Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonAugust 12, 2017

Disney doubled down on its support for a proposed ballot initiative that would limit gambling expansion in the Sunshine State. Disney cut a $500,000 check to the committee backing the amendment, “Voters in Charge,” last month. Since April the company has given $1.15 million for the cause, which accounts for more than 80 percent of […]

Jim RosicaJuly 14, 2017

A proposed constitutional amendment aimed at limiting gambling’s expansion in the state is now over the 100,000 signature mark. Division of Elections records show the “Voter Control of Gambling” amendment now has 104,416 signatures toward getting on the 2018 statewide ballot. But that’s still a long way from the 766,200 signatures needed for the initiative’s ballot placement. […]

Jim RosicaApril 20, 2017

The state’s highest court on Thursday gave its approval for proposed state constitutional amendments on voter approval of new gambling and restoring voting rights to ex-cons. But there’s a big ‘if’ before either can be placed on the 2018 statewide ballot—both amendments still need hundreds of thousands of signatures. Moreover, Justices Ricky Polston and R. Fred […]

Jim RosicaNovember 2, 2016

While the attorney for the Voter Control of Gambling amendment said it would address a “lack of clarity,” the state’s justices seemed to lack clarity about just what the constitutional change would do. The Florida Supreme Court heard oral argument Wednesday. It must OK proposed amendments to ensure they cover only one subject and that […]

Jim RosicaJuly 18, 2016

If voters approve a proposed constitutional amendment on gambling, will Floridians no longer be able to play Mega Millions? That’s the question being asked by opponents of the citizen initiative behind the Voter Control of Gambling amendment. Specifically, the amendment aims to give voters more control over the expansion of gambling in the state. The amendment is now before […]

Lloyd DunkelbergerJuly 8, 2016

The Florida Supreme Court will hear arguments Nov. 2 on a proposed constitutional limit on gambling. The state’s highest court will hear about 40 minutes of arguments over the Voter Control of Gambling amendment that seeks to give Florida voters a larger role in decisions to expand gambling. The measure is opposed by gambling interests, […]

Jim RosicaMay 24, 2016

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A former state Senator has signed on to represent the backers of a proposed constitutional amendment on gambling. Florida Supreme Court records show Miami attorney Dan Gelber filed a notice of appearance on behalf of Voters In Charge, the committee behind the amendment. Gelber, 55, also was Democratic leader when he served in the House and unsuccessfully […]

Jim RosicaMay 19, 2016

It’s not clear whether a proposed gambling-control amendment will help or hinder the state’s finances. A panel of state economists stalemated this week on the financial impact of the Voter Control of Gambling amendment. The Financial Impact Estimating Conference’s final report was hand-delivered to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of State Ken Detzner on Thursday. A summary reads: “The […]

Jim RosicaMay 11, 2016

The panel behind a proposed constitutional amendment on gambling again posted no new fundraising as of its April report. But Voters in Charge has nearly burned through the $195,000 given to it as seed money from the No Casinos anti-gambling expansion organization — awkwardly misspelled in a report as “No Cashinos.” The committee’s campaign finance report […]

Jim RosicaMay 6, 2016

Attorney General Pam Bondi is asking the state Supreme Court to review a proposed constitutional amendment on gambling. Bondi sent a letter to the court Friday, asking it to judge the initiative’s “validity.” The request, however, is pro forma. It’s required under law when an initiative garners enough signatures. As of Friday, the Voter Control of Gambling […]

Tag: Voters in Charge

Disney donates another $500K to initiative to limit gambling expansion

Gambling control amendment surpasses 100,000 signatures

Supreme Court OKs gambling control, felon voting rights amendments

Florida Supreme Court considers gambling amendment

Would Mega Millions be off limits under gambling amendment?

Florida Supreme Court schedules arguments on gambling control amendment

Dan Gelber will represent anti-gambling amendment

Economists uncertain of gambling amendment’s effect

Gambling amendment group not fundraising

Pam Bondi asks court to review gambling initiative