Strike’s Guide to the Florida Election Ballot
We know you’re sick of hearing about this election everywhere. It’s on every news station, all over your social media feed, and every inescapable conversation you’ve had in the past few weeks.
With all the noise, it’s hard to cut through the bullshit and figure out your own voting plan. At Strike, we decided to give you a straight-up, no-fuss breakdown of the 2024 Florida election ballot so you can inform yourself and create a voting plan before you hit the polls.
This election is so much more than just voting for the president. You are also casting votes on six different amendments as well as Florida Senate and Supreme Court seats.
*Note: These are the state-wide measures that will be featured on every Florida ballot. Each county will have its own questions regarding committees and representatives, so make sure you research your county’s specific ballot.
Federal level: President and Vice President
The Republican (REP) nominee for President, former President Trump, has picked J.D Vance as a running mate. The Trump-Vance ticket is widely known for policies on immigration and economic reform, promising less government spending, tighter borders, and weeding out government corruption. Vance and Trump are both known for their traditional conservative views, especially with their pro-life stances. Donald Trump, however, has publically stated he would not support a federal abortion ban.
The Democratic (DEM) nominee for President, current Vice President Kamala Harris, is running with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The Harris-Walz ticket is known for policies on tax cuts, healthcare reform, and strengthening Social Security. Harris promises a $6,000 tax credit for new families and tax cuts for the middle class.
As the Libertarian (LPF) nominee for president, Oliver believes in less government restrictions. The Oliver-Maat ticket is known for promoting individual freedoms and imposing less government control. They aim to significantly reduce government spending and end centralized federal programs like the Department of Education.
Claudia De la Cruz and Karina Garcia
As the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) Presidential nominee, Cruz and Garcia call for an end to capitalism. Instead, they’ve promised to grow the Socialist movement in the United States by ending corporate lobbying, cutting military spending, and ending the capitalist system in the states.
Randall Terry and Stephen Broden
As the Constitution Party’s (CPF) Presidential nominee, Terry holds extreme right-wing values. The Terry-Broden ticket promotes pro-life policies and calls for protection for children against Democratic policies.
Sonski is the Presidential nominee for the American Solidarity Party (ASP). The ASP is based on traditional Christian democracy with a heavy focus on pro-life and traditional marriage and family values. The Sonoski-Onak ticket also promotes a more community-related society, allowing the higher government to empower community organizations.
Jill Stein and Rudolf (Butch) Ware
As part of the Green Party (GRE), Stein prioritizes the “people, planet, and peace.” The Stein/Ware ticket promises to implement an Economic Bill of Rights, improve the healthcare system, and follow the Real Green New Deal.
State Level: U.S. Senator
Rick Scott (Republican) is running for re-election after he was elected for his first term in 2019. He served as Governor of Florida for two terms prior to becoming a senator. As the Republican nominee, Scott promotes right-wing and traditional values. Scott’s 12-point plan includes (but is not limited to) immigration reform, elimination of “racial politics,” reducing the government workforce, promoting a “nuclear” family, and favoring adoption over abortion.
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (Democrat) is running for Senate after serving in Congress since 2019. Powell’s plans include reducing the cost of living in Florida, preserving Social Security and Medicare, environmental protection and clean water initiatives, expanding gun safety laws, addressing the border crises, and protecting women's reproductive rights.
Feena Bonoan is running for Senate as a Libertarian. The Libertarian party believes in fiscal conservatism but social liberalism. Bonoan’s values include lowering taxes and less government spending, canceling tax dollars for aid in foreign wars, protecting individual freedoms, and simplifying the immigration process.
Running as an independent (No Party Affiliation or NPA), Nguyen is focused on a better America. Some of his policies include allowing illegal immigrants to apply for temporary citizenship, merit-based education incentives, healthcare reform, and strengthening our foreign policy.
Also an independent candidate, Evridge believes in the foundational policies of the United States. His goals include strengthening the middle class, protecting reproductive rights, immigration reform, and de-regulation.
Florida Supreme Court Justices
These questions are set up a bit differently. It will list each Justice and ask if they should be retained (should stay) in office. The Florida Supreme Court is the highest court in Florida, and each Justice must face a merit retention vote.
Francis was appointed to the 11th Judicial Circuit of Miami-Dade from 2017-19 by former Governor Rick Scott. She then served for six years on the 15th Judicial Circuit Court in Palm Beach County, where she was appointed by Ron Desantis. Desantis then appointed her to the Florida Supreme Court on August 5th, 2022.
Sasso started her career working for a private practice, joining the Office of the General Council to Gov. Rick Scott in 2016. In 2019, Scott appointed her to the Fifth District Court of Appeal. Gov. Ron Desantis then appointed her to the Sixth District Court of Appeal in January 2023 before appointing her to the Florida Supreme Court in May 2023.
You can read more about each justice and what votes they’ve cast in specific cases on the Florida Supreme Court website’s Opinions page.
State Level: Amendments
There are six amendments on the 2024 Florida ballot.
Partisan Election of Members of District School Boards
This amendment would require individuals who wish to run for a district school board to declare their political party affiliation. A “no” would keep elections the way they are: a nonpartisan election, and a “yes” would require partisan elections starting on or after November 2026.
Right to Fish and Hunt
This amendment proposes to preserve fishing and hunting forever (hunting and fishing are already protected under state law). The amendment also specifies that it does not limit the authority of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. A “yes” means making it a public right and designating hunting as the “preferred means of responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife.” A “no” means making no change to the established laws already surrounding Florida fish and wildlife.
Adult Personal Use of Marijuana
This amendment would allow adults 21 years and older to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products recreationally. A “yes” would make Marijuana use and possession of up to three ounces legal in the state of Florida but does not permit personal growth and harvest. A “no” would mean keeping marijuana use medical only. This amendment requires a 60% supermajority vote to pass.
Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion
This amendment states that no law can prohibit, penalize, restrict, or delay abortion care before viability or when necessary to patient health. The amendment would not affect a current law that requires parents to be notified before a minor can receive an abortion. A “yes” would mean adding abortion rights to the Florida constitution, and a “no” would mean making no change and upholding Florida’s current six-week abortion ban (with no exceptions of rape or incest) in place. This amendment requires a supermajority vote of 60% to pass.
Annual Adjustments to the Value of Certain Homestead Exemptions
This amendment would require an annual adjustment for inflation for homestead tax exemptions, which is a property tax break offered based on a home’s value. A “yes” would mean the tax break is adjusted with inflation, saving Florida homeowners money on their property taxes. A “no” would keep current homestead tax exemptions as is, keeping consistent funding of public services.
Repeal of Public Campaign Financing Requirement
This amendment proposes repealing a provision that requires public financing for campaigns of elective statewide offices. A “yes” would mean political candidates could no longer use state funds for their campaigns and would be responsible for fundraising themselves, and a “no” would mean keeping the current provision.
Here at Strike, we know election season can be tough. However, voting is a privilege that many take for granted. That is why it is your job to stay informed and make a plan before hitting the polls. These elections will determine the future of our country and state.
Strike Out,
Haley Dockendorff
Boca Raton
Haley Dockendorff is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. Loud and proud, this Virgo loves writing just about anything that will cause a bit of commotion. If you can’t find her, she’s probably somewhere on a beach with a camera in hand.
You can reach her at haleydockendorff143@gmail.com
