Post-election Florida Update
The election results for Florida Democrats were as bad as they were nationally, but we should still take moment to take stock of the situation.
Rundown of the 2024 Florida candidate results
Rundown of the 2024 Florida Amendment ballot measures
Now, we have work to do!
There is actually quite a bit to do in the coming months, but we’ll keep things short here, with links to more information.
Voter Experience Survey
If you haven't already, please take a moment to complete the DA Voter Protection Survey. This is very important for the DA Voter Protection Team to know where to focus their efforts. The Florida State Team will be working with DA Voter Protection on Florida issues.
Volunteer opportunities
We’d like to ask you, our Florida-registered members, to lend a helping hand. Here are some possible volunteer opportunities:
- Research and writing on upcoming Florida legislation
- Get involved with our Resistance Advocacy program: more details here!
Feel free to contact us at [email protected] or [email protected] for more information about these and other volunteer opportunities!
What every Florida voter should do right now!
When we said that we have work to do, that includes each and every one of our Florida voters.
- If you do not already have a United States Social Security Number, you should apply for one right away at ssa.gov/foreign/foreign.htm. Florida law now requires either a Florida ID or an SSN in order to request an absentee ballot. Parents, you can apply for a SSN for your minor children at any time – make certain they are ready to vote when they turn 18. The process can take several months, so don’t delay!
- Mark your calendar now for 2 January 2025 to submit your FPCA for the 2025 calendar year. Florida purges all absentee ballot requests after each general election, so you must submit a new FPCA in January. Two special elections to replace members of Congress have already been scheduled. Timing here is critical – be ready! (Take a moment during your New Year's Day festivities to submit your FPCA.)
- Please sign and return the petition to expand Medicaid (healthcare for those unable to afford medical care or insurance) to more people in Florida at https://floridadecideshealthcare.org/petition/. The signed form needs to be printed and mailed, but can be returned via diplomatic mail with normal US Postage.
- Democrats Abroad will be working in 2025! We need our members to continue their support even though the election drumbeat has stopped. Please consider making a donation at https://www.democratsabroad.org/donate.
Florida State Team Plans
We have a lot of work to do in the off-year, much of which will be to try to address voting problem from the 2024 election. (This is why we are asking you to complete the DA Voter Protection Survey
In the coming months, we plan to publish a news article at least monthly, and an email newsletter quarterly. We’ll publish additional editions as we learn more about the special elections that we know are coming. Please watch for these!
As we mentioned above, we are looking to build our volunteer cadre. Please join us!
Looking ahead - what voters need to know
While 2025 is an “off year”, there will still be a lot of election and political activity. Here is some of what’s coming in 2025:
- Municipal elections in 2025 (throughout the year, with many in spring)
- Special elections for Congressional Districts 1 and 6 to elect new representatives to the US House of Representatives. Primary Elections are scheduled for 28 January, 2025, and General Elections on 1 April 2025. Elections like these are why it is critical to submit a new FPCA as soon as possible after 1 January!
- 2025 Florida legislative session (4 March through 2 May 2025)
We expect campaigns for the following 2026 races to kick off in the second half of 2025: - Open-seat, state-wide races for Governor, Attorney General, and Controller. Commissioner of Agriculture/Consumer Affairs will also be elected and has an incumbent eligible to run for re-election
- US Senate (to fill the unexpired term of Marco Rubio)
- Mid-term elections in 2026 are an opportunity to pick up Congressional and legislative seats. Keep in mind that historically, the party in power loses seats in Congress during mid-term elections. All these elections are why it’s so important to submit a new FPCA in January.
In closing
While we’re saddened and frustrated by the 2024 election results, we will continue to work on behalf of all Florida Democrats abroad to make certain that their voices are heard.
Best wishes for the holiday season,
Scott Hoffman Carol Moore
[email protected] [email protected]
Lives in La Paz, BCS, Mexico Lives in London, England
Votes in Hillsborough County, FL Votes in Palm Beach
County, FL
Or contact us at [email protected].