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Pasco County DEC Ballot Recommendations

In the upcoming Florida election, six constitutional amendments are on the ballot. The Pasco Democrats recommend voting YES on Amendments 3 and 4, and NO on Amendments 1, 2, 5, and 6. Here's a brief overview of each amendment:

Amendment 1: Partisan Election of Members of District School Boards

  • Summary: This amendment proposes changing school board elections from nonpartisan to partisan, requiring candidates to declare party affiliations.

  • Recommendation: NO

  • Reason: Introducing partisan politics into school board elections could lead to increased political division and detract from focusing on students' educational needs.

Amendment 2: Right to Fish and Hunt

  • Summary: This amendment seeks to enshrine the right to fish and hunt in the state constitution.

  • Recommendation: NO

  • Reason: While fishing and hunting are valued traditions, this amendment is unnecessary, as these rights are not currently under threat and existing regulations adequately manage wildlife conservation.

Amendment 3: Adult Personal Use of Marijuana

  • Summary: This amendment would legalize the possession, purchase, and use of marijuana for adults 21 years and older.

  • Recommendation: YES

  • Reason: Legalizing marijuana can reduce criminal justice costs, generate tax revenue, and regulate the substance for safety, aligning with progressive values on personal freedom and criminal justice reform.

Amendment 4: Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion

  • Summary: This amendment aims to protect the right to abortion before fetal viability or when necessary to protect the patient's health, as determined by the patient's healthcare provider.

  • Recommendation: YES

  • Reason: Safeguarding reproductive rights ensures that personal healthcare decisions remain between individuals and their doctors, without undue government interference.

Amendment 5: Annual Adjustments to the Value of Certain Homestead Exemptions

  • Summary: This amendment proposes adjusting homestead exemptions for inflation annually.

  • Recommendation: NO

  • Reason: While it aims to provide tax relief, this amendment could reduce funding for essential public services, including education and infrastructure, by decreasing the tax base.

Amendment 6: Repeal of Public Campaign Financing Requirement

  • Summary: This amendment seeks to repeal the provision that provides public financing for campaigns of candidates for statewide office who agree to spending limits.

  • Recommendation: NO

  • Reason: Public campaign financing promotes fair elections by enabling candidates without substantial private funding to compete, thereby supporting a more democratic process.

For more detailed information on each amendment, please refer to the Florida Division of Elections.

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