As Florida heads toward a pivotal vote on legalizing recreational marijuana, one key demographic appears to be resistant: Latino voters. A recent poll conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling and Strategy, in partnership with NBCUniversal Local Telemundo Station Group, reveals that only 50% of Hispanic voters support the Adult Personal Use of Marijuana amendment, falling short of the 60% required for it to pass.
This poll, conducted among 625 registered voters between September 23-25, highlights significant opposition among Latino voters, especially Cuban Americans. With 44% opposed and 6% undecided, the overall outlook suggests that the marijuana legalization effort may face challenges within the Latino community.
Cuban Americans Opposed to Amendment 3 in Florida
Cuban American voters, in particular, are not aligning with the push for cannabis legalization. The poll shows that 51% of Cuban Americans oppose the amendment, with only 42% in favor. This is in contrast to voters of Puerto Rican descent, 58% of whom support the amendment. The amendment would allow possession of up to 3 ounces of marijuana flower or 5 grams of concentrate, but these numbers indicate a significant divide among Latino subgroups. What is Amendment 3?
Regional Breakdown: Where Does Support Stand in Florida?
Regionally, the numbers also suggest differing levels of support across Florida. In Southeast Florida, where there is a large Cuban American population, the amendment has just 47% support, with 46% opposed. However, the Tampa area shows stronger support, with 53% of voters in favor, and Central Florida leads the pack with 59% backing the measure.
Gender, Age, and Political Party Gaps in Support
Support for the amendment also varies widely across gender, age, and political affiliation:
Gender: The amendment is more popular among women, with 54% supporting and 41% opposed, a 13-point margin. However, male voters remain skeptical, with 47% opposed and only 45% in favor.
Age: Voters under 50 are more likely to support the measure, with 54% in favor. By contrast, only 46% of voters over 50 back the amendment.
Party Affiliation: As expected, party lines play a significant role in shaping opinions on cannabis legalization. While 70% of Democrats support the amendment, just 48% of independents and 32% of Republicans are on board.
Florida’s Resistance?
The hesitation among Latino voters, particularly Cuban Americans, may stem from cultural and historical factors. Many Cuban Americans, especially older generations, tend to hold more conservative views, which may extend to issues like marijuana legalization. There’s also the question of how effectively the campaign for Amendment 3 has reached and resonated with these communities.
For advocates of the amendment, this presents a critical challenge. Engaging with Latino voters—particularly in regions like Southeast Florida where opposition is strong—will be key to moving the needle on support for cannabis legalization.
What’s Next?
With the November vote quickly approaching, there’s still time for both supporters and opponents of the amendment to make their case. However, for Amendment 3 to pass, it will need to secure broader support among key demographics, including Latinos, older voters, and independents.
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