Florida’s 2024 presidential election is shaping up to be one of the most consequential in recent memory, with issues on the ballot that will directly impact the future of students across the state and beyond.

While the race for the White House will dominate headlines, Florida voters will also decide on six key state-level amendments. These amendments address a broad range of topics, from abortion rights and marijuana legalization to school board elections and tax policies, making it crucial for young people to pay attention, register, and vote.

The Six Amendments on the Ballot

Amendment 1: Partisan School Board Elections

If passed, this amendment will turn nonpartisan school board elections into partisan ones, starting in November 2026. Proponents believe it will give voters more clarity about candidates' stances, while opponents argue it could lead to greater political polarization in education.

Amendment 2: Constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish

This amendment seeks to add a state constitutional right to hunt and fish, protecting these activities from potential restrictions. While it may seem symbolic, the amendment could complicate future efforts to implement conservation measures.

Amendment 3: Marijuana Legalization

This amendment aims to legalize recreational marijuana use for adults aged 21 and over, bringing Florida in line with other states that have already done so. Supporters argue it could stimulate the economy and reduce nonviolent drug-related incarcerations, while opponents raise concerns about health impacts and impaired driving.

Amendment 4: Abortion Rights Before Fetal Viability

In response to recent changes in national abortion laws, Amendment 4 seeks to enshrine a constitutional right to abortion in Florida before the point of fetal viability. If passed, it would block the state from enacting restrictive abortion laws and ensure reproductive rights are protected.

Amendment 5: Homestead Property Tax Exemption Inflation Adjustment

This amendment proposes an annual inflation adjustment for the value of the homestead property tax exemption, shielding homeowners from rising property values and the resulting tax hikes. While it offers financial relief for homeowners, some warn it could reduce funding for local services.

Amendment 6: Repeal of Public Campaign Financing Provision

Amendment 6 seeks to repeal the state’s provision for public campaign financing, which currently supports candidates who agree to spending limits. Proponents argue that ending this program will save taxpayer money, while opponents warn it could lead to an unlevel playing field where only wealthy candidates can compete.

Why These Amendments Matter

The outcome of these amendments could have a significant impact on students' lives and the policies that shape their communities. For instance:

• Amendment 3 could create new job opportunities and reduce criminal charges related to marijuana.
• Amendment 4 has the potential to secure reproductive rights for students and young women across the state.
• Amendment 1 could change how local education policies are developed and who has influence over school boards.

Young Voters: The Deciding Factor in the Upcoming Election

Nicholas Ostheimer, a Campus Organizer with the FAU College Democrats, believes young people have a pivotal role in the upcoming election. 

“Students like us have everything to lose and everything to gain,” said Ostheimer. “Florida’s radical right-wing leadership has already intruded into our schools and college campuses, lied about climate change, and gutted social services. We'll continue living in this country and this state much longer than most active voters, and yet young people turn out to vote less often than nearly every other demographic.”

Youth voter turnout has historically been lower than that of older generations. According to The Civics Center, there is a persistent 25-40 percentage point gap in voter registration between 18 & 19-year-olds and older Americans. In 2022, only 22% of young people between 18 and 25 voted, compared to nearly 70% of older voters.

“If every young, eligible voter goes to the polls on November 5th, Florida would turn into a blue state,” Ostheimer added, emphasizing the power young voters have to shape the election outcome.

The Impact of Project 25 and the Trump-Vance Campaign

If the Trump-Vance campaign prevails, it could result in the implementation of Project 25—a far-reaching conservative agenda that aims to roll back civil rights protections and impose restrictive laws nationwide. This could drastically affect students, particularly women and LGBTQ+ individuals, by pushing for abortion bans and reversing anti-discrimination measures.

The stakes are equally high at the state level. The fate of Amendment 4, which would enshrine a right to abortion in Florida’s constitution, is especially critical. Efforts to suppress young voters have already begun, with reports of police officers visiting the homes of those who signed petitions for the amendment, urging them to admit to petition fraud—actions viewed by many as intimidation tactics.

Make Your Voice Heard

Ostheimer encourages all students to do their research and participate in the political process. “The state is working to suppress young people like us, but we are not defenseless,” he said. “OutFAU itself operates out of the shuttered DEI office. Likewise, we all have a role in the politics of our campus, state, and nation.”

Don’t just rely on the opinions of friends or family members when making your decision. Dive deep into the issues, understand what’s at stake, and vote with your informed perspective. Your vote is your voice, and in this election, it could be the one that decides the future of Florida.

Important Deadlines:

Registration Deadlines:

• In-person at local election office: Register by October 7.
• Online: Complete registration by 11:59 p.m. EDT on October 7.
• By mail: Postmarked by October 7.

For those planning to vote by absentee ballot, pay attention to these dates:

• Request absentee ballot (received by): October 24 by 5 p.m. EDT.
• Return absentee ballot by mail (received by): November 5 by 7 p.m. EST.
• Return absentee ballot in person: November 5 by 7 p.m. EST.

Check your current registration status or register to vote at registertovoteflorida.gov/home. Deadline is Oct. 7.

Make sure you are registered, and consider voting early or by mail to ensure your voice is heard. This election is your chance to make an impact. Register, research, and vote!

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