If you’ve driven by Bruton Memorial Library this past week, you’ve more than likely noticed a line wrapping around the building as local citizens exercise their right to vote.
This election year has already proven it’s unlike any other. A week out from Election Day, there have already been more than 65.5 million votes cast. In comparison, in 2016 there were 58.3 million cast around the same time. So if you plan to vote and haven’t yet, it’s crucial you make a voting plan and do your best to stick to it.
If you live in Hillsborough County, head to votehillsborough.org to check your voter registration information and find out where you vote on Election Day. There is also a list of all of the Early Voting locations — all 26 of which will be open until Nov. 1 in Hillsborough. On Election Day, you must vote at your assigned location.
The website will also have a list of what to bring to the voting site to use as identification for yourself, which includes items like a Florida Drivers License or a U.S. Passport. You can also access your sample ballot by logging in so you have plenty of time to research all of the candidates and issues.
Candidates
Let’s face it, by now you more than likely know who you want to vote for in the larger elections. However, there are plenty of local races where you may not yet be confident in your choice. The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce has compiled a Candidate Forum that takes all of the work out of your research.
Candidates for U.S. Representative, State Representative, Tax Collector, judges and even Soil and Water Conservation have sat down with the chamber for brief, yet extremely educational interviews. You can access all of these interviews at plantcity.org/candidate-forum. The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce is non-partisan and does not endorse any of the candidates — the video series acts as a means for voters to get the chance to virtual sit down with the candidates and hear from their own mouths what they stand for and why they are running.
Amendments
There are six constitutional amendments on this year’s ballot. Each need 60 percent approval to be passed. Here’s a breakdown on what a “yes” or “no” would mean for each. Take the time to do further research if you can before you head to the polling booth. The chamber has also created a review of each amendment including reasons people support and are against each one. They can be found on The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page.
Amendment 1: Citizenship Requirement to Vote in Florida Elections
Basically, this slightly alters the wording in the Florida constitution to say “only a citizen” can vote from the current wording “every citizen” can vote. However, it’s already a law in Florida that only a citizen of the U.S. can vote.
Amendment 2: Raising Florida’s Minimum Wage
This initiative aims to gradually raise the minimum wage in Florida to $15 per hour by 2026. Currently the minimum wage is $8.56 per hour.
Amendment 3: All Voters Vote in Primary Elections for State Legislature, Governor and Cabinet
Florida has closed primaries. This amendment would alter that by allowing all registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, to vote in the primary for governor, state Legislature and the Cabinet races. This is known as a “jungle primary” and could potentially lead to two Democrats or two Republicans facing each other in the general election.
Amendment 4: Voter Approval of Constitutional Amendments
This amendment aims to make it much more difficult to change the Florida constitution. Currently, a single referendum is required to have the approval of 60 percent of voters to pass. This amendment would require that the referendum pass not once, but twice before any changes are made.
Amendment 5: Limitation on Homestead Assessments
This amendment would allow Floridians who move from one homesteaded property to another property to have three years instead of two to claim the tax benefit. Currently the homeowner will have two years from Jan. 1 of the year of the sale to get the tax benefit.
Amendment 6: Ad Valorem Tax Discount for Spouses of Certain Deceased Veterans Who Had Permanent, Combat-Related Disabilities
Some Florida veterans get a discount on property taxes if they were permanently disabled by combat, honorably discharged and over the age of 65 years old. This amendment allows the spouse to continue to receive that tax exemption after the veteran’s death as long as the spouse holds the title to the land and permanently lives there. In a few cases it could also allow them to transfer the exemption to another property.
Plant City Referendum
Plant City Economic Development Property Tax Exemptions for New Businesses and Expansions of Existing Businesses
Plant City residents have the chance to choose to renew the tax exemption currently in place for new businesses or expansions of existing businesses. If passed, the business will get the exemption if they meet a set list of requirements including creating new, full-time jobs in the municipality, meeting certain average wages/benefits and more. The exemptions are overseen by city commissioners.