By Hannah Storrs 
Photo Credit: Paul Hennessy/NurPhoto via Zuma Press, ABCNews
Florida voters will consider six amendments on the ballot this November, and each requires at least 60% support to pass. The following amendment guide is intended to simplify voting and enable voters to make a well-informed decision on November 5th.
Amendment 1: Partisan School Board Elections
Amendment 1 would “require members of a district school board to be elected in a partisan election rather than a nonpartisan election.” Currently, Florida’s school board elections are nonpartisan. This allows all voters, regardless of party registration, to vote for school board representatives. A closed primary makes it so that voters in primary elections can only support candidates within their registered party. Supporters of this amendment, including the majority of the Florida Legislature, argue that this amendment will increase candidate transparency, help predict decisions, and guide schools in navigating an increasingly political climate. Opponents to this amendment, including the Social Equity Through Education Alliance, say that Amendment 1 reduces accountability for parents to hold school boards accountable, decreases local power, and increases political partisanship. Voting “Yes” on Amendment 1 will change school board elections by making them partisan and will require each candidate to disclose their party affiliation on the ballot. Voting “No” on Amendment 1 will keep school board elections non-partisan.
Amendment 2: Right to Hunt and Fish
Amendment 2 requires 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.” According to FL Statute Title XXVIII, Chapter 372, hunting and fishing are culturally valued in Florida, and the right to do so should be preserved. This amendment would primarily adjust this statute by declaring that hunting and fishing will serve as the primary means of managing and controlling wildlife. Supporters of this amendment, including the National Rifle Association-Institute for Legislative Action, state that hunting, fishing, and harvesting wildlife are cherished American traditions and are an integral part of wildlife management and conservation. Opponents to this amendment, including World Animal Protection, say the amendment is designed to trick voters into allowing cruel forms of hunting, and the amendment will prevent the protection of wildlife in the future. Voting “Yes” on Amendment 2 will preserve hunting and fishing as a public right and will establish hunting and fishing as the primary means of responsibly managing and controlling wildlife in Florida. Voting “No” on Amendment 2 will maintain the status quo in the state of Florida regarding hunting and fishing.
Amendment 3: Adult Personal Use of Marijuana
Amendment 3 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.” It also permits state-licensed entities to cultivate, sell, and distribute marijuana products and accessories. Currently, marijuana possession and use in Florida is prohibited unless an individual has medical authorization provided by a healthcare provider. This amendment will allow individuals over 21 years old to possess less than 3 ounces of marijuana and up to 5 grams of marijuana concentrate for personal use. Supporters of Amendment 3, including Sherriff Moris Young, say that the amendment will lead to safer marijuana consumption. Supporters also point to the fact that law enforcement will not have to use their limited resources on arresting or prosecuting individuals for possessing small amounts of the drug, which can allow law enforcement to focus on more serious crimes. Opponents to this amendment, including a coalition of voters referred to as “No on 3,” state that this amendment will lead to unregulated marijuana usage which could threaten the health and safety of Floridians. Voting “Yes” on Amendment 3 will make marijuana possession, purchase, and use legal for recreational purposes in Florida for adults over 21 years old. Voting “No” on Amendment 3 will allow for continued prohibition against recreational marijuana use, maintaining current provisions for medical use.
Amendment 4: Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion
Amendment 4 states that “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.” Currently, Florida legislation prevents abortion procedures performed 6 weeks after the patient’s last menstrual cycle. Passing this amendment will allow healthcare providers to perform abortions until viability, a term used to indicate the chance for survival a fetus has if delivered before it can fully develop. While viability varies from patient to patient, the period of viability ranges between 20 and 26 weeks. This amendment will not change the parental notification requirement for minors under 18 years of age. Supporters of Amendment 4, including Floridians Protecting Freedom, state that the amendment allows for the freedom for women to make personal health care decisions without interference from politicians. Opponents to this amendment, including a coalition of voters referred to as “No on 4 Florida“, state that Amendment 4 is too extreme by allowing late-term abortions, lacks clear definitions, and eliminates parental consent rules for minors. Voting “Yes” on Amendment 4 will guarantee the right to receive an abortion until viability in Florida. Voting “No” on Amendment 4 will maintain the current 6-week abortion limits in Florida.
Amendment 5: Homestead Exemption Inflation Adjustment
Amendment 5 would “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.” This amendment will adjust homestead exemption values to reflect the percent change in the Consumer Price Index and will not impact school district funding. Supporters, including Florida TaxWatch, state that the amendment provides moderate relief to homeowners without significant fiscal impact. On the other hand, opponents to the amendment, including Economics professor Hall Blanco, state that this may not make a difference for the average homeowner in Florida, but there is a possibility that this could limit the local government’s ability to increase or levy taxes. Voting “Yes” on Amendment 5 will adjust the value of homestead exemptions based on inflation rates. Voting “No” on Amendment 5 will not adjust values based on inflation rates, and values will continue to be adjusted based on property value.
Amendment 6: Repeal of Public Campaign Financing Requirement
Amendment 6 proposes “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.” Those running for statewide office currently have access to a public campaigning fund to support their election campaign expenses. This amendment would remove this provision for those running for governor and cabinet positions. Supporters of this amendment, including the majority of the Florida Legislature, state that this financing could be used for other programs such as education, health care, or housing. Opponents to this amendment, including Common Cause Florida, state that public campaign financing not only opens doors to candidates who may not have the finances to run for office but also makes constituents more important to campaigns and incentivizes elected leaders to be more responsive to the communities they serve. Voting “Yes” on Amendment 6 will remove the state-run public campaigning fund available to those running for statewide office. Voting “No” on Amendment 6 will maintain the availability of public funding for campaign efforts in statewide elections.
As American citizens, we have the unique right and responsibility to make our voices heard on important issues. On November 5th, voters have the chance to make decisions that will impact Floridian elections, personal rights, and resident finances. It is important to take this opportunity and vote on November 5th.