A Tallahassee, Leon County Election Day voter's guide to the candidates and amendments

Staff Reports
·10 min read

If you aren't among the roughly 60 percent of early voters in Florida's capital county, the time is now.

What follows is an Election Day voter's guide to studying up on the Tallahassee candidates and amendments so you can vote with confidence at your precinct.

A lengthy two-page ballot awaits you with contests that will decide control of the White House and City Hall. You'll also be able to determine if abortion rights should be enshrined in the Florida constitution, if marijuana should be legalized, and if city commissioners should get a hefty pay raise.

Here's a breakdown of the races and amendments patterned off the ballot order.

PRIMER ON VOTING

How to vote: What time do polls open, close on Election Day in Florida? Locations, hours

Who's ahead? Florida Republicans outvote Democrats by nearly 1 million in early voting. When can we see results?

OVERVIEW OF RACES

Record in the making? Trump vs. Harris, abortion, weed could fuel record Tallahassee turnout in 2024 election

Who's a 'D' or 'R'? Partisan guide to Nov. 5 election in Leon County

What's in your candidate's wallet? Ranking wealthiest office seekers

U.S. SENATE

Incumbent Republican U.S. Sen Rick Scott faces Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in this election. Both easily won their party's primary elections on Aug. 20. Also running in this race are Libertarian Feena Bonoan; no party affiliation candidates Ben Everidge and Tuan Nguyen; and write-in candidate Howard Knepper.

On the attack: Rick Scott, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell square off over US Senate seat

The Helene effect: Florida hurricanes haven't put brakes on Scott, Mucarsel-Powell US Senate race

'Clearly changing': With election nearing, Rick Scott talks a little louder about climate change

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DISTRICT 2

Congressman Neal Dunn, R-Panama City, is seeking a fifth term. The Trump-endorsed urologist is ”100% pro-life” and wants to cut regulations to create jobs, and he blames “reckless overspending by Biden and Democrats” for inflation. Democrat Yen Bailey supports Amendment 4, agrees inflation is a problem, and touts programs to create jobs in urban areas and to boost farm production in the countryside.

Face off: Neal Dunn vs. Yen Bailey: Head to head on the issues

The issues: Abortion, inflation, integrity shape 2nd Congressional District race

FLORIDA SENATE DISTRICT 3

Incumbent Republican Corey Simon faces a challenge from Democratic candidate Daryl Parks, a Tallahassee-based civil-rights attorney. Each is vying to represent the Massachusetts-sized district. It’s one of this year’s marquee legislative races and the only Senate district Democrats are trying to flip in November.

On the issues: Daryl Parks, Corey Simon spar in only candidate forum for Florida Senate District 3

The ad war: Daryl Parks, Corey Simon fight for heart of north Florida with flood of ads

To flip a seat: Simon and Parks battle for only Florida Senate seat Democrats are trying to flip

FLORIDA HOUSE DISTRICT 8

Incumbent Gallop Franklin, D-Tallahassee and Republican challenger Grace Glass are in a battle for control of House District 8, which includes all of Gadsden County and parts of west and south Leon County.

In their own words: Florida House District 8: Voters' guide for the 2024 general election

Debate recap and replay: Gallop Franklin, Grace Glass spar on hot topics in candidate forum for House District 8

FLORIDA HOUSE DISTRICT 9

Incumbent Democrat Allison Tant, a former Florida Democratic Party chair, is vying to keep her seat against GOP challenger Spencer Brass, a developer and entrepreneur. If she wins, this will be Tant’s third term in the House. What's at stake: One of the last two Florida House seats held by Democrats between Jacksonville and Pensacola.

High-stakes battle: GOP backs Spencer Brass to unseat Allison Tant

Candidate forum recap: Rep. Allison Tant, Spencer Brass feud over guns, state worker pay

The newcomer: Tallahassee GOP candidate qualifies to challenge state Rep. Allison Tant in 2024

SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Incumbent Rocky Hanna is facing off against one of his employees, Chiles High School Principal Joe Burgess, for superintendent of Leon County Schools.

At issue: Leon Schools Superintendent race takes shape in candidate forum. Here are highlights

In their own words: Leon County Schools Superintendent: Voters' guide to the 2024 general election

Faculty focus: Leon County superintendent candidates address teacher concerns in latest forum

JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT AND DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL RETENTION

This November, two Florida Supreme Court judges and 23 District Appeals Court judges face merit retention votes.

Order in the court: What does it mean to retain a judge in Florida? What to know before you vote

High court decision: Who is Florida Justice Renatha Francis? She’s on your ballot.

Biography: Who is Florida Justice Meredith Sasso? She’s on your ballot.

LEON COUNTY JUDGE

Robert Churchill and LaShawn Riggans, both Tallahassee attorneys, are facing off for the open seat now held by Judge Augustus Aikens Jr. He faces mandatory retirement under Florida law. In Florida, county judges hear misdemeanors, small claims cases, traffic infractions and landlord-tenant disputes, among other matters.

Leon County Judge candidate forum: Churchill, Riggans discuss issues before the bench

In their own words: Leon County Judge, Seat 4, voters guide

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AT LARGE, GROUP 1

Incumbent Leon County Commissioner Carolyn Cummings and challenger David Hawkins, a state employee, have carved out different paths in the race for this at large seat. Cummings was first elected in 2020 and currently serves as commission chair. Hawkins works as a manager for the Florida Department of Revenue and has run for several different county commission seats in the past.

At issue: Leon Commission candidate forum recap: Cummings debates Hawkins on homelessness, finances

In their own words: Leon County Commission, At-Large, Group 1: Voters' guide to the 2024 general election

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 4

Brian Welch, a Democrat, is seeking re-election against Isaac Montilla, a Republican, for Leon County's District 4 seat on the commission. Welch previously beat out long time commissioner and Republican Brian Desloge, now Montilla could gain back the sole Republican seat or Welch could triumph once again.

