WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Voters in Florida are faced with the significant task of deciding on measures concerning abortion rights and the legalization of marijuana, both of which could represent major wins for Democrats in a state that has increasingly leaned Republican in recent years.

The proposed abortion amendment aims to establish a legal safeguard preventing any legislative action that would penalize, prohibit, postpone, or restrict access to abortion services before fetal viability, which medical professionals indicate typically occurs after 21 weeks. Failure to pass this amendment would mean Florida’s stringent six-week abortion statute remains in effect, positioning the state among the forefront of those to explicitly curtail abortion rights in a ballot measure following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

The marijuana legalization initiative carries particular weight in a state with a robust agricultural community and a thriving medical marijuana sector. If approved, adults aged 21 and over would be allowed to possess around 3 ounces of marijuana, with existing businesses authorized to sell it. This decision is timely, given that federal authorities are considering reclassifying marijuana as a substance of lower risk.

To be enacted, these ballot measures require more than 60% voter approval. Past trends in other states have shown that abortion rights can significantly mobilize voters—a factor that played a crucial role in helping Democrats retain several Senate positions during the 2022 elections.

Governor Ron DeSantis, along with other Republican leaders, has spent considerable time campaigning against these proposed measures. Conversely, Democrats are vigorously promoting both initiatives, aiming to rally their party’s base to turn out to vote, especially given the Republicans’ one-million-voter registration advantage.

Among the objections raised by DeSantis against the marijuana proposal is the concern that it could adversely impact the tourism industry due to unpleasant odors associated with marijuana use. However, notable Republican figures, including former President Donald Trump and ex-state GOP Chairman Senator Joe Gruters, have shown support for the initiative to legalize recreational marijuana.

Trump’s stance on the abortion rights measure has been notably inconsistent, oscillating on how he would cast his vote before ultimately declaring his opposition to the initiative.