Voter Control of Gambling Amendment to Appear on November Ballot

Orlando, Fla. – An amendment that would stop politicians from legalizing casino gambling unless voters approve it will appear on Florida’s November ballot as Amendment 3 thanks to over 1.1 million Floridians who signed petitions calling for a vote on the issue. According to the Florida Division of Elections website, 817,766 petitions have been verified, with enough signatures coming from congressional districts throughout Florida to meet the signature requirements for ballot placement. The Florida Supreme Court approved the issue for ballot placement last April.

“Over 1.1 million Floridians have gone on record wanting Florida voters, not Tallahassee politicians, to decide whether to legalize casino gambling,” said John Sowinski, Chairman of Voters in Charge. “We now turn our full attention to building voter support for our amendment, and in the coming days we will formally launch our campaign for passage of Amendment 3.”

The Voter Control of Gambling Amendment would require that in order for any form of casino gambling to be authorized in Florida, it must first be approved by Florida voters through a statewide initiative referendum. The amendment consistently polls near or above 70% approval. The ballot summary is as follows:

“This amendment ensures that Florida voters shall have the exclusive right to decide whether to authorize casino gambling by requiring that in order for casino gambling to be authorized under Florida law, it must be approved by Florida voters pursuant to Article XI, Section 3 of the Florida Constitution. Affects articles X and XI. Defines casino gambling and clarifies that this amendment does not conflict with federal law regarding state/tribal compacts.