Although more than 50 percent of voters supported four ballot measures that would change the constitution, they failed to pass this bill. A 60 percent majority is required to pass voter-led constitutional amendments in Florida. Changes 1, 3,4 and 6 did not reach this point.

Florida’s 60% threshold is quite unique compared to other states. The bar was raised in 2006 when the Florida amendment proposed changing the threshold from 50% to 60%. It was approved with only 58 percent support.

UCF political scientist Aubrey Jewet explained that the 60% threshold was proposed because of other amendments added to the Florida Constitution, such as Amendment 10, which included hog farming.

“The straw that broke the proverbial camel’s back was the pregnant pig amendment, which said we should allow pregnant pigs to be kept in cages large enough to rotate them,” Jewett said. “Even some of the people who voted for this said, ‘Look, it’s not that we’re against animal rights, but is this really something that deserves to be in the Constitution?’ he said.

While recent ballot initiatives such as Amendment 4, which would protect access to abortion, received 1.5 million more votes in support than against it, it fell short of the supermajority set in 2006 and therefore failed to pass.

“Right now Republicans and conservatives have a big lead in the legislature, and the same logic applies as when they first put this to a vote a few years ago,” Jewett said. “They don’t like initiatives and other things floating around law-making powers.”

While some states have a 60% threshold, this is only for some amendments; Florida requires this for all amendments to the state constitution. Even if simple majority rule returns, Jewett said it will be difficult to change: He would need 60% of the vote.

“Florida has one of the hardest hurdles to overcome because these amendments require a 60% vote no matter how they are proposed,” Jewett said. “So the legislature proposes this, the initiative petition, the constitutional revision commission; It doesn’t matter who proposes it, it’s on the ballot. “That requires 60%, which is much harder than most other states.”

Copyright 2024 Central Florida Public Media