What you need to know quickly about the changes
Election Day begins at 7 a.m. Tuesday. More than 60% of Florida’s registered voters have already cast ballots either by mail or early voting, but there are still more than 5.6 million eligible people who can show up on Tuesday.
Those voters will decide whether two Florida Supreme Court justices will retain their seats and the fate of six constitutional amendments.
Amendment 3 will ask voters whether they believe recreational weed should be legalized for adults, while Amendment 4 will ask them to limit government interference when it comes to abortion laws.
Here’s what voters need to know about Florida’s reforms before heading to the polls on Tuesday.
What is Florida’s 1st Amendment – Establishing school board elections as parties?
Florida’s first amendment deals with school board elections. Simply put, Amendment 1 would require school district board members to list their political party name on the tax return and be elected in a partisan election, rather than the election we currently have.
What does a yes or no vote on Amendment 1 mean?
To vote yes: Voting yes on Amendment 1 would make school board elections participatory, meaning parties can nominate their own candidates for election and require candidates to write down their affiliation in politics.
Voting number: Voting on Amendment 1 would leave school board elections non-partisan.
Click here to read the full Appendix 1.
What is Florida’s 2nd Amendment – Right to fish and hunt
Florida’s Amendment 2 seeks to make fishing and hunting a public right by enshrining it in the state constitution. There are currently no threats or restrictions imposed on hunting and fishing in Florida, but lawmakers say the move is a first as other states have implemented similar measures.
What does a yes or no vote on Amendment 2 mean?
To vote yes: Voting yes on Amendment 2 will determine what laws can be applied in the future regarding hunting and fishing. The text of the amendment states that it does not limit the powers granted to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission under Section 9 of Article IV of the State Constitution.
Voting number: Voting on Amendment 2 will not change lawmakers’ ability to place restrictions on hunting and fishing activities.
Click here to read Appendix 2 in full.
What is Florida’s 3rd Amendment – Adult Use of Marijuana
Florida’s Amendment 3 would make it legal for adults 21 and older to possess 3 ounces of marijuana and up to 5 grams of cannabis. It will also enable them to possess, purchase and use marijuana products and equipment without needing a medical marijuana card, as is the case now.
What does a yes or no vote on Amendment 3 mean?
To vote yes: Voting yes on Florida’s Amendment 3 would legalize the recreational use and possession of marijuana for anyone 21 years of age and older.
Voting number: Voting on Florida Amendment 3 would keep recreational marijuana illegal.
Click here to read Appendix 3 in full.
What is Florida’s 4th Amendment – An amendment to limit state interference in abortion
Florida’s Amendment 4 is easily the biggest option. It has to do with abortion and the government’s power to prevent women from having it before they can live or if it is necessary to protect their health.
If the change passes, it will prohibit any law to prevent, punish, delay or prevent abortion before it is possible or if necessary to protect the life of the patient, putting the decision in the hands of the health care provider.
What does voting yes or no on Amendment 4 mean?
To vote yes: Voting yes on Florida Amendment 4 would make abortion legal until the fetus is viable, which is generally considered to be 23-24 weeks. It would also allow abortion if necessary to protect the health of the patient, as ordered by a health care provider.
Voting number: A no vote on Florida Amendment 4 would have made abortion illegal in Florida after 6 weeks unless two doctors are determined to say the pregnancy will die without the other.
Click here to read the full Appendix 4.
What is Florida Schedule 5 – Annual inflation adjustment for Homestead property tax exemption value
Florida’s Amendment 5 seeks to require an annual adjustment for inflation for the value of current or future homestead exemptions. It would create a price adjustment for the second half of the property owner’s $50,000 deduction from the taxable value of their home.
What does a yes or no vote on Amendment 5 mean?
To vote yes: In Florida, the homestead exemption gives homeowners two $25,000 exemptions that free up a total of $50,000 from the taxable value of the home. Voting yes on this amendment would make an inflation adjustment for the second of two exemptions, which do not affect school taxes. The measure would produce assessments based on the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index.
Voting number: A no vote on Amendment 5 would keep Florida’s homestead exemption as it is now, which raises taxes when property prices rise with inflation.
Click here to read the full Appendix 5.
What is Florida’s Amendment 6 – Repeal of the public campaign finance requirement
Florida’s Amendment 6 seeks to eliminate public campaign finance, which gives some candidates running for certain positions, such as governor and other state cabinet positions, essentially a subsidy with the use of public money, as long as they adhere to certain restrictions on how much. it’s finished.
What does a yes or no vote on Amendment 6 mean?
To vote yes: Voting yes, for Amendment 6 to repeal the provision of the Florida Constitution that provides public funding to some who choose to run for statewide office.
Voting number: No vote on Amendment 6 will keep public funds intact.
Click here to read Appendix 6 in full.
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