A Better Polk County for Everyone!

The Facts



CHARTER AMENDMENTS ON THE NOVEMBER 2008 BALLOT


The Polk County Commission has put three Charter Amendments on the November 2008 ballot to update election rules and the way future elections are conducted.  One change will eliminate special elections by requiring all future referendums be placed on a general election ballot.  The other two changes will require a 60% approval of the voters on all future charter amendments or ordinances that are proposed by initiative.  Community leaders, business groups and others are working together to educate voters on the reasons to vote “YES” on these three proposals.


Reasons to Support the General Election Requirement (Charter Amendment 1)

* The General Election rule means that any charter changes proposed must be placed on the  next November General Election ballot, rather than holding special elections every time an issue qualifies to get on the ballot.

* The requirement would eliminate costly special elections and will save taxpayers over $300,000 per election.

* The change does not mean that citizen initiatives can not go to the ballot.  It simply requires these issues to be placed on the ballot at the next General Election, as long as the language is properly written and the petitions are verified according to the same standards required today.

* The change provides for maximum citizen participation since General Elections draw the largest voter turnout.

* It also ensures that single issue elections and low voter turnout elections don’t have a small number of voters making major charter changes that impact the taxes, fees, services or governance of all residents.


Reasons to Support the 60% Voter Approval Requirements
(Charter Amendments 2 & 3)

* The 60% rule means that there must be broader support from voters for proposals that are put on the ballot that will change the County Charter or implement new ordinances.

* Currently, the state of Florida requires 60% approval for changes to the Florida Constitution.  This charter change puts Polk County in line with state requirements for voter approved charter changes or voter approved ordinances.

* The requirement makes it more difficult for well-financed special interest groups to protect their interests only via the county’s charter.

* The higher voter threshold or approval broadens consensus because a higher percentage of Polk voters will be required to pass an initiative.

* Charter or ordinance changes can have serious consequences on the economy, taxes and how our government operates.  This threshold will keep frivolous changes from being put on the charter or passed as an ordinance.

* It will also require proponents of an issue to properly educate and inform voters of the consequences or opportunities of the charter changes or ordinance changes.

* A 60% requirement creates confidence in residents that the issue is supported by a strong portion of the county, rather than a tight majority.

* If approved by voters, the change would increase the number of votes needed to approve charter changes or ordinance changes from 50%+1 to 60% of those voting on the proposed amendment.