STATE ATTORNEY AND REQUESTING THAT THE TASK FORCE CONSIDER CERTAIN COMMUNITY OUTREACH MEASURES; DIRECTING THE MAYOR OR DESIGNEE TO WORK COOPERATIVELY WITH AND FULLY SUPPORT THE TASK FORCE�S WORK

BODY
WHEREAS, the right to vote is fundamental to democratic government; and
WHEREAS, the public�s confidence that each vote is counted and that any ballots cast, including absentee ballots, will not be altered or stolen is essential to ensuring the integrity of the elections process; and
WHEREAS, Miami-Dade County recently experienced examples of alleged absentee ballot fraud; and
WHEREAS, while specific investigations into particular cases of alleged absentee ballot fraud are taking place, the issue of absentee ballot fraud needs to be addressed on a comprehensive, countywide basis; and
WHEREAS, the Miami-Dade State Attorney recently convened a task force related to absentee ballot fraud; and
WHEREAS, this Board fully supports this task force, and directs the Mayor or designee to work cooperatively with and support the task force�s work; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that this Board:
Section 1. Fully supports the task force related to absentee ballot fraud created by the State Attorney.
Section 2. Directs the Mayor or designee to work cooperatively with and support the task force, especially providing assistance from the Elections Department, law enforcement and other applicable departments as appropriate.
Section 3. Requests that the task force consider measures that might improve community outreach related to absentee ballots and avoiding absentee ballot fraud, including but not limited to:
1. Improving community outreach to educate the public about absentee ballots and avoiding illegal activity related to absentee ballots, with an emphasis on elderly voters at senior centers, assisted living facilities, public housing and religious centers; and
2. Effectively using county resources to educate the public generally about absentee ballots, with a focus on elderly residents, such as the effective use of Miami-Dade Television, announcements and posters at senior centers, public libraries, parks, transit and other county facilities and the County�s 311 Service Centers. �As part of its deliberations, the task force may want to consider how other jurisdictions educate voters, especially elderly voters, about absentee ballots, fraud and other illegal activity.
Section 4.� Directs the Clerk of the Board to transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Miami-Dade State Attorney. ��