Harry Moore
Words by Harry Moore
The arrival of an abundance of yard signs, political ads and a need to walk on conversational eggshells around in-laws and co-workers can only mean one thing: Election season is in full swing with the Nov. 5 deadline to vote looming large. Given the number of candidates running for various offices and the array of referendums on constitutional amendments that are on the table in this year’s cycle, it is easy to be confused by which amendment represents what issue and how you should vote on it. Luckily Folio is here to give you an easy guide to what’s on the ballot and what your vote would mean.
| Amendment 1 – Partisan School Board Elections
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| YES
Supports making school board elections partisan beginning in the 2026 election cycle. Meaning candidates will run as either Democrats, Republicans or Independents for school board seats. |
NO Maintains current practice for school board elections with non-partisan candidates running. Campaigns for school board seats remain unchanged with candidates running on individual platforms.
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| Amendment 2 – Hunting and Fishing
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| YES
Supports establishing a constitutional right to hunt and fish in Florida, removing lawmakers’ abilities to place restrictions on hunting and fishing activities. |
NO
Opposes establishing a constitutional right to hunt and fish in Florida. State government can continue to place certain regulations on hunting and fishing.
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| Amendment 3 – Marijuana Legalization Initiative
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| YES
Legalizes the personal recreational purchase and use of marijuana for adults aged 21+. |
NO
Rejects the legalization of recreational marijuana continuing the requirement of medicinal usage
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| Amendment 4 – Right to Abortion Initiative
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| YES
Limits government interference in abortion access, adding the following language to the state constitution: 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. |
NO
Allows for a change in law that will remove safe access to abortion care in the state of Florida and allows government meddling in women’s healthcare decisions.
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| Amendment 5 – Adjustment to the Value of Certain Homestead Exemptions
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| YES
Supports an annual inflation adjustment to the amount of assessed value that is exempt from property taxation.
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NO
Opposes an annual inflation adjustment to the amount of assessed value that is exempt from property taxation. |
| Amendment 6 – Repeal of Public Campaign Financing Requirements
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| YES
Supports repealing the state constitutional provision that provides for public financing of campaigns for those running for elective statewide office who agree to campaign spending limits, allowing a greater influence from corporate donations on state races. |
NO
Opposes repealing the constitutional provision that allows for the public financing of campaigns, therefore continuing to allow public campaign financing for statewide candidates who agree to certain spending limits. |
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