FL GOP, Dems oppose Amendment 3 that would change state’s primary system

Floridians can vote to change the state’s primary system for good. An amendment on the ballot in November would allow registered voters to cast a ballot regardless of party.

Florida Republicans and Florida Democrats are opposed to Amendment 3.

“It’s misleading,” said Gabriele Spuckes, the chair for the Democratic Party of Lee County. “It really is misleading.”

“This is something that, on the state level, the Republican Party of Florida, the Democratic Party of Florida have united behind,” said Jonathan Martin, the chairman of the Lee County Republican Party.

Amendment 3 would change the way Florida handles its primary. Currently, Republicans vote for Republicans, and Democrats vote for Democrats. Amendment 3 would open up the primaries and allow anyone registered to vote for anyone in the races for governor, legislature and cabinet, including independents who currently sit out the primaries.

“The people who would end up benefiting the most are the people that can raise the most money or cut the biggest tracks outside of the party system and get the most advertising,” Martin said.

“I feel like people are going to be confused because they’re not able to really pick their candidate for their party, so it’s misleading,” Spuckes said.

Tommy Doyle, Lee County supervisor of elections, offered a suggestion.

“Instead of just the governors, cabinets and the state representatives, let’s make it across the board all the way down to local level,” Doyle said.

“All Voters Vote” is pushing Amendment 3. The organization believes it’s wrong that Florida does not allow all qualified voters to participate in primaries.

If registered voters pass Amendment 3 in November, it would take effect in 2024.