TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Two contentious topics are headed to the November ballot for Florida voters to cast their votes in support of or against abortion rights and legalizing marijuana in the state.
The Florida Supreme Court ruled Monday to allow voters to decide whether to protect abortion rights and legalize recreational use of marijuana.
The proposed abortion amendment would protect the right to an abortion after the state in back-to-back years passed tougher restrictions currently being challenged in court.
The proposed amendment says “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.” It provides for one exception that is already in the state constitution: Parents must be notified before their minor children can get an abortion.
Florida is one of several states where voters could have a direct say on abortion questions this year.
News4JAX Political Analyst Rick Mullaney explained the impact this change could have on the upcoming election season.
“It could be very significant politically and overall this was a good day for Joe Biden. What it means on the abortion rights case is that you’re going to see it’ll take 60% to pass but it could drive turnout and it could affect how people vote come November and disproportionately, particularly on abortion rights. Those are Biden voters on the recreational marijuana side that also disproportionately on the Democratic side,” Mullaney said.
Voters will also decide whether to allow companies that grow and sell medical marijuana to sell it to adults over 21 for any reason. The ballot measure also would make possession of marijuana for personal use legal.
Florida could be among the 24 states and Washington D.C. to legalize it in the U.S. if voters rule in favor of it.
George Archos, CEO and founder of Verono, one of the largest dispensary companies, explained how this measure could affect the recreational marijuana industry.
“Medical is first and foremost. We will continue to serve medical patients throughout the state. And we will prepare ourselves to serve all of the new adult-use patients in Florida as well as all the tourists that will be coming in,” Archos said.
While many voters aren’t enthusiastic about a rematch between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, it could inspire more abortion rights advocates to cast a ballot.
“Also the midterm elections in Florida, for Congress and for the US Senate could affect the balance of power in Congress. Very significant come November what will be happening in Florida,” Mullaney said.
Republican Attorney General Ashley Moody did not support adding the measures to the ballot.
The measures need 60% approval from voters to pass.
These could be issues that motivate voters to head to the polls. Does this latest ruling encourage you to head to the polls?
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