At issue: Leon Commission District 4 candidate forum: Welch and Montilla debate park, politics

In their own words: Leon County Commission, District 4: Voters' guide to the 2024 general election

CITY COMMISSIONER SEAT 2

In a marquee matchup with City Hall control at stake, Commissioner Curtis Richardson is hoping to reverse the results of the August primary, when his challenger, Dot Inman-Johnson, bested him. Richardson was the first Black man elected to the School Board. Inman-Johnson was the first Black woman elected to the City Commission and appointed as mayor.

Curtis Richardson: A Tallahassee political profile in what may be his final race

Dot Inman-Johnson: A Tallahassee political profile with City Hall on the line

Debate night: Richardson, Inman-Johnson face off on city manager, money trail and more

Money race: Tallahassee City Hall control at stake as cash pours into Richardson, Inman-Johnson battle

FLORIDA AMENDMENT OVERVIEW

Florida constitutional amendments need 60% support of voters for approval.

Details on six amendments: Florida's 2024 constitutional amendments: What voters need to know

What yes or no votes would mean: Quick guide to all 6 amendments on Florida ballot. Here's what your yes or no vote will do

Endorsements from Florida newspapers: How to vote on 6 Florida amendments on 2024 ballot, according to 6 Florida newspapers

FLORIDA AMENDMENT 1

This amendment would make school board elections partisan. It would need 60% support for passage.

Partisan school board elections: Florida's school board elections became nonpartisan in 1998. Amendment 1 could undo that

What it could look like: Bitter Tallahassee School Board race could become norm in Florida if Amendment 1 passes

Video on Amendment 1: Making local school board elections partisan

Endorsements on Amendment 1: How to vote on Amendment 1, according to 6 Florida newspapers

FLORIDA AMENDMENT 2

This amendment would add the right to hunt and fish to Florida’s Constitution. It would need 60% support for passage.

Pros and cons of amendment: Would Florida Amendment 2 ensure fishing and hunting rights, or lead to 'overkill?'

Point, counterpoint: Differing opinions over hunting, fishing highlight conflict over Florida Amendment 2

Video on Amendment 2: Establishes constitutional right to hunt and fish

Endorsements on Amendment 2: Florida Amendments 2024: How to vote on Amendment 2, according to 6 Florida newspapers

FLORIDA AMENDMENT 3

This amendment would legalize the use of marijuana for persons at least age 21. It would need 60% support for passage.

Proposals around the country: 5 states including Florida could see recreational marijuana legalized in 2024. Here's where

Where marijuana now is legal: Florida may become 25th state where recreational marijuana is legal.

What's next if it passes: If Florida passes a recreational marijuana law in 2024, will weed immediately be legal?

The company behind the amendment: What is Trulieve, the company financing the pro-recreational marijuana campaign?

A new Florida industry: What could Florida's marijuana market look like if Amendment 3 is approved?

Video on Amendment 3: A debate over the recreational use of marijuana

Endorsements on Amendment 3: How to vote on marijuana Amendment 3, according to 6 Florida newspapers

FLORIDA AMENDMENT 4

This amendment would allow abortions in the time frame before "viability" of the fetus. It would need 60% support for passage.

Details on Supreme Court action: Florida Amendment 4 and abortion referendum. What to know as Supreme Court decision ahead

Split decision: Doctors, patients watch and worry as decision day nears for Florida abortion Amendment 4

DeSantis' political capital at stake: Millions in Florida taxpayer cash fuel DeSantis' ad war on pot, abortion amendments

Video on Amendment 4: Provides constitutional right to abortion before vitality

Endorsements on Amendment 4: How to vote on Amendment 4, according to 6 Florida newspapers

FLORIDA AMENDMENT 5

This amendment would provide inflation adjustment to homestead property tax exemption. It would need 60% support for passage.

Video on Amendment 5: Provides inflation adjustment to homestead property tax exemption

Endorsements on Amendment 5: How to vote on Amendment 5, according to 6 Florida newspapers

FLORIDA AMENDMENT 6

This amendment would repeal of the provision in the Florida Constitution which requires public financing for campaigns of candidates for elective statewide office who agree to campaign spending limits. It would need 60% support for passage.

Video on Amendment 6: Repeals provision for public funds for campaign expenses

Endorsements on Amendment 6: How to vote on Amendment 6, according to 6 Florida newspapers

CITY OF TALLAHASSEE CHARTER AMENDMENTS

In April, city commissioners voted 3-2 to place a charter amendment on November ballots that if approved would double their salaries from $49,583.50 to $99,167 a year, the same amount made by their counterparts on the Leon County Commission. The proposal headlines five different city charter amendments on the ballot.

Tallahassee charter amendments: Ethics and pay: Here's what the 5 proposals would do

A referendum on City Hall? Charter proposal to double Tallahassee city commissioner pay faces likely headwinds

It's your call: City commissioners vote 3-2 to let voters decide if they deserve a $45,000 raise

CANDIDATE DEBATE REPLAYS

(The Tallahassee Democrat conducts a series of candidate forums in partnership with WFSU and the League of Women Voters. Click on the links on this online story or watch the full forums on our YouTube Page.)

Election Day voting: What you need to know

Voters who cast ballots on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, must do so at their polling location. You can look up your voting location at www.leonvotes.gov/YourVoterinfo. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. You must have a photo ID, including a driver’s license, a Florida ID card, a U.S. Passport, a debit or credit card, a military or student ID. For a full list, visit LeonVotes.gov.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee, Florida Election Day voter guide: Candidates, amendments