The following recommendations were passed by the Okaloosa County Democratic Executive Committee (AKA Democratic Party) at our September 15th meeting. These amendments will be on the November ballot.
Amendment 1 NO
Citizenship Requirement to Vote in Florida Elections This amendment provides that only United States Citizens who are at least eighteen years of age, a permanent resident of Florida, and registered to vote, as provided by law, shall be qualified to vote in a Florida election. The State Constitution and the Florida voter registration form already clearly state that U. S. citizenship is a requirement for registering to vote.
Also opposed by the Democratic Women’s Club of Florida, Santa Rosa Democratic Black Caucus, Hillsboro Democratic Party and the Florida League of Women Voters
Amendment 2 YES
Raising Florida’s Minimum Wage Raises minimum wage to $10.00 per hour effective September 30th, 2021. Each September 30th thereafter, minimum wage shall increase by $1.00 per hour until the minimum wage reaches $15.00 per hour on September 30th, 2026. From that point forward, future minimum wage increases shall revert to being adjusted annually for inflation starting September 30th, 2027. We support this amendment because everyone deserves a living wage which is the minimum cost that covers the basic needs of an individual and the needs of their family without government assistance.
Also supported by the Florida Democratic Party, Democratic Women’s Club of Florida, Santa Rosa Democratic Black Caucus, Hillsboro Democratic Party and the Florida League of Women Voters
Amendment 3 NO
All Voters Vote in Primary Elections for State Legislature, Governor, and Cabinet Allows all registered voters to vote in primaries for state legislature, governor, and cabinet regardless of political party affiliation. All candidates for an office, including party nominated candidates, appear on the same primary ballot. The two highest vote getters advance to general election. If only two candidates qualify, no primary is held and winner is determined in general election. Candidate’s party affiliation may appear on ballot as provided by law. Top-Two Primaries work only in states where districts are drawn to be as competitive as possible across parties and this is not the case in Florida. This would have a strong adverse impact on African-American representation in Florida.
Opposed by the Florida Democratic Party, Democratic Women’s Club of Florida, Santa Rosa Democratic Black Caucus, Hillsboro Democratic Party and the Florida League of Women Voters
Amendment 4 NO!!
Voter Approval of Constitutional Amendments Requires all proposed amendments or revisions to the state constitution to be approved by the voters in two elections, instead of one, in order to take effect. The proposal applies the current thresholds for passage to each of the two elections. This places further limits citizens’ participation and influence in their State Government.
Opposed by the Florida Democratic Party, Democratic Women’s Club of Florida, Santa Rosa Democratic Black Caucus, Hillsboro Democratic Party and the Florida League of Women Voters
Amendment 5 No recommendation
Limitation on Homestead Assessments Proposes an amendment to the State Constitution to increase from 2 years to 3 years, the period of time during which accrued Save-Our-Homes benefits may be transferred from a prior homestead to a new homestead. While this would support homeowners, it codifies tax law in the state constitution, which is better addressed through legislation.
Opposed by the Democratic Women’s Club of Florida, Santa Rosa Democratic Black Caucus, and the Florida League of Women Voters
Supported by the Hillsboro Democratic Party
Amendment 6 No recommendation
Ad Valorem Tax Discount for Spouses of Certain Deceased Veterans Who Had Permanent, Combat-Related Disabilities This would amend the State Constitution to allow a homestead property tax discount to be transferred to the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran. This would be in effect until the spouse remarries, sells or disposes of the property. This would help disabled veterans’ spouses keep their property taxes lower, but limits the ability of local governments to manage their budgets and codifies tax law in the state constitution, which is better addressed through legislation. Homestead exemption benefits have been improved for veterans three times in recent years, reducing tax revenues each time.
Opposed by the Democratic Women’s Club of Florida and the Florida League of Women Voters
Supported by the Santa Rosa Democratic Black Caucus and Hillsboro Democratic Party
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