A recent poll reveals that while Florida voters lean towards supporting former President Donald Trump in the upcoming November presidential election, a significant majority are also inclined to pass Amendment 4, a proposed ballot measure that would protect abortion rights in the state constitution. Sixty percent of likely voters are in favor of the amendment, which seeks to prevent the state from restricting abortions before viability (around 24 weeks) or when necessary for the patient’s health as determined by their healthcare provider. If passed, this measure would overturn the current six-week abortion limit and establish a lasting right to abortion in Florida, a change that could only be reversed through another ballot measure or a challenging legal process.
The poll, conducted by CBS News, indicates that while abortion is an important issue for 53 percent of Florida voters, it ranks lower than other major concerns such as the economy (89 percent), inflation (84 percent), and the state of democracy (74 percent). Interestingly, the poll highlights a lack of widespread awareness about the proposed amendment, with only 18 percent of voters having heard “a lot” about it. Despite efforts by the Biden campaign to criticize Trump’s role in the end of Roe v. Wade, the majority of registered voters in Florida do not attribute significant blame or credit to him for this outcome. Additionally, 56 percent of voters find the state’s six-week abortion restriction “too strict,” suggesting a notable divide between current laws and voter sentiment.
