Early voting officially began in Florida on Oct. 25, with select polling places open as early as Oct. 21.v
Among Florida’s ballot measures are several on key issues, including Proposed Amendment 4, which would protect abortion rights before fetal viability or when the mother’s life is at risk, and Proposed Amendment 3, which would legalize recreational marijuana for adult use.
These amendments are the two highest-funded ballot measures in the U.S. this election cycle, with Amendment 3 garnering more than $100 million in donations and expenditures.
If approved by a 60% supermajority, Amendment 3 would amend Article X, Section 29 of the Florida Constitution, which currently governs the state’s medical marijuana program, to permit “the non-medical personal use of marijuana products and marijuana accessories by an adult [aged 21 or older].”
As outlined in the proposed amendment’s text, changes would take effect six months after voter approval.
Former President Donald Trump expressed support for the amendment in a Truth Social post, stating, “As I have previously stated, I believe it is time to end needless arrests and incarcerations of adults for small amounts of marijuana for personal use. We must also implement smart regulations, while providing access for adults to safe, tested product.” Trump also declared, “As a Floridian, I will be voting YES on Amendment 3 this November.”
Florida’s first marijuana initiative was the Compassionate Medical Cannabis Act of 2014, a restrictive program signed into law by then-Gov. Rick Scott, now an incumbent U.S. senator running for reelection. In 2016, voters approved Amendment 2, legalizing medical marijuana for patients with “debilitating medical conditions,” as defined by the state.
Prior to Proposed Amendment 3, two pro-recreational marijuana initiatives were blocked by the Florida Supreme Court before reaching the ballot.
According to a poll by Florida Atlantic University’s Political Communication and Public Opinion Research Lab, the amendment has “substantial support, with 60% of voters in favor, 34% opposed, and 6% undecided.”
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. For those unsure about their voter registration status or local polling locations, Florida’s Department of State website offers voter resources. Proposed Amendment 3’s full text can also be viewed on the site here.
