The Division of Elections is aware of the rulemaking procedures prescribed by Section 120.54, Florida Statutes. That process requires advance notice to the public of intended rules and the opportunity to submit comments on the intended rule, prior to the agency’s adoption of the rule. The time period for general rulemaking takes at least 60 days and will prevent the timely amendment and adoption of a rule needed to apply to upcoming elections. In the interim, the provisions of this emergency rule will ensure that interested or affected persons and entities who are entitled to access absentee ballot request information are able to fulfill their election duties or to be able to conduct their political activities or campaigns. The Department of State will be initiating rulemaking on Rule 1S-2.043, F.A.C., to incorporate the text of the emergency rule permanently.