A Look at Key Down-Ballot Issues, Races
Happy Labor Day! With the Presidential race increasingly competitive in Florida, we're focusing on two critical statewide down-ballot issues and races: Amendment 4 and the U.S. Senate.
Amendment 4: Limiting Governmental Interference with Abortion
Florida’s fight to protect abortion through a voter referendum is the toughest, most complicated, and most consequential such effort to date, according to national observers. Democrats are making the issue a centerpiece of Kamala Harris's presidential
campaign, and see the measure as a potential driver in voter turnout. Success in passing Amendment 4 in Florida will require significant support among NPAs, cross-over by GOP women, and turn-out by young voters, the same groups that could turn the state blue in the Presidential race. While similar referendum efforts in other states have been successful, the amendment must clear the second-highest threshold in the country, winning 60 percent of voters. Polls show while a majority of voters support limiting government interference with personal health decisions, it may not be enough to garner the required supermajority of voters. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has made the measure's defeat a priority, and GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, a state resident, weighed in against the amendment after facing backlash from his anti-abortion base. Banning abortion access nationally is a priority goal of Project 2025. The Harris campaign will stage a voter outreach event (currently at capacity!) in Jacksonville this week as part of its Fighting for Reproductive Freedom Bus Tour. If reproductive rights are important to you, don't sit on the sidelines! Here are some ways you can help protect abortion access in Florida:
Volunteer with Yes on 4!: The state campaign hosts weekly phone banks, text banks, and local canvassing opportunities. Find upcoming Jacksonville voter outreach activities here. And you can order a yard sign here!
Protest DeSantis's Visit: The Governor is scheduled to visit Jacksonville on Tuesday, September 10 to speak out against Amendment 4. Email Jax NOW to get info on plans to respond.
Donate!: Help Yes on 4! Get-Out-the-Vote!
U. S. Senate: Mucarsel-Powell Within Striking Distance
Fresh off a resounding primary win, U.S. Senate candidate Debbie Mucarsel-Powell just launched a 75-stop tour of the Sunshine State --- an effort to focus attention on the number of times GOP incumbent Rick Scott pleaded the fifth in a Medicare fraud investigation
during his tenure as a healthcare CEO. New polls show DMP, as she is known, within three points of Scott in the statewide race which will impact control of the U. S. Senate. Scott has been described as one of the state's most unpopular politicians. His "11-Point Plan to Rescue America," which outlined the GOP's vision for running the country after the 2022 midterms, was roundly denounced by members of both parties. The plan was widely interpreted as removing budget protections for Medicare and Social Security, among other programs. Despite his unpopularity, Scott managed to eke out wins in two prior statewide races, and has announced plans to seek the U.S. Senate Presidency succeeding Mitch McConnell. DMP is running on a platform that prioritizes the protection of health care, Social Security, the environment, and abortion rights. She has received endorsements from leading DEMS and progressive organizations statewide. Interested in helping? Here are a few opportunities:
Saturday Jacksonville Canvass: Meet DMP and canvass with Indivisible Mandarin on Saturday, September 7th from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Find details and sign up here.
Virtual DMP Textbank: Help introduce DMP to Florida voters! Register for weekly textbanks starting September 4th here.
Jacksonville Unity Rally: DMP will be at the Jacksonville Unity Rally on Sunday, September 8 at 1:30 p.m. Get more info and RSVP here.
Support DMP's Campaign: Rick Scott is a multi-millionaire and has deep pockets for self-funding his re-election bid. Debbie needs our help to retire Scott! Donate here.
Forum on Beaches Charter Amendments & More
Beaches Watch Forum on Local and State Ballot Measures: Wednesday, September 4 at 7 p.m., Beaches Library, 600 3rd Street, Neptune Beach. Jacksonville Beach City Manager Mike Staffopoulos, and Atlantic Beach City Manager, Bill Killingsworth, will provide an overview of proposed charter amendments on the ballot in their respective cities. Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland will also review Amendment 4 and five other measures on the state's November ballot.
Saturday Brunch-Time Phone Bank: Grab a cup of coffee and join the Beaches Dems & BAM as we call Duval Democrats and urge them to make a plan to vote for Harris/Walz. Training starts at 11:00 a.m. and we get down to it from 11:15 to 12:30 p.m. Fun guaranteed! Click here to register.
Flip House District 16: Canvass for Rachel Grage on Saturday, September 7th at 9:15 a.m. in the San Pablo area. Get details and RSVP here.
Postcards to FL Voters: We've had an incredible response to the Postcard to Swing States events organized by BAM and Beaches DEMS on September 12 and 17th! Both gatherings are at or near capacity! Email us if you can't get a seat --- we have some other options!
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