Amendment 1 proposes changing school board elections from non-partisan to partisan. At a time when our politics are already deeply divided, we believe this amendment would further politicize our school districts, which should focus on children’s needs, not political parties. Therefore, we urge you to vote no on Amendment 1.
Amendment 2 would add a constitutional right to hunt and fish in Florida. While this may seem harmless, conservationists worry it could limit the state’s ability to protect the environment. Additionally, we are concerned Florida’s conservative Supreme Court could use this amendment as a legal reason to expand gun rights in the state. Therefore, we urge you to vote no on Amendment 2.
Amendment 3 would legalize the recreational use of marijuana for adults over the age of 21. Since the 1970s, more than 15 million people have been arrested for marijuana-related offenses. We strongly oppose the criminalization of marijuana possession. While regulation and enforcement may not be perfect, they represent a better path forward. A century ago, the United States experimented with alcohol prohibition, and it failed — just as the war on marijuana has failed. Therefore, we urge you to vote yes on Amendment 3.
Amendment 4 would establish a constitutional right to abortion before fetal viability. Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Republican-led states have aggressively rolled back abortion and reproductive rights, affecting millions of women with devastating consequences. In just a few years, Florida passed a 15-week abortion ban, followed by a six-week ban, as the state’s conservative Supreme Court shifted the legal landscape. In 1989, Florida’s Supreme Court affirmed a woman’s right to abortion, but this year, that precedent was overturned. We firmly believe this is a decision that should be made between a woman and her doctor. Therefore, we urge you to vote yes on Amendment 4.
Amendment 5 proposes an annual inflation adjustment for the value of the homestead property tax exemption. While tax relief for homeowners may seem appealing, it’s important to consider who may bear the burden. This amendment could shift costs to renters, business owners, and owners of rental properties. Additionally, local governments may need to raise tax rates to offset the lost revenue. Therefore, we urge you to vote no on Amendment 5.
Amendment 6 would repeal a constitutional provision that provides public campaign financing for candidates who agree to spending limits. Without this option, elections could become dominated by the wealthy and well-connected. We already believe there is too much money in politics, and these spending limits are a reasonable safeguard. Therefore, we urge you to vote no on Amendment 6.
