This election season has seen endless political ads and signs supporting both candidates and different constitutional amendments. While most Florida voters recall the proposed third and fourth amendments, each amendment being voted on this election season is equally important; many of these amendments have the potential to indirectly affect FGCU’s community.

Amendment 1

According to the Florida Amendment Guide, Amendment 1 concerns the addition of partisan school board elections. Previously, school boards selected, not elected, their superintendents; allowing school boards to select a superintendent based on individual merit and talent. If Amendment 1 is passed, appointing superintendents would become something motivated by politics rather than student success.  

Amendment 2
To continue, Amendment 2 regards hunting and fishing. Amendment 2 proposes making hunting and fishing a constitutional right though this amendment does not interfere with the powers of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. 

Amendment 5

Amendment 5 is an example of an amendment that may indirectly impact FGCU’s community. It states that homeowners (mostly faculty and staff as it relates to FGCU) could potentially benefit from adjusted homestead property tax exemptions based on inflation.

Amendment 6

Concerningly, Amendment 6 favors repealing current public campaigning financing incentives, meaning, those who sought office and campaigned for the money, would no longer be incentivized to fundraise money from average citizens. This amendment implies that it could allow for massive donations from companies and super PACs. Previous law states, “…the purpose of public campaign financing is to make candidates more responsive to the voters of the State of Florida and as insulated as possible from special interest groups.”

In a reality where Amendment 6 is completely on the table, the voice of the average American’s voice may begin to matter less and less in decisions concerning the future of the country.

With that being said, it is up to voters to research these amendments before even deciding on what or who to vote for. Especially as these amendments will have a greater impact on Floridians than any president may have. Knowing what each amendment is and who it impacts will allow us to be more civically engaged.