#1,008: Putting in My 2¢ On 6 Ballot Amendments
For readers of The K.F. Stone Weekly who do not live or vote in the Sunshine State (Florida), this week’s post may not be of particular interest; it deals with the 6 Constitutional ballot amendments we are going to be voting on starting in just a few days. 2 of the 6, however, will draw interest all over the country:
#3, which would allow people ages 21 and older to “possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption,” and the biggie:
#4, which says, in part: “No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider.”
Please note at the outset that Florida boasts the greatest number of ways to amend its constitution of any other state. There are five ways to get a proposed amendment on the statewide ballot: (1) joint resolution by the Florida Legislature; (2) Florida Constitution Revision Commission; (3) Citizens’ Initiative; (4) Constitutional Convention; and (5) Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission. In theory, proposed amendments are required to be clear and straightforward. I say “in theory,” because all too frequently, amendment language has gone through so many different partisan hands that by the time an issue winds up on the November ballot, it is about an comprehensible as Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales in the original Middle English.
And so, without further ado, let’s delve into these 6 different amendments. Reading them once, twice, even thrice before either filling out and mailing a ballot or going to your local polling place on Tuesday November 5 is a good idea. If you would like to ask me any questions or challenge my conclusions as whether to vote “yeah” or “nay” on any of the ballot issues, feel free to email me at kfstone@kurtfstone.com. I don’t claim to be any kind of expert . . . just a fellow who has devoted more than a half-century to both the study and practice of politics .
AMENDMENT #1 Ballot Language: PARTISAN ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARDS.— Proposing amendments to the State Constitution to require members of a district school board to be elected in a partisan election rather than a nonpartisan election and to specify that the amendment only applies to elections held on or after the November 2026 general election. However, partisan primary elections may occur before the 2026 general election for purposes of nominating political party candidates to that office for placement on the 2026 general election ballot. (This amendment reached the 2024 ballot via a vote of the Florida State Legislature, which is overwhelmingly Republican in makeup):
Supporters of passing this amendment say:
This amendment could provide voters with clearer information about school board candidates’ political affiliations, “aiding informed decision-making.
It reflects the existing political nature of school board races.
Opponents of passing this amendment say:
Decisions may be more influenced by political affiliation than by the best interests of students and educators.
Educational policies and content could be shaped by political ideologies, thus undermining the quality of education and freedom to learn.
Reverse the amendment designed to protect educational governance from political interference.
Could lead to closed primaries, excluding independent voters.
Something to consider: Nationally, most school boards are nonpartisan. Only a handful of states (Alabama, Louisiana, Connecticut, most of Pennsylvania and Florida) hold partisan elections.
MY RECOMMENDATION: VOTE NO
AMENDMENT #2 Ballot Language: “Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to preserve forever fishing and hunting, including by the use of traditional methods, as a public right and preferred means of responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife. Specifies that the amendment does not limit the authority granted to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission under Section 9 of Article IV of the State Constitution.” (This amendment reached the 2024 ballot via a vote of the Florida State Legislature.
Supporters of passing this amendment say:
Passing this amendment enshrines hunting and fishing as Constitutional rights recognizes their importance in Florida culture and economy.
Supports activities that contribute significantly to the state’s economy through tourism and other industries.
Opponents of passing this measure say:
We prioritize hunting and fishing over other wildlife strategies, potentially impacting conservation efforts and jeopardizing the safety, of our wildlife, residents, and communities.
It would codify lethal force as the state’s primary method for animal control and removal - - overriding protections for vulnerable protected fisheries or wildlife populations.
More to Consider:
Florida statues already recognize the right to hunt and fish. Current hunting and fishing regulations would still apply. The amendment does not limit Florida Fish and Wildlifre Conservation Commission’s authority.
MY RECOMMENDATION: VOTE NO
AMENDMENT #3: BALLOT LANGUAGE: “Allows adults 21 years or older to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption by smoking, ingestion, or otherwise; allows Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers, and other state licensed entities, to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute such products and accessories.” (Unlike amendments 1 & 2. Amendment 3 reached the balled as a Citizen-Initiated measure).
What it proposes in plain language: Proposes to legalize adult personal use of marijuana in Florida. If passed, individuals aged 21 and older would be allowed to possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana and up to 5 grams of cannabis sativa concentrate.
Current Status: Medical marijuana is already legal in Florida; it was approved by voters in 2016. This amendment seeks to expand the legalization to include adult personal use of pot.
Supporters of passing this amendment say:
Passage will generate significant tax revenues and create jobs within the state;
It will represent a step towards reducing the burden on the criminal justice system by eliminating penalties for personal use and possession;
A regulated market will ensure safer products for consumers and eliminate illegal sales.
