Who’s Who in Florida Politics

Introduction

In the November 2018 election, Floridians will have the chance to decide the future of our state. Will we be a state with fairness for ALL people, a clean environment, high quality jobs, and a bright future for all people who live in Florida? Your vote will make the difference!

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Important Dates

Election Day is Tuesday, November 6, 2018.

Early voting may take place between October 22-26 and on November 4. Early voting dates are determined by county supervisors.

The last day to register to vote in the general election is October 9. To check your registration status, visit https://registration.elections.myflorida.com/CheckVoterStatus

What to Bring to Vote

Florida law requires all voters to present one of the following forms of photo identification (ID) with a signature. Any of the following valid or current photo ID is accepted (ID cannot be expired):

  • Florida driver’s license
  • Florida ID card issued by the Department of Highway Safety
    and Motor Vehicles
  • United States passport
  • Debit or credit card
  • Military or student ID
  • Retirement center ID or
    neighborhood association ID
  • Public assistance ID
  • Veteran health ID card issued by the US Department of Veterans Affairs
  • License to carry a concealed weapon or firearm pursuant to s.790.06
  • Employee ID card issued by any branch, department, agency, or entity of the Federal Government, the state, a county, or a municipality

If you do not have proper ID, you can still cast a provisional ballot.
For more information, contact or visit the Florida Division of Elections at
(866) 308-6739 or http://dos.myflorida.com/elections/.

Federal Elections

US Senate
There are 100 members of the US Senate. Each state elects two senators in a statewide election for six-year terms. In addition, the Senate approves the president’s appointments to important positions, including the US Supreme Court and the Cabinet (the body that advises the President).

What This Means for You

Decides whether to expand or cut funding for programs such as Head Start, Medicaid, Cash Assistance, Social Security, relief for victims of natural disasters, military spending, childcare, healthcare and domestic violence services.

Creates federal laws governing immigration, healthcare, education, criminal justice, student loan interest rates, and labor and environmental protections.

US House of Representatives
There are 435 members of the US House of Representatives. All seats in the House are up for re-election every two years. Currently Florida has 27 representatives.

What This Means for You

Decides whether to expand or cut funding for programs such as Head Start, Medicaid, Cash Assistance, Social Security, relief for victims of natural disasters, military spending, childcare, healthcare and domestic violence services.

Creates federal laws governing immigration, healthcare, education, criminal justice, student loan interest rates, and labor and environmental protections.

Florida Elected Positions

Governor
Heads the state executive branch. Elected for one term every four years and cannot serve more than 2 terms.

What This Means for You

Drafts state budget including funding for critical services like Medicaid and Head Start.

Oversees response to natural disasters, including emergency management and recovery efforts.

Appoints over 3,000 positions that determine how laws are enforced & how money is spent.

Attorney General
The state’s chief legal and law enforcement officer, heads the state Dept of Justice. Elected every four years, cannot serve more than 2 terms.

What This Means for You

Has civil rights division that investigates circumstances related to deaths in police custody.

Has the power to defend or question the constitutionality of laws enacted by legislature.

Represents the state in civil lawsuits and criminal appeals.

FL Senate
The state is divided into 40 Senate districts and each district elects one Senator. State Senate seats are up for election every four years.

What This Means for You

Decides how much of the state budget should support public schools, higher education, or the CHIP program for low-income children.

Decides whether or not to expand federal Medicaid subsidies for health insurance for low-income people.

Votes on gun safety legislation, including new proposals or amendments to existing legislation like Stand Your Ground, concealed carry, or gun purchase waiting periods.

House and Senate decide boundaries for state and federal legislative districts.

FL House of Representatives
The state has 120 House districts. Each district elects one Representative. All House seats are up for election every two years.

What This Means for You

Decides how much of the state budget should support public schools, higher education, or the CHIP program for low-income children.

Decides whether or not to expand federal Medicaid subsidies for health insurance for low-income people.

Votes on gun safety legislation, including new proposals or amendments to existing legislation like Stand Your Ground, concealed carry, or gun purchase waiting periods.

House and Senate decide boundaries for state and federal legislative districts.

Ballot Measures

2018 Ballot Measures: In Florida, both the State Legislature and voters may introduce legislation or refer any constitutional amendment to a vote of the people. Because they often have confusing language, it can be hard to tell what you are voting for or against. We want to highlight one important measure for our families.

Amendment 4
Voting Restoration Amendment

Impact
Vote “Yes” to restore the eligibility to vote to people with former felony convictions once they have completed their full sentence, including parole and probation. The amendment does not apply to individuals convicted of murder or sexual offenses. Nearly 1.5 million people in Florida are permanently excluded from voting because of a past conviction. Florida is one of only four states that still has a system that excludes so many from voting. Learn more at secondchancesfl.org.