Elections in the U.S.: Florida votes on measures to legalize marijuana and protect the right to abortion

Florida voters have the opportunity to make history this November 5 by deciding on two important measures: determining the state's direction regarding the legalization of marijuana and the protection of the right to abortion.

The proposal regarding marijuana would allow adults aged 21 and over to possess up to 85 grams (approximately 3 ounces) of cannabis and would pave the way for its recreational sale.

According to the AP agency, Florida, which has a significant medical marijuana industry, could become one of the regions to authorize the recreational use of the plant, especially now that federal authorities are considering the possibility of reclassifying it as a lower-risk drug.

The measure regarding the right to abortion states that legislators cannot penalize, prohibit, or restrict this practice until the fetus is viable, which typically occurs after 21 weeks of gestation.

If rejected, Florida would maintain its restrictive six-week abortion law, positioning it as one of the first states to limit access to abortion following the overturning of the historic Roe v. Wade ruling.

To be approved, both initiatives will require the support of over 60 percent of voters. These issues have been central to the Democratic campaign, which aims to mobilize its supporters in a state where Republicans hold a registration advantage of one million voters.

Led by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, the Republican Party in Florida has voiced its opposition to both proposals, arguing that the legalization of marijuana could impact tourism due to the smell, and that access to abortion should remain restricted.

However, prominent figures in the party, such as Donald Trump and state senator Joe Gruters, have expressed their support for the legalization of recreational marijuana use, which adds an intriguing dimension to the internal debate among Republicans.

This vote coincides with the presidential elections in which Americans will choose between the Democrat Kamala Harris and the Republican Trump, in a contest that has polarized the electorate and has the world on edge.

So far, more than 78 million people have voted early across the country. Given the high participation and the intensity of the campaigns, it is likely that the results of the general elections and these important measures in Florida will not be immediately known after the polls close, anticipating a prolonged election night.