On election day, November 5, 2024, more than 13.5 million Floridians will cast their votes, in addition to electing a U.S. President, 29 members of Congress, 120 members of the State House and 20 of the 40-member Florida Senate. The ballot tasks Floridians with voting on six proposed constitutional amendments also, two of which, according to Walton Co. Republicans, are critical—Amendments 3 and 4.
At a recent meeting of the Walton County Republican Executive Committee, Chairman Tim Norris gave a presentation on overall turnout percentages for the state and Walton County. Overall, there was some encouraging news. Walton County turnout was about 30% of registered voters, 83% were Republicans. The State of Florida’s average voter turnout was about 22.5%. Walton County turnout was one of the highest of all counties in the state.
Committee member Lisa Robertson announced an initiative to register and turn out the votes of church-going Christians in Walton County whose surveys have shown overwhelming support for the Republican Party. Lisa encourages anyone who wants to volunteer for this effort to give her a call at 850-737-0226.
Constitutional Amendments
Constitutional initiatives play a pivotal role in the governance of the state, and thus warrant careful consideration. For this election, the six proposed constitutional amendments on the November ballot originate from two sources: the Florida Legislature and citizen initiatives. Regardless of how a measure makes it to the ballot, all amendments require a 60% voting majority to pass.
AMENDMENT 1
Establishing School Board Elections as Partisan. Ballot Language: “Proposing amendments to the State Constitution to require members of a district school board to be elected in a partisan election rather than a nonpartisan election and to specify that the amendment only applies to elections held on or after the November 2026 general election. However, partisan primary elections may occur before the 2026 general election for purposes of nominating political party candidates to that office for placement on the 2026 general election ballot.” The Florida GOP and Walton County Republican Party urges a YES vote.
AMENDMENT 2
Establishing a State Constitutional Right to Hunt and Fish Ballot Language: “Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to preserve forever fishing and hunting, including by the use of traditional methods, as a public right and preferred means of responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife. Specifies that the amendment does not limit the authority granted to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission under Section 9 of Article IV of the State Constitution.” The Florida GOP and Walton County Republican Party urge a YES vote.
AMENDMENT 3
Recreational Marijuana Legalization Ballot Language: “Allows adults 21 years or older to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption by smoking, ingestion, or otherwise; allows Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers, and other state licensed entities, to acquire, cultivate, process, manufacture, sell, and distribute such products and accessories.” The Florida GOP and Walton County Republican Party urge a NO vote.
AMENDMENT 4
Right to Abortion Ballot Language: “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. This amendment does not change the Legislature’s constitutional authority to require notification to a parent or guardian before a minor has an abortion.” The Florida GOP and Walton County Republican Party strongly urge a NO vote.
State Rep. Shane Abbott noted the extreme nature and deceptive language surrounding Amendment 4, stating “this amendment allows for abortion past 23 weeks, allowing for fully formed babies to be terminated. In addition, Abbott said “If a licensed medical practitioner determines a mother’s emotional state will suffer from having the child, the baby can be terminated at almost any time before birth. Parental consent is not necessary- only notification.
“What we as a God-fearing community really need to guard against is complacency on this issue. Many folks have the attitude that a measure this extreme cound never pass. That is simply not true,” said Abbott. “Recent polls show Amendment 4 is poised to pass. This is an opportunity for deep red Northwest Florida—the Bible Belt of the state—to be the difference makers and defeat this awful amendment,” says Abbott.
AMENDMENT 5
Homestead Exemption Inflation Adjustment Ballot Language: “Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to require an annual adjustment for inflation to the value of current or future homestead exemptions that apply solely to levies other than school district levies and for which every person who has legal or equitable title to real estate and maintains thereon the permanent residence of the owner, or another person legally or naturally dependent upon the owner is eligible. This amendment takes effect January 1, 2025.” The Florida GOP and Walton County Republican Party urge a YES vote.
AMENDMENT 6
Repeal of Public Campaign Financing Ballot Language: “Proposing the repeal of the provision in the State Constitution which requires public financing for campaigns of candidates for elective statewide office who agree to campaign spending limits.” The Florida GOP and Walton County Republican Party urges a YES vote.
The Walton Republican Headquarters is now open, Tuesday Through Saturday, and is currently looking for volunteers to help keep the doors open. Everyone is encouraged to stop by and pick up their Trump hats, tee shirts and more.
Republican Headquarters is located in the Great Florida Smiles building, 2nd floor, 6757 U.S. Hwy. 98 in Santa Rosa Beach. To volunteer this election cycle and for any questions, please call the office, 850-533-1237.
For faith-minded members, visit MyFaithVotes.com.
