A new poll reveals that a significant number of likely voters in Florida, including many Republicans, back a proposed amendment that would incorporate abortion rights into the state constitution. The University of North Florida’s Public Opinion Research Lab conducted the survey and found that 69% of participants support Amendment 4, set to appear on the ballot this November.
The amendment states that no law should block, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as judged by the healthcare provider. Viability, a term often debated politically, refers medically to when a fetus can live outside the womb, typically around 24 weeks into pregnancy. Presently, Florida law prohibits abortions after six weeks, with few exceptions, which many physicians find challenging due to legal ambiguities.
The UNF survey, which polled 774 likely voters from July 24 to 27, found that 87% of Democrats, 53% of Republicans, and 71% of Independents support the amendment. The poll was conducted using phone and web surveys sent to a random sample of likely voters, excluding those who indicated they would not participate in the 2024 election.
Floridians Protecting Freedom, a political committee advocating for the amendment, has rallied support across party lines in the predominantly Republican state. They argue that decisions about abortion should be made by individuals, families, and healthcare providers, not politicians. Lauren Brenzel, the campaign director, stated, “Mainstream Floridians do not want extreme abortion bans,” emphasizing the importance of personal choice.
For Amendment 4 to pass, it needs at least 60% voter support. Recent polls suggest growing approval, with grassroots efforts like canvassing and community events boosting awareness.
A Fox News poll also indicated 69% support among 1,075 registered voters, including half of the Republicans surveyed. However, 45% of Republicans opposed the measure. UNF’s poll found 37% of Republicans against the amendment and 10% undecided.
Despite current support, experts warn that opposition campaigns could reduce backing for the amendment as the election nears. Dr. Michael Binder, a UNF political science professor, cautioned that the recently added financial impact statement might sway voters against the measure.
Mi Vecino, an organization engaging Hispanic voters, discovered mixed reactions in conversations with Catholic voters in Orange and Osceola Counties: 35% support the amendment, while 28% remain undecided. Co-founder Devon Murphy-Anderson emphasized the complexity of the issue, stating, “Many Catholics support abortion access and don’t see reproductive healthcare as conflicting with their faith.”
Florida, with 13.4 million registered voters, consists of 5.26 million Republicans, 4.3 million Democrats, and 3.87 million minor party or unaffiliated voters as of June 30. This year, voters in up to 11 states, including Florida, Nevada, Colorado, South Dakota, New York, and Maryland, will have the opportunity to vote on abortion-related measures. Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022, which eliminated the constitutional right to abortion, voters in seven states have supported abortion rights in constitutional amendments.
