Abortion is on the Ballot
The Florida Supreme Court yesterday ruled that a proposed constitutional amendment protecting access to abortion met the requirements to be placed on the November 2024 ballot. At the same time, the court upheld legislation banning abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy, clearing the way for a near-total ban in 30 days. Florida's election in November now has the X factor.
In a polarized political environment, the turn-out of the base and persuadable voters is critical to continuing the economic and social gains under the Biden administration. An analysis of the 2022 midterms attributes the Democrats' better-than-expected performance to unaffiliated voters for whom abortion was a key issue. The Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade raised the stakes. Draconian policy changes with far-reaching consequences can significantly magnify the importance of an issue, including abortion. Such changes overshadow other voter concerns and bring the issue to the forefront. Abortion will also be key in getting non-voters off the sidelines. Polls have consistently shown well over 60% of Florida voters support limiting government intrusion in personal health care decisions and limiting access to abortion. Yesterday's ruling also underscores the crucial role of Florida’s ballot initiative process, which provides voters an important opportunity to take the reins when politicians aren’t representing our interests. We collected hundreds of petitions to get Amendment 4 protecting access to abortion on the ballot. Let's work to get it passed and to elect leaders up and down the ballot who will protect our freedoms!
Double Your Support for BAM!
BAM is tapping into a fundraising effort by national Indivisible which will provide a dollar-for-dollar match (up to $500) of any dues or donations we receive by May 31st! We'll be reaching out to you this month and telling you more about the campaign and our plans for using the money we raise. If you've been thinking of becoming a dues-paying member of BAM, to help fund our efforts in this important election year, this would be a great time because your $30 annual dues will be doubled. This year’s Presidential and Congressional races will be absolutely critical, not just to individual policies but to democracy itself. Help protect our freedoms by supporting our voter education, outreach, and Get-Out-the-Vote activities during this pivotal election year. Your active engagement means the most, but if you can offer financial support as well, please do. Double your impact by donating before May 31 and help us take advantage of Indivisible's offer to match contributions up to $500.
Mark Your Calendar!
Help Collect Candidate Petitions for Rachel!
Rachel Grage needs our help getting on the 2024 ballot as a candidate for State House District 16. You can help her qualify and avoid costly filing fees by signing her candidate petition if you have not already done so, and collecting signed petitions from your friends and neighbors. The deadline for submitting petitions is the end of April. Download Rachel's candidate petition here. Find information here if you'd like to help collect petition signatures at upcoming events and community canvasses.