Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill establishing a first-of-its-kind elections police force. The Republican-authored bill creates the “Office of Election Crimes and Security,” staffed by about 25 new law enforcement positions. Democrats and voting rights advocates sounded alarm over the plan, which could see people fined or jailed for things that were commonly accepted until a recent voter suppression bill became law — such as gathering ballots at churches or community centers before dropping them off at an official election drop box.

Democratic state Representative Yvonne Hayes Hinson said the new law solves a problem that does not exist. She added, “Its implementation will put up additional barriers to voting and targets communities of color. This bullying tactic will intimidate and immobilize workers, families, and everyday people.”