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DeSantis' proposals for Florida's ballot initiative process could effectively end it
Tampa Bay Times (Archived)TALLAHASSEE — For years, Floridians have used the ballot initiative process to pass popular measures that have been otherwise stymied by the state’s political leaders.
That process is how Florida got its $15 minimum wage, medical marijuana and felon voter rights restoration. It’s the reason why Florida’s governor and lawmakers have term limits.
But new proposals from Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office could make it nearly impossible for the state’s residents to amend their constitution.
The governor’s office sent several proposals to Florida’s legislative staff earlier this month, according to a spokesperson for the Florida Senate.
Among the ideas shared was a plan to overhaul how amendment sponsors can collect petitions to get initiatives on the ballot. No longer would groups be able to use third-party organizations to collect signatures from passersby outside grocery stores or the tax collector’s office.
Instead, DeSantis’ office proposed that people could only complete a petition in person at an elections office, or by requesting a petition in a process similar to vote-by-mail.
That process is how Florida got its $15 minimum wage, medical marijuana and felon voter rights restoration. It’s the reason why Florida’s governor and lawmakers have term limits.
But new proposals from Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office could make it nearly impossible for the state’s residents to amend their constitution.
The governor’s office sent several proposals to Florida’s legislative staff earlier this month, according to a spokesperson for the Florida Senate.
Among the ideas shared was a plan to overhaul how amendment sponsors can collect petitions to get initiatives on the ballot. No longer would groups be able to use third-party organizations to collect signatures from passersby outside grocery stores or the tax collector’s office.
Instead, DeSantis’ office proposed that people could only complete a petition in person at an elections office, or by requesting a petition in a process similar to vote-by-mail.
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