While much of the attention in the 2016 general election is being paid to the high profile races – President, U.S. Senate for example – residents in South Florida and across the state will be casting their vote for several local and statewide amendments that will have just as much of an effect on their lives.
Unfortunately, voters can tend to skip over some amendments – either because they don’t understand the wording or don’t think it matters to them.
In 2016, several amendments have gotten national attention, but still have voters trying to figure out what they mean. Here’s a general breakdown of what you will be voting on this election cycle:
Florida Amendment 1 – Solar Energy
Over the past weeks, this amendment has become the most controversial of them all. The language declares that customers who don’t use solar power are not required to subsidize the cost of backup power. Opponents of the amendment say the value of solar energy gets diminished if it passes – as similar laws in other states has provided legal arguments for companies to raise fees on solar power users to make up for the difference. Supporters say it would encourage more people to use solar power, thus reducing the need for expensive power plants.
Florida Amendment 2 – Medical Marijuana
The first attempt to pass this legislation in 2014 failed to get the required 60 percent for approval. The language would allow for legal use by those who have specific medical conditions – including Parkinson’s, MS and AIDS. Caregivers and distribution centers would be licensed by the state. It would not legalize non-medical use or possession.
Other State Amendments
- Amendment 3 would give a property tax break to those first responders that are injured on the job and are permanently disabled.
- Amendment 5 would allow residents 65 or older to keep an already existing homestead exemption by locking in the value of their home from when they first applied, homes that are worth less than $250,000.
All state amendments need 60 percent approval to pass.
Miami-Dade County Amendments
- Special taxing districts would be governed by local municipalities and not by the county. Those districts collect fees from property owners that are used for lighting, security and other services.
- Allowing residents the right to make copies of public records (currently, they are only allowed to view them) –while adding language to make the rights of county residents similar to those of the rest of the state.
All county amendments need a majority vote – 50 percent plus one – for approval.
City of Miami Amendments
- The city is looking for approval to sign a 30-year-lease with the Dade Heritage Trust to preserve the office of James Jackson, the first physician in the city of Miami.
- Another one would move runoff elections for both mayor and city commission from the second Tuesday in November to the third Tuesday.
- An amendment to provide further independence of the Civilian Investigative Panel – the group that investigates actions and policy of the Miami Police Department. It includes the ability to hire or fire an executive director and independent lawyer.
- Another amendment would give Miami residents the right to sue the city and challenge potential violations of the city charter.
All city amendments need a majority vote – 50 percent plus one – for approval.
