1. Florida voters will decide on enshrining abortion rights and legalizing recreational marijuana in the state constitution this November.
2. The Florida Supreme Court allowed Governor Ron DeSantis’ 6-week abortion ban to go into effect, in addition to upholding a 15-week ban.
3. The measures need to collect 60% of the vote to pass and override current abortion restrictions in the state.
Florida voters will be able to vote on abortion and recreational marijuana in November. The state’s Supreme Court allowed the measures to appear on the ballot, with the first measure aiming to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution to override current restrictions. In addition, the court upheld a 15-week abortion ban signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and allowed a more restrictive six-week ban to go into effect. Florida is considered a critical swing state and has become a crucial battleground for both Democrats and Republicans on the issue of abortion.
The second ballot initiative would legalize recreational marijuana use in Florida, where currently only medical marijuana is allowed. Both measures had enough petition signatures to make it on the ballot, with voters needing to approve them with a 60% majority. The upcoming vote on abortion and recreational marijuana could have far-reaching implications for the state, as well as raise voter turnout and engagement among Floridians. The court’s decision to allow the measures on the ballot comes at a time when states across the country are grappling with the issue of abortion rights and marijuana legalization.