Jacob Ogles
The political world is anxiously awaiting decisions on whether two constitutional amendments will appear on ballots this Fall. But with an April 1 deadline looming, the Florida Supreme Court released no news Thursday.
Rulings were anticipated regarding abortion rights and marijuana decriminalization. Now, some Democrats are questioning whether the court has pushed the issue into a holiday weekend intentionally.
“In a completely unprecedented move, the Florida Supreme Court is sitting on a decision that will impact the lives of women in Florida, all to play political games,” said Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.
“Their deadline to decide if abortion is on the ballot is Monday. Floridians support access to reproductive care. They know we will vote to codify abortion rights. They are delaying because they KNOW they’re on the wrong side of history, and Floridians are going to vote like hell for our rights.”
Justices face an April 1 deadline to rule on whether any statewide measure may appear on the ballot in November. Friday is a pre-scheduled court holiday, recognizing Good Friday.
The state’s high court normally releases opinions in high-profile cases on Thursdays at 11 a.m., but did not do so on Thursday, instead posting on social media: “There are no Florida Supreme Court opinions ready for release today, March 28, 2024.”
That prompted immediate anger by some activists.
“They’ve had this for weeks — months. All a game,” tweeted social media user CathyNotToday2 on a progressive X account. “5 of 7 justices were appointed by DeSantis — some with ties to anti-abortion groups — all federalists. Florida courts are not based in delivering ‘justice.’ It’s constant appeasement to stroke the ego of a dictator.”
Democrats see a political opportunity if the measures do get approved for the ballot. In order to be approved, constitutional amendments require 60% voter support on the statewide ballot.
The campaigns to turn out voters in support of both the abortion and marijuana measures could be a boon for Democrats up and down the ballot, including President Joe Biden, who is up for re-election.
8 comments
rick whitaker
March 28, 2024 at 2:55 pm
the florida gop ( commonly known collectively as scum ), are trying to break past records for lying, scemeing, and in gereral cheating. i think they may have broke their previous record by a trump mile.
Bob
March 28, 2024 at 4:10 pm
The Republicans stopped playing fair as soon as they realized they were out of step with the majority of Americans.
Hung Wiil
March 28, 2024 at 6:01 pm
When was that, Bob? And that means they played fair until what date? When? Bob? Are you there?
Dont Say FLA
March 29, 2024 at 12:08 pm
Hung Lil, it was when Reagan ended the Fairness Doctrine and brought the televangelist crowd into the Republican tent for a dual purpose of teaching G0P politicians how to scam folks like a televangelist, and to bring in all the televangelist scam victims as voters to spread their religious gospel of “trust but don’t verify,” conflating that religious outlook with political outlooks too.
Dan lanske
March 31, 2024 at 8:58 am
If dumbocrats don’t like it they can move to Kalifornia
More and counties, including Hillsborough, are in the process of flipping RED. The people have spoken.
rick whitaker
April 1, 2024 at 3:27 pm
dan, what state should dumb people go to? when you find out, go there.
rick whitaker
April 1, 2024 at 3:30 pm
hung, you didn’t know about what reagun did? no wonder much of what you say is strange when compared to the truths i know.
Flash Light
March 29, 2024 at 6:08 pm
The Florida Supremes likely held out as long as they could, hoping some magical court decision elsewhere would help clarify the term “viability”.
Either way they rule, there will be major pushback.
If they vote against the ballot amendment, 5 of the 7 justices don’t face merit retention from voters until 2026 or 2028.
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