When you vote on November 5, along with the host of candidates for the Florida Cabinet, the U.S. Congress, the Florida Legislature and local offices, there will also be 10 “ballot initiatives” that, if passed, will amend Florida’s Constitution.  A Constitutional Ballot Initiative can make it to the ballot one of four ways:

1) The Florida Legislature can propose it;
2) The Constitutional Revision Commission (which meets every 20 years) can propose it;
3) The Legislature can call for a Constitutional Convention (which has never happened);
4)  The citizens of Florida can sign enough petitions to get an initiative on the ballot.  

Depending on your views – what you believe, what is important to you and yours – you may support or oppose a particular cause. Just be sure that you are armed with as much information as possible before making that decision in the voting booth.  Last week we profiled ballot initiatives 8 and 9; this week we are featuring the last two, 10 and 11. We hope this is informative and welcome any questions. Contact Autumn Thomson at athomson@flchamber.com for more information.
 
The following will appear on your voting ballot on November 5:

10. Animal Cruelty Amendment:  Limiting Cruel and Inhumane Confinement of Pigs During Pregnancy.  (Citizen Initiative)  This amendment proposes that no person shall confine or tether a pig during pregnancy. If passed, the practical effect is that certain animals will have constitutional rights that cannot be tread upon for any reason.  If you support pigs having the constitutional right to not be confined during pregnancy – vote “yes.”  If you oppose pigs having constitutional rights in Florida – vote “no.”  This issue is not appropriate for a ballot referendum.  Florida Chamber OPPOSES this amendment.

11. Local Trustees and Statewide Governing Board to Manage Florida’s University System. (Citizen Initiative) This initiative proposes that a local board of trustees shall administer each state university. Each board shall have 13 members dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service to community. A statewide governing board of 17 members shall be responsible for the coordinated and accountable operation of the whole university system. If passed, the university system will be disconnected from the K-12 goals and may result in a patchwork of policies that are inconsistent with Florida’s educational system. If you support this constitutionally mandated structure for our higher education system – vote “yes.” If you oppose this constitutionally mandated structure for our higher education system – vote “no.” This issue is not appropriate for a ballot referendum. Florida Chamber OPPOSES this amendment.

Source: Florida Friday