Hurricane Matthew could hit US presidential election result
Hurricane Matthew could impact the US presidential election result if thousands are unable to register to vote in the crucial swing state of Florida. Evacuations could make it difficult for voters to register by the 11 October deadline and while Hilary Clinton has applied for an extension, Republican Governor Scott has refused. "Litigation may begin even before the storm ends", warns University of California law professor Richard L Hasen. Hurricane Matthew is predicted to cause billions of dollars in damage and likely, deaths. 
Florida's Governor has sparked fury after refusing to extend the voting registration deadline despite the killer Hurricane Matthew slamming the state.

Republican Governor Rick Scott, who has endorsed Donald Trump, was labelled 'disgusting, shameless and opportunistic' for refusing the extension, which many feel could benefit his party.

Hillary Clinton had requested an extension as the storm hit in the final few days for registration, at a time when the Democrats are starting to edge ahead in the key swing state.

Hurricane Matthew could have a huge impact on the national election, with fears that thousands will be unable to register to vote in the key swing state

Suzanne Kelleherwrote on Twitter: 'This is disgusting. @FLGovScott runs a Super PAC for Trump and this is a conflict of interest. Voter suppression is unAmerican.'

Another user, Shauna, wrote: 'You're a real prince, @FLGovScott. But with an approval rating of 34%, I guess the only way you can help Trump win is to suppress the vote.'

Republican Governor Rick Scott has been slammed for refusing to extend the voter registration deadline

Parker Molloy wrote: 'Rick Scott is a disgusting, shameless, opportunistic human being.'

The voting registration deadline is set for Tuesday, which may make it difficult for thousands being forced to evacuate their homes ahead of the storm, which Governor Scott himself described as 'a monster'.

Although he justified his decision not to extend the deadline - in a state considered a must-win by the candidate he back, Donald Trump - at a press conference yesterday.

'Everybody’s had a lot of time to register. On top of that, we have lots of opportunities to vote, early voting and absentee voting, so I don’t intend to make any changes,' he said.

Commentators believe the decision is likely to be challenged by Clinton's lawyers, however, previous rulings show that the Governor does not even have the power to extend the deadline.

The ruling was made when Al Gore famously called for a deadline extension for a recount of the close vote in 2000 but George W Bush's lawyers successfully claimed only the legislature had the authority to allow one.

Rick Scott was labelled a 'disgusting, shameless, opportunistic human being' after refusing the voting registration deadline extension

Another Twitter user accused the governor, who has endorsed Donald Trump, of trying to 'suppress the vote' in the vital swing state to benefit the Republicans

Hillary Clinton has already applied for an extension but Republican Governor Scott has refused amid concerns that only the Florida legislature has the power to do so

The result meant an end to the recount and handed the victory to Bush in the controversial election, which proves the importance of Florida as a key battleground in the election.

A study into Hurricane Sandy, which hit New York and New Jersey just before the 2012 election, showed the storm could lead to a drop in turnout and complaints of unfairness as different areas vary in their approach to voters who didn't make it to the ballot box.

With Republican candidate Donald Trump already claiming that the vote could be rigged, it seems likely that any decision by government or the courts on the election will spark litigation, claims Richard L Hasen, a professor of law at the University of California.

He said: 'Litigation may begin even before the storm ends, with Democrats pushing to extend registration deadlines in Florida since Governor Scott has said he will not extend them on his own.

'Even if Scott gives in and does extend those deadlines, he could be sued on the basis that such an extension is illegal, because it usurps the power of the Florida legislature to set the rules for presidential elections.'

Al Gore famously called for a deadline extension for a recount in Florida but it was refused, hanging Bush the victory in 200

Florida law gives the governor the power to delay an election, but apparently not to extend registration dates or make other election changes.

'Any changes in election rules by election administrators, the governor, or courts could be found to be illegal if not passed by the Florida legislature,' reports Slate.

Along the Southeast coast, Matthew was expected to bring dangerous conditions to Georgia, South Carolina and, possibly, North Carolina.

But it was the impact on vote-rich Florida, a must-win state for Trump, that had the campaigns on high alert, just as both sides ramped up their early-vote push.

Vote-by-mail ballots are being sent to voters across the state this week, leaving the potential for ballots to arrive just as voters temporarily abandon their homes.

So far, a record 2.5million people - nearly one-third of those who voted in 2012 - have made requests for the early ballots.

Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are steering clear of the state. The campaigns rushed Thursday to move staff and volunteers, close offices and cancel events in the path of the storm.

Hurricane Matthew, due to hit Florida today, has already caused devastation in Nassau, New Providence Island (pictured)

And as many Floridians heeded calls to evacuate, both candidates began the delicate and difficult task of pursuing votes during a crisis.

'Even if you want to do politics, no one is there to listen,' said Steve Schale, a Democratic consultant who directed or advised Barack Obama's campaigns in the state in 2008 and 2012.

Trump said last night at a town hall event in New Hampshire: 'Please know that we are praying for you and everyone in the path. You've got to take care of yourself, you've got to get out of the area, you've got to listen.'

The hurricane is expected to hit Trump's prized Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach.

Campaign spokesman Hope Hicks said Trump had spoken with employees to ensure they are safe and are following instructions from local officials. The campaign has pulled its negative TV adverts.

Clinton, who was speaking at fundraisers in New York, tweeted: 'Hurricane Matthew is a major storm... Stay safe Florida.'