Opponents say:
Worries about the potential public impact, including increased usage among minors, and the possibility of impaired public driving incidents;
The amendment is too broadly written, and could limit the state’s ability to effectively regulate marijuana industry.
More to Consider: The campaign has raised most of its funding from Trulieve, the state’s largest medical marijuana operator. Trulieve is known for trying to establish monopolies on the marijuana industries in other states.
MY RECOMMENDATION: VOTE YES
AMENDMENT #4: BALLOT LANGUAGE: No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider. This amendment does not change the Legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion. As with Amendment 3, this amendment reached the ballot as a Citizen-Initiated measure.
In plain language, this amendment proposes limiting government interference in Florida. If passed, it will nullify the current Florida 6-week abortion ban and go into effect on January 7, 2025.
Current status: Florida currently has a 6-week abortion ban in effect, making it illegal for most women to access an abortion 6 weeks from the first day of an individual’s last menstrual period, or 2 weeks after a missed period. It is a third degree felony for doctors to perform an abortion outside of this time schedule, punishable by fines and imprisonment for a period of 5 years. There are no exceptions for cases of rape, incest or human trafficking after the 15th week of pregnancy.
SUPPORTERS SAY:
Abortion is a personal medical decision that patients and their doctors should have to make for themselves;
The current law bans abortion before many women even realize they are pregnant without any real exception for rape, incest and human trafficking;
This amendment will not change any of Florida’s parental protections or healthcare providers’ scope of practice and ethics.
OPPONENTS SAY:
The amendment is extreme and misleading;
It would allow any healthcare provider to determine if an abortion is necessary and eliminate parental consent.
MY RECOMENDATION: VOTE YES
AMENDMENT #5 BALLOT LANGUAGE: “Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to require an annual adjustment for inflation to the value of current or future homestead exemptions that apply solely to levies other than school district levies and for which every person who has legal or equitable title to real estate and maintains thereon the permanent residence of the owner, or another person legally or naturally dependent upon the owner is eligible. This amendment takes effect January 1, 2025.” (This amendment reached the 2024 ballot via a vote of the Florida State Legislature
This amendment proposes adjusting the homestead property tax exemption value annually for inflation. This change would apply to the portion of a home’s value that qualifies for the homestead exemption, ensuring that the exemption amount keeps pace with inflation.
Currently, Florida homeowners benefit from a homestead property tax exemption which reduces the taxable value of their primary residence. The exemption is set at a fixed amount, which does not account for inflation.
Supporters of Amendment 5 say:
Passage of this amendment could protect homeowners from the eroding effects of inflation, ensuring that their tax exemptions maintain real value over time;
By adjusting the exemption value annually, homeowners could see more substantial property tax savings, making homeownership more affordable.
Opponents of Amendment 5 say:
Adjusting the exemption for inflation will decrease property tax revenue, thus affecting local governments budgets and their ability to fund services such as public safety, education and infrastructure.
People who are not homeowners will likely be the ones made to bare the burden of the tax shift.
A legislative analysis estimates a reduction in non-school local government property taxes by nearly $23 million in the 2025-26 fiscal year, with losses potentially reaching $112 million within a few years.
MY RECOMMENDATION: VOTE NO
AMENDMENT #6 BALLOT LANGUAGE: “Proposing the repeal of the provision in the State Constitution which requires public financing for campaigns of candidates for elective statewide office who agree to campaign spending limits.” This amendment reached the ballot by a vote of the Florida State Legislature.
Purpose of this amendment: #6 proposes to repeal the provision of public financing for candidates running for statewide offices in Florida, including governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, chief financial officer, and commissioner of agriculture.
Currently, Florida’s public campaign financing system, enacted in 1986 and enshrined in the state constitution following a 1998 amendment, provides matching funds to eligible candidates for these offices. Candidates must meet specific fundraising thresholds and agree to spending limits to qualify for public funds.
SUPPORTERS SAY:
Passing this amendment could save taxpayers money, which could be redirected to other essential government services.
OPPONENTS SAY:
Public financing helps create a level playing field for candidates who may not have access to large private donations, thus ensuring that elections are fair and competitive;
Public funding is seen as a way to reduce the influence of wealthy donors and special interests in politics, promoting a more democratic electoral process;
A similar repeal effort in 2010 failed to pass, indicating significant voter support for maintaining public campaign financing.
MY REECOMMENDATION: VOTE NO
BTW: I hope you are registered to vote. If you are unsure do remember that the deadline to register is October 7, 2024 . . . just a week from now.
If you are not sure, you can go online to check your status at:
See you at the polls!
Copyright2024, Kurt Franklin Stone