The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Nov. 11, 2024
Today’s Script
(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)
You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.
In an election with few bright spots for democracy, Amendment 6, a repeal of Florida’s public funding of elections option, failed to reach its 60% constitutional threshold, with voters evenly split. Such small donor matching systems help candidates outside the political machine structure to compete, and can help limit special interest influence.
Voters passed a 1998 constitutional amendment creating a “method of public financing for campaigns for state-wide office” and affirmed it again in 2010. Gubernatorial candidates must raise $150,000 dollars in $250 dollar amounts, which the state matches 2 to 1, or 1 to 1 above the threshold. The matching threshold for cabinet candidates is $100,000.
Taking public money also requires adherence to spending limits, which in 2022 were over $30.28 Million for governor or lieutenant governor, about $2.00 per registered voter. For attorney general and other cabinet offices, the cost was about $1.00 per voter. The Miami Herald reports that since 2010, $33 Million in matching campaign funding has been spent.
Florida raised its ballot initiative threshold to 60% in 2006, and recently red states have raised thresholds to prevent enshrinement of reproductive rights. A Nov. 5th abortion rights amendment just missed passing with 57% support.
Find more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
BallotPedia – Florida Amendment 6, Repeal of Public Financing for Statewide Campaigns Amendment (2024)
Florida Phoenix – Do FL voters want to repeal public financing of statewide elections for governor, Cabinet members?
Florida Div. of Elections – 2022 Public Campaign Financing Matching Funds Handbook
Florida Div. of Elections – Public Campaign Finance – Matching Funds Program
Florida Phoenix – Abortion funds carry on despite Amendment 4 loss
Brennan Center for Justice – Small Donor Public Financing Explained
Groups Taking Action:
Common Cause Florida, League of Women Voters FL, Equal Ground
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
- U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
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