| We bring you this special edition of our eNewsletter to provide useful information about the constitutional amendments on the November 2024 ballot. We hope this helps as you consider the pros and cons of these amendments and how you choose to vote. There are four ways to amend the current Florida Constitution, which was ratified in 1968. These include: (1) joint resolution by the Florida Legislature; (2) proposal before the Florida Constitution Revision Commission; (3) citizens’ initiative; and (4) proposal before the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission. This year, there are six proposed amendments, including two by citizens’ initiative, and four by the Florida Legislature. The two amendments placed on the ballot through petitions (i.e., a citizens’ initiative) are Amendments 3 and 4. The four amendment resolutions introduced and passed by the Legislature include Amendments 1, 2, 5 and 6. To review the actual wording of each amendment, please click on the highlighted amendment number. |
Amendment 1 – Partisan Election of Members of District School Boards
This amendment to the Florida Constitution would make school board elections partisan beginning in 2026. Candidates running for school board would have a party affiliation listed beside their name on the ballot. NPA candidates would only be on the general election ballot. Prior to 1998, partisan school board races were in effect.
Supporters of this amendment argue that voters are entitled to as much information about their candidates as possible and that the measure would increase transparency for voters. Additionally, supporters say a candidate’s party affiliation may predict how they will vote on controversial school board issues.
Opponents to this amendment argue that partisan school board races would exclude non-party affiliate candidates (NPA’s) from voting in primaries and would increase political polarization. They say schools should not be politicized, and students should be educated in an environment free of political party agendas.