Welcome to

Dozens of seats in Congress are expected to switch hands, marking a historic upheaval in how the country is governed, but as Mike Vasilinda tells us, when it comes to the state legislature, change is unlikely.

Congress could see four or five dozen seats change hands. Florida Democrats could lose as many as five seats to the GOP.

While change is sweeping the congress, there is very little changing here at the state capitol. Republicans have been in control for more than a decade and they’re going to keep commanding majorities.

One key reason for the lack of change is the way House and Senate districts are drawn. The nonpartisan League of Women Voters is hopeful that voters will say yes to Amendments 5 and 6 on Tuesday, because they say it will make line drawing fairer.

“Right now you have districts that go from one side of the state across Lake Okeechobee to the other side of the state. I don’t think you would be able to keep districts like that if amendments 5 and 6 pass,” Marilyn Wills, President of the Florida League of Women Voters said.

Opponents are fighting back with this TV spot.

“Five and six would devastate our democracy.”

Wills also said she got a robo call from opponents that was an outright lie.

Polling suggests the amendments have a chance. During early voting last week, we found voters who were both informed and unsure of the amendments.

“I wish that when they put these amendments on the ballot, that they speak plain, everyday language,” voter Dedra O’Neal said.

In addition to Amendments 5 & 6, voters will also get a say on public financing of campaigns, property taxes for veterans, growth, and class size.

If you would like more information on all of the Amendments on Tuesday’s ballot you can go to our website and click on “A Voters Guide to the Amendments”. published by the League of Women Voters.