Florida’s Cannabis Amendment 3 and Abortion Amendment 4 have understandably gotten a lot of attention this election cycle. But a nonpartisan state group is putting forward another general election proposition that deserves voters’ attention — and that deserves to be rejected: Amendment 6.

If adopted, Amendment 6 would repeal Article VI, section 7 of the Florida Constitution, which requires the state to have a public financing program for gubernatorial and cabinet candidates who agree to spending limits.

The program aims to encourage old-fashioned campaign fundraising and candidate and voter engagement by providing matching dollars for individual donations from Florida residents of $250 or less. To tap these funds, candidates must agree to cap their spending, personal campaign loans and political party contributions. They must also choose to have a post-election audit of their books carried out.

Amendment 6 — which was placed on the ballot by state lawmakers, not voters — will kill the longstanding constitutional provision that provides for the program.

“This program helps limit campaign spending, makes voters more important in campaigns, and allows non-billionaires to run for statewide office,” said Amy Keithdirector of the non-partisan association Common Cause Florida group that formed an effort called Floridians for Open Democracy aimed at defeating Amendment 6.

“We urge Floridians to vote no on Amendment 6 because it would give more power to billionaires and dark money special interests in Florida elections.”

Amendment 6 is on the ballot due to legislation (BS 1114, BS 1116) by the Republican senator from Palm Coast. Travis Hutson and the Republican representative from Miami Lakes. Tom Fabricio that the GOP-dominated Legislature approved last session. The related measures passed on an almost exclusively partisan line, with only Sarasota’s Republican senator. Joe Gruters vote “no”.

Hutson argued, as the legislation progressed this year, that state matching funds, from Florida’s general revenue fund, would be better spent to cover state and local costs rather than going in campaign coffers.

Opponents argue that the program — which 52% of Florida voters agreed to keep in 2010, after the historic decision of the Supreme Court of the United States Citizen United v. FEC The move has opened campaigns to unprecedented influence from corporations and special interests – is an essential tool for candidates who would otherwise struggle to run.

More than $33 million General revenues were spent in the last four general election cycles for the governor’s race and three Cabinet races, including $13 million for the 2022 governor’s race, Senate staff determined .

Nikki Fried — the last Democrat to hold statewide elected office — raised $158,507 in matching funds through the program during her successful 2018 bid for agriculture commissioner. His Republican opponent, Denise Grimsleyreceived $275,183 in matching funds.

With a more than a million voters have the advantage and a larger collective war chest, supporting Amendment 6 is a strategic move for Florida Republicans. That would eliminate an avenue by which Democrats could level the playing field for vital statewide positions that are now all in GOP hands.

But it would also discourage “good people from running for office if they are not wealthy,” according to Floridians for Open Democracy, whose stated goal is to support “good government” policies that guarantee all residents the equal opportunities.

“Running an effective statewide campaign is incredibly expensive in Florida, and (public) campaign financing helps foster a more diverse candidate pool and allows more regular Floridians to take the plunge and get involved. run for office,” the group wrote on its website. No to Amendment 6 website. “Amendment 6 continues the history of big special interests consolidating power and is yet another example of the Florida Legislature’s unpopular mission to reduce Floridians’ day-to-day influence over our government. “

The general elections will take place on November 5.

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