Morgan Vanderlaan is a second year Political Science major and the Fall 2024 Politics Enterprise Reporter. When she's not on the clock she can be found writing, reciting, and watching theatre!
In anticipation of Election Day, political analysts debated whether Gen Z could tip the partisan scales. Despite not having an official turnout number, some trends have begun to emerge among the newest demographic of voters.
Voters also had the opportunity to vote on multiple local referendums and six state amendments. Amendments 3 and 4, which would legalize recreational marijuana and limit government interference for abortions, both failed. State amendments need 60% public approval to pass, while local referendums only need a majority to vote in favor.
Tanto la enmienda 3 como la 4 fracasaron con sólo un 55,7% y un 57% a favor, respectivamente. Ambas enmiendas necesitaban un 60% de votos para ser aprobadas.
Both Amendment 3 and 4 failed with only 55.7% and 57% in favor, respectively. Both amendments needed 60% public approval to pass.
In Alachua County, over 50% of registered voters have already cast their vote. According to the UF election lab, over 60 million citizens across America have voted as of Oct. 31.
La votación temprana en el condado de Alachua comenzó el 20 de octubre para las elecciones presidenciales de 2024. Desde los dinámicos candidatos que encabezan la lista hasta las elecciones locales para el aguacil, las elecciones de este año tendrán repercusiones de gran alcance en toda Florida.
One important and often confusing part of this year’s election cycle is the six constitutional amendments that voters can decide on which require 60% voter approval to pass into law. If approved, these amendments would become a permanent part of Florida’s state constitution and could not be bypassed by any act of legislation. Despite being non-partisan amendments, voters across Florida stand divided on each issue.
Oct. 7 marked the final day for new voter registrations in Florida for the Nov. 5 general election. Registration organizations sought to reach Gen Z, the youngest voting bloc, which has traditionally had low voter turnout.
Amendment 3, appearing on the general election ballot in November, would allow adults 21 years or older to possess, purchase or use marijuana products recreationally. In Alachua County, stakeholders have concerns over the potential impacts if the amendment gains citizen approval.
Before Emhoff spoke, leaders across the state spoke on behalf of the Harris campaign. Yvonne Hayes Hinson, D-Gainesville, expressed concerns to the crowd over Project 2025 and a potential second Trump term. Hayes Hinson emphasized that social security and Medicare, two issues important to the older residents of The Villages, would be threatened under Project 2025.
Doug Emhoff, the husband to Kamala Harris, speaks to attendees at a campaign event in The Villages on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024.
Claudia de la Cruz, the Party for Socialism and Liberation's 2024 presidential nominee, speaks at the Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.
People gather for the Juneteenth Freedom Fest at Bo Diddley Plaza on Saturday, June 15, 2024.
Elizabeth Borer, Lisena Mathurin, Barry Audain, Rob Manela and Jocelyn Middleton celebrate the opening of the dialysis suite with confetti at the ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
Solutions by The State News
