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Saturday, October 6, 2012

Florida Voters’ Guide to Proposed Constitutional Amendments Released

October 4, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
~ The Journal of The James Madison Institute analyzes 11 ballot amendments in a special edition; judicial merit retention amendment explored further ~
 
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As a service to Florida voters, The James Madison Institute (JMI) released a special edition of The Journal of The James Madison Institute that introduces and analyzes the 11 constitutional amendments on the 2012 ballot sent to voters by the Florida Legislature.
 
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to offer background and recommendations for Floridians to help better prepare them for what they’ll see on the ballot,” said Dr. J. Robert McClure, JMI president and CEO. “A similar evaluation was published in 2010, and since, we have received an outpouring of interest to release another. It’s easy for campaign noise to distract from the discussion on state constitutional amendments, thus we anticipate Floridians will use this comprehensive, user-friendly guide as a refresher or to get up to speed.”
 
For each amendment, The Journal Special Edition 2012 Voters’ Guide includes the specific language used on the ballot, a breakdown of each amendment and a pro/con analysis. Out of the 11 amendments, JMI policy staff provided recommendations on six including Amendments 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 and 10.
 
“As a result of the passage of the 2006 ballot amendment requiring that future proposed amendments receive at least 60 percent of the vote, it’s possible that this batch of amendments may face more of a struggle to pass,” said Robert Sanchez, JMI director of policy. “Several of these amendments are extremely important to Florida’s future, and we hope this service to Floridians will help reignite the conversation and encourage an informed vote.”
 
Additionally, The Journal Special Edition includes an article on the merit retention vote on three justices of the Florida Supreme Court written by Capitol Vanguard reporter Will Patrick. As outlined in the state Constitution, merit retention is a process whereby voters periodically evaluate the state’s appeals court judges, who are initially appointed by the Governor, during general elections.
 
“No Florida judge subjected to this process has ever failed to be retained,” said Patrick. “However, because of the increase in public awareness, this election cycle could be different.”
 
The full version of The Journal Special Edition 2012 Voters’ Guide can be accessed at http://bit.ly/PcDi5u.

Trusted Solutions for a Better Florida: Founded in 1987, The James Madison Institute (JMI) is Florida’s oldest and largest nonpartisan, nonprofit research and educational organization. JMI is dedicated to advancing such ideals as economic freedom, limited government, federalism, traditional values, the rule of law, and individual liberty coupled with individual responsibility. All JMI publications are available online at www.jamesmadison.org. For additional information please contact 

Valerie Wickboldt at 850.386.3131 x 628 or vwickboldt@jamesmadison.org.

Twitter: @JmsMadisonInst -

Facebook: facebook.com/JamesMadisonInstitute

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