WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of the Democratic National Committee’s Voter Expansion Project, Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz today announced the hiring of Zach Learner as Florida State Director to be based in Tallahassee.

“My home state has had our share of intentional and unintentional challenges in past election cycles, but the DNC is ready to help all Floridians have a hassle-free voting experience this year and beyond,” said Wasserman Schultz. “With our state party partners, we have a national infrastructure and team of experts like Zach that no other organization can bring to bear. Our innovative Voter Expansion Project enables the DNC to help more eligible voters register to vote and will make casting a ballot easier for all Floridians.”

As the DNC and Democrats around the country – including Vice President Joe Biden– seek to expand access to voting, Republicans continue their cynical attempt to make it more difficult for people to vote. In Florida, attempts to purge voters from the rolls too close to the 2012 election was found to violate federal law.

“As Republicans continue to impede our right to vote, limit our access to the polls, making it more difficult to cast our ballot, Democrats are fighting to expand the vote and increase access,” said Pratt Wiley, National Director of Voter Expansion at the DNC. “Our team is building a professional and permanent, in-house operation that will remain in place from cycle to cycle for Democratic candidates up and down the ballot. We are happy to welcome Zach to the operation.”

Learner is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Law and a member of the Florida Bar. He worked on the Voter Protection team for President Obama’s 2008 and 2012 campaigns in Florida, and most recently served as Chief of Staff to Broward County Commissioner Kristin Jacobs. Learner previously worked for State Sen. Eleanor Sobel, and in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida while in law school.

“I am proud to join the Democratic National Committee's Voter Expansion Project,” said Learner. “Voting is where our democracy begins and it is our fundamental right. We will work to ensure that all eligible Floridians are able to register to vote, cast a ballot and have their voices heard.”

The Voter Expansion Project was announced in a video by former President Bill Clinton to DNC supporters earlier this year. This project helps ensure the Democratic Party not only protects the right to vote, but also works proactively with states across the country to expand access to the ballot box.