A state constitutional amendment that would protect abortion access in Florida has received enough signatures of support to appear on ballots in the November election, but a challenge by the state’s attorney general could still block it.
The measure would ban laws that “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.” Abortions are currently illegal after 15 weeks in Florida.
The measure had received 911,086 signatures as of midday Friday, nearly 20,000 more than the number required to go before voters, according to the state elections division.
Florida is among several states where reproductive rights groups have been gathering signatures to place similar referendums on the ballot in November, when the presidential contest will headline national elections.
Constitutional amendments in Florida must pass with at least 60% of the vote, a greater portion than any statewide abortion measure has yet won.
Even if it doesn’t pass, it’ll push voters to the polls. No idea if it’s enough for Biden to win Florida, but it’s a pretty big boost. Trump’s margin in 2020 was 371,686 with 77% turnout, which compares to 74.5% turnout in 2016. Ohio’s turnout for Issue 1 was 49.6% in an off-year election, compared to 74% in 2020. These ballot measures are extremely motivating for abortion rights supporters in a way that they simply aren’t for pro-birthers.
The kicker is any ballot initiative in Florida needs 60% to pass. It’s tyranny of the minority, but in a twisted way that works in Democrats favor this year.
There’s no doubt in my mind they’ll be a spillover from this to the presidential and senate races, where a simple majority or plurality wins the day. I can see a situation where abortion passes due to a huge push by Democrats and both Trump and Scott get swept out of the state in the 60%.
At least that’s the plan.
That is one of favorite TV shows, actor and quotes. But, it’s not like Florida Republicans don’t know that already.
But did God know?
I’m an atheist. I don’t believe in her.
Ah, good, God can’t see atheists so she doesn’t know what our plans are. That’s why we freak her out so much.
Abortion and weed refrendums are out best hope this November
I hope it drives voters to the polls. If the Rs keep their statehouse majority, however, it’ll suffer the same fate as their voting rights for felons thing.
20,000 surplus signatures when your threshold is apparently 890,000 is a razor thin margin. Unless they’re already been certified, a bunch of those signatures are going to be thrown out. They always are.
Has any kind of abortion measure even won 50% of a vote in any state recently?
Kansas Kentucky Michigan California and I think Ohio.
Ah sorry I meant has any “”““pro-life””“” measure gotten over 50%
Don’t you mean forced birth measure?
but a challenge by the state’s attorney general could still block it.
So that means there will be a challenge and then it will be delayed enough to not get on the ballot. And if it actually passes, Republicans will interpret it to mean something it clearly does not.
