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Ballot Questions: Constitutional Amendments

Voters in Tampa Bay are trying to wrap their heads around a host of complicated questions on the November 4 ballot. Topics are as diverse as marriage, conservation and taxes. Here's an explanation of each one, including what a 'yes' vote means. To research the election further, and to print a customized sample ballot, visit our Voter Guide.

On Your Ballot

AMENDMENT 1: Relating To Property Rights/Ineligible Aliens

This constitutional amendment would remove language adopted in 1926 that blocked people ineligible for U.S. citizenship from owning property in Florida. The alien land law essentially targeted Asian immigrants, who were denied the right to become naturalized citizens based solely on their race. Florida is one of two states to keep an alien land law on the books. The other is New Mexico. A "yes" vote would remove the prohibition. Take A Poll

AMENDMENT 2: Florida Protection Of Marriage

The primary argument in the debate is over its effect on people who are not married and who live in domestic partnerships. Both same-sex and opposite-sex couples can register as domestic partners to obtain rights reserved for family members and married couples, such as the right to make health care decisions for each other. These partnerships also enable couples to share health care insurance and retirement and death benefits. Many older men and women enter into domestic partnerships because marriage would endanger their Social Security benefits. A "yes" vote would cement the definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Take A Poll

AMENDMENT 3: Assessed Value Of Residential Property

This would prevent homeowners who take steps to protect their homes against hurricanes or install renewable energy technologies from getting hammered by higher property taxes. If approved, the law would apply to homeowners who install storm shutters or solar energy panels. A "yes" vote would prohibit raising taxes for these improvements. Take A Poll

On Your Ballot

AMENDMENT 4: Lands Used For Conservation

It would create a tax exemption, beginning in 2010, for property owners who dedicate environmentally sensitive lands for conservation. In addition, it would allow conservation land to be taxed at a lower rate even if the land is developed later. A "yes" vote would create the exemption and allow the lower rate. Take A Poll

AMENDMENT 6: Working Waterfront Property

This would ensure that marinas, commercial fishing operations, boat building and repair businesses and other "working waterfront" businesses would be taxed based on their existing use, not the "highest and best" use such as real estate development. A "yes" vote would set taxes based on existing use. Take A Poll

AMENDMENT 8: Local Option Community College Funding

This would give counties the power to ask voters to say yes or no to a special sales tax that would provide more money to community colleges than what they get from the state or from tuition revenue. A "yes" vote would allow counties to put the sales tax question to voters. Take A Poll