Aside from this election's open votes for the executive, legislative and judicial branches, six state amendments and three county referenda will be decided by Alachua County voters. Proposed amendments require 60 percent of voter support before being approved.
Amendment 1
Florida's constitution allows the state Legislature to "prohibit the ownership … and possession of real property by aliens ineligible for citizenship." This amendment would remove that clause.
According to the League of Women Voters of Tallahassee, this passage was first directed at Asian-American immigrants in the early 20th century as part of the racist fear movement known as the "Yellow Peril." Only New Mexico and Florida still feature these discriminatory exceptions. Both are voting to remove the clause this election.
Amendment 2
Known as the "Marriage Protection Amendment," this would add language to the state constitution that would only recognize marriages between one man and one woman. Any other unions "substantially equivalent" to marriage would also be invalidated.
Supporters say the amendment would defend the sanctity of marriage and keep children out of households led by homosexual couples. Opponents argue that the language is bigoted and would go further than banning gay marriage, which is already illegal, and dismantle numerous civil unions and domestic partnerships across the state between gay and straight couples alike.
More than half of the country has approved similar amendments, and California and Arizona are voting on nearly identical proposals this year.
Amendment 3
Sponsored by the state Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, this proposed amendment would prohibit increases in property tax on homes that are upgraded to resist wind damage or modified to install renewable energy sources.
In essence, this would allow the state to encourage citizens to protect their homes from natural disasters and decrease their energy consumption by promising not to tax them on their construction.
Property values, hurricane protection and the use of sustainable energy would most likely increase with this amendment. Conversely, local government would lose a portion of increased-value tax revenue.
Amendment 4
Endorsed by nature organizations like the Nature Conservancy and the Sierra Club, this would require property tax exemptions for land permanently protected for conservation.
If passed, this amendment would give private-property owners a financial incentive to preserve the state's forest and aquatic lands. Tax revenue for local government would decrease.
Amendment 6
Instead of taxing waterfront property based on its "highest and best" use, which has encouraged many shore owners to convert public land into condominiums and other private buildings, this amendment would allow owners of marinas, boat launches and fishing facilities to assess their property for taxes based on its current use.
Supporters of the amendment, which is sponsored by the state Budget and Taxation Reform Commission, say it could stop the continuing decline of public waterfront access. Local tax revenues would decrease.
Amendment 8
The last of the tax-and-budget amendments, this would allow counties to instate a sales tax to fund local community colleges. No sales tax would directly come from the amendment's approval - it would only allow for counties to vote on the option in the future.
Supporters say community education would benefit from the increase in funds. Opponents argue the possible sales taxes would burden lower-income families and shift funding responsibility from the state to the county.
Approval of an Additional One Mill Ad Valorem Tax for School District Operating Expenses
This referendum, the first of three to be voted on only in Alachua County, would increase property taxes to fund the school district's necessary operating expenses like medical staff, music and art programs, libraries, guidance and technology.
Increasing the millage rate by one mill would equal a $1 increase in taxes for every $1,000 of a property's tax values. For example, factoring in other property tax cuts, a homeowner with property assessed at $150,000 would pay about $10 a month more in taxes.
Estimates pin the proposed tax revenue at nearly $13 million a year, which would help offset state budget cuts of more than $9 million this year and a possible $5 million next year. Opponents say the amendment would represent another increase in taxes on citizens who may not necessarily benefit from public schooling.
Wild Spaces & Public Places Environmental Lands, Parks and Recreation One-Half Percent Sales Tax
Sales tax would increase by one-half percent for the next two years if this passes, the revenue of which would go toward buying conservation property and creating recreational facilities.
Supporters argue temporary visitors to the county would help fund and maintain the area's natural land, which would then increase the value of nearby property and local quality of life.
Opponents argue that sales taxes affect poorer citizens proportionally more than the wealthy and that the unstable economy makes now a bad time for new governmental burdens.
Protection of County-Owned Lands Acquired or Used for Conservation, Recreation, or Cultural Purposes
This would ensure that any land purchased by the county for conservation, recreation or cultural purposes would need to be voted on before being resold for alternate use.
In essence a correction to the original Alachua County Forever program, which mandates rules for county-purchased preservation land, this would require public consent anytime the county sought to turn over land once designated as protected from development.
