Voting in November presents easy decisions (Giant Douche versus Turd Sandwich... hmmm) as well as the type that aren't easy to figure out upon, first, second, or 16th glance.
You know the ones -- back-assward amendment phrasings where, if you vote no, you're really saying, "Yes, I want this to happen." Or maybe they're the kind where, if you vote yes, you're actually saying, "No, I don't not want this to not happen" or some other confusing jumble of double-negatives times six to the third power, upside-down as seen in a mirror.
See? Unfortunately, that ambiguity and uncertainty often causes voters to just skip the entire process entirely.
Which is what Flamendments.org is trying to avoid.
That's an interactive website put together by the folks at the Collins Center for Public Policy, an organization that's trying to educate voters about our proposed amendments from a nonbiased, nonpartisan perspective.
Collins Center President Ron Petrey says his group's goal is to "give Floridians useful information they can trust in the most accessible format possible."
Amendment 4, for instance, is a perfect example of how the confusingly worded proposals can get you to vote for exactly the opposite of what you think you're supporting.
To wit: If you believe that the public should have a say regarding zoning issues in their communities, you vote yes (or is it no?) Conversely, if you want developers and politicians to make those decisions for you, it stands to reason you vote no (or would that be yes?)
It's enough to make you pull your hair out.
Speaking of Amendment 4, this group, FloridaHometownDemocracy.com, has the entire proposal for you to read. It's written in an insanely confusing way, making voters feel like they're stuck on Willie Wonka's crazy Wondrous Boat Ride and can't wait to just get off and go home.
