Florida’s general election is rapidly approaching. Election Day is November 4 and voting will be allowed between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. that day, local time. The deadline to register to vote for the general election was October 6. Early voting will run from October 25 to November 1, but check with your local supervisor of elections to confirm. Voters may also choose to cast an absentee ballot. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is 5 p.m. on the sixth day before the election. 
In addition to voting for Florida’s governor, attorney general, agricultural commissioner, chief financial officer, congressional representatives and local and state elected officials, Floridians will also be asked to vote for or against three amendments to our state constitution. What follows are simplified, nonpartisan explanations of what each amendment proposes to accomplish.
1. Water and Land Conservation
This amendment dedicates funds to acquire and restore Florida conservation and recreation lands. It was placed on the ballot by citizen petition and requires 33 percent of the net revenue from the documentary stamp tax go toward the Land Acquisition Trust Fund. The documentary stamp tax is a tax that mostly applies to real estate transactions. The trust fund exists for the goal of purchasing land for parks and other recreational activities. Voting YES for Amendment 1 would require 33 percent of documentary stamp tax collections go to the Land Acquisition Trust Fund. Voting NO for Amendment 1 means the legislature would continue to make funding decisions for environmental conservation programs as it has done in years past. A “no” vote would keep language regarding conservation out of Florida’s Constitution, where it might be difficult to remove or change.
2. Medical Marijuana
It will appear on the ballot as “Use of Marijuana for Certain Medical Conditions.” This amendment was also placed on the ballot by citizen petition. If passed, it allows for individuals with certain illnesses to purchase and use medical marijuana. The amendment makes clear that no insurance company or government agency would be required to cover the costs of medical marijuana. It also states that operating a car or boat while under the influence of marijuana is prohibited and allows schools, workplaces and public spaces to ban marijuana from its facilities. Voting YES for Amendment 2 would allow for the use of marijuana for medical reasons for individuals with certain diseases as determined by a licensed Florida doctor. Marijuana use for recreational purposes would still be banned, as would growing your own marijuana. Regulations and monitoring by the Florida Department of Health would also be required. Voting NO for Amendment 2 retains the current prohibition on marijuana use in Florida, except in very specific circumstances. A “no” vote would keep language regarding marijuana out of the Florida Constitution, where it might be difficult to remove or change.
3. Judicial Appointments
The final amendment will appear on the ballot as “Prospective Appointment of Certain Judicial Vacancies.” This amendment, unlike the first two, was placed on the ballot by the Florida Legislature. It requires the governor fill vacancies prospectively when a judge reaches the mandatory retirement age (70), fails to qualify for retention election, or fails to secure a majority of votes during his or her retention election. Currently, the governor cannot fill an upcoming or expected vacancy until the current judge’s term expires. Voting YES for Amendment 3 would allow an outgoing governor to make appointments to a court to fill vacancies prospectively. Voting NO for Amendment 3 would leave the law as it is currently, where a vacancy does not occur until the outgoing judge’s term expires. A “no” vote will also keep language relating to judicial appointments out of the Florida Constitution, where it might be difficult to remove or change. Sources:
- Florida Department of State, Division of Elections website
- League of Women Voters of Florida – 2014 Nonpartisan Voter Guide
- Florida TaxWatch – 2014 Voter Guide
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