Cord Byrd

Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker denied the request from attorneys for Secretary of State Cord Byrd in a lawsuit challenging the 2023 law.

Voting-rights groups and others asked the court to take up the case, which centers on a North Florida district that in the past elected Black Democrat Al Lawson but was overhauled during an April 2022 special legislative session.

Secretary of State Cord Byrd outlined $3.15 million for the Office of Election Crimes and Security, which was created last year and is staffed by five people.

Voting-rights groups say the law was intended to restrict minority voters’ access to the ballot.

The U.S. Department of State recently announced a reward of up to $10 million for information on foreign interference in elections.