Nonpartisan “good government” group urges voters to repeal 6th Amendment and keep public campaign funding intact

Florida’s Cannabis Amendment 3 and Abortion Amendment 4 have understandably received a lot of attention this election cycle. But a state nonpartisan group is highlighting another general election proposal that deserves voters’ attention—and rejection: Amendment 6.

If passed, Amendment 6 would be repealed. Article VI, Section 7 Florida Constitution, which requires the state to have a public funding program for gubernatorial and cabinet candidates who agree to spending limits.

The program is designed to encourage old-fashioned campaign fundraising and candidate-voter engagement by providing matching dollars for donations that individual Floridians make of $250 or less. To use these funds, candidates must agree to limit their spending, personal campaign loans and political party contributions. They must also agree to a post-election audit of their books.

Amendment 6, which was placed on the ballot by state legislators rather than voters, would eliminate a longstanding constitutional provision providing for the program.

“This program helps limit campaign spending, makes voters more important to campaigns and makes it possible for non-billionaires to run for statewide office,” he said. Amy Keithdirector of the non-partisan Common Cause, Florida group that formed a group called Floridians for Open Democracy aims to repeal Amendment 6.

“We urge Floridians to vote against Amendment 6 because it will give more power to billionaires and dark money special interests in Florida elections.”

Amendment 6 is up for a vote on legislation (SB 1114, SB 1116) Republican Senator from Palm Coast. Travis Hutson and Republican Representative from Miami Lakes. Tom Fabricio that the GOP-dominated Legislature approved the last session. The measures were taken almost exclusively along party lines, and only by a Republican senator from Sarasota. Joe Gruters vote “no”.

As legislation was developed this year, Hutson argued that the state’s matching funds, which come from Florida’s general revenue fund, would be better spent on state and local government expenses rather than in campaign coffers.

Opponents argue that the program – which 52% of Florida voters agreed to keep in 2010, following a landmark US Supreme Court decision Citizens United v. FEC The decision has opened campaigns to unprecedented influence from corporations and special interests—a vital tool for candidates who would otherwise have trouble running.

Over 33 million dollars Senate staff determined that of the total revenue was spent during the last four general election cycles on the governor’s race and three cabinet races, including $13 million for the 2022 governor’s race.

Nikki Fried — the last woman to hold statewide elected office — received $158,507 in additional funds from the program in her successful bid for agriculture commissioner in 2018. Her Republican opponent Denise Grimsleytook $275,183 in matching funds.

WITH advantage of more than 1 million voters and a larger collective war fund, supporting the Sixth Amendment is a strategic move for Florida Republicans. That would eliminate a path for Democrats to level the playing field for vital statewide offices that are now all in GOP hands.

But it will also discourage “good people from running for office unless they’re rich,” according to Floridians for an Open Democracy, whose stated goal is to support “good government” policies that give all residents equal opportunity.

“Running an effective statewide campaign in Florida is incredibly expensive, and (and public) campaign funding helps create a more diverse candidate pool and allows more everyday Floridians to step forward to run for office,” the group wrote in its report. No on Amendment 6 website. “Amendment 6 continues the story of big money special interests consolidating power, and it is yet another example of the Florida Legislature’s unpopular mission to reduce the day-to-day influence Floridians have over our government.”

The general election will take place on November 5th.

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