Florida Voters Weigh In on Six Proposed Constitutional Amendments Ahead of 2024 Election

As the 2024 general election approaches, Florida voters are preparing to decide on six proposed constitutional amendments that will appear on the statewide ballot. These amendments cover a range of significant issues, each requiring a 60% majority to pass.

Amendment 1, sponsored by the Florida Legislature through House Joint Resolution 31, proposes to require members of district school boards to be elected in partisan elections rather than the current nonpartisan system. This change could potentially align school board elections with other partisan races, which may influence voter turnout and candidate platforms.

Amendment 3, a citizen-initiated proposal, seeks to legalize marijuana for adults 21 and older. According to a recent poll by the Florida Atlantic University Political Communication and Public Opinion Research Lab, this amendment enjoys substantial support with 60% of voters in favor, 34% opposed, and 6% undecided.

Amendment 4, another citizen-initiated measure, aims to secure abortion rights up to fetal viability or when necessary for the patient’s health. This amendment also has significant support, with 58% of voters in favor, 32% opposed, and 10% undecided. The fiscal impact of this amendment is uncertain due to various ambiguities and potential legal challenges.

Amendment 5 proposes annual adjustments for inflation to the value of certain homestead exemptions, excluding school district levies. This change would affect property taxes and is sponsored by the Florida Legislature through House Joint Resolution 7017.

Amendment 6 seeks to repeal the public campaign financing requirement for candidates running for elective statewide offices who agree to campaign spending limits. This proposal is also sponsored by the Florida Legislature through Senate Joint Resolution 1114.

In addition to these amendments, Florida voters are showing a strong preference for early in-person voting, with 51% choosing this option, compared to 21% opting for mail-in ballots and 18% planning to vote on Election Day.