The party makeup of Florida’s electorate has changed quite a bit in recent years. There are currently more than 3.6 million voters registered as No Party Affiliation – that’s more than 1 in 4 voters – and because of Florida’s closed party primary system, those voters – as well as people registered to smaller parties – are unable to cast votes in the primaries for their state legislators, the governor’s race, and cabinet members.
There is an effort to change that through a citizens initiative that may be on the 2020 ballot called All Voters Vote. If passed by 60-percent of voters, it would allow all voters to vote in primary elections regardless of party affiliation, with the top two vote getters advancing to the general election. You can read the full
We’re joined by the Chair of the All Voters Vote initiative to learn more.
The proposed ballot summary:
“Allows all registered voters to vote in primaries for state legislature, governor, and cabinet regardless of political party affiliation. All candidates for an office, including party nominated candidates, appear on the same primary ballot. Two highest vote getters advance to general election. If only two candidates qualify, no primary is held and winner is determined in general election. Candidate’s party affiliation may appear on ballot as provided by law. Effective January 1, 2024.”
