For more than 100 years, the League of Women Voters (LWV) has fought to protect voters’ rights and expand access for the excluded.
This weekend, LWV will have a presentation on the meaning of a “Yes” or “No” vote on the six proposed constitutional Amendments that will appear on the November ballot. The speaker, Charlyle Parrish, is a long-time League member who has spent many years in activities surrounding voting and elections.
League in Action: Decision 2024
Lunch & Learn Meeting
Saturday, Oct. 19
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Ever’man Educational Center
315 West Garden Street
Bring a brown bag lunch or go to Ever’man to pick up lunch.
Their 2024 Nonpartisan Florida Voter Guide is a critical resource for all Floridians as they navigate the complexities of the 2024 election.
This year, the guide has a section on Misinformation and Disinformation.
- Misinformation: Sharing false information without the intent to harm. Example: Your sister says a trusted friend told her that a local ballot measure will raise taxes.
- Disinformation: Spreading false information with the intent to deceive. Example: Your sister lies to you about a local ballot measure, telling you it will raise taxes because she knows that’s the only way you won’t support it.
How Can You Spot Misinformation and Disinformation
• Research the Source: Who is sharing this information? If it’s online, does the website seem reputable, or does it have known political affiliations? If it’s in person, is this individual known for exaggeration, or does they have relevant expertise?
• Check the Date: Don’t get incensed over old articles that no longer apply. Always check the publication date.
• Cross-check: Are reliable news sources reporting the same information? If not, it’s unlikely your smaller source has a scoop and others don’t.
• Read Past the Headline: Headlines can be misleading. Read the entire article for context.
• Question Emotionally Charged Content: Is the person or outlet using emotionally manipulative language to provoke a reaction? That’s a red flag. Reliable sources let facts drive the narrative, not emotions. Be aware of loaded language.
How to Stop Misinformation and Disinformation
• Don’t Engage: Commenting on an inaccurate post might be tempting, but engagement only increases its visibility. Avoid liking, clicking, sharing, or commenting on such content.
• Share Correct Information: Try to share accurate information for every piece of misinformation you encounter. Redirect the conversation towards facts.
• Report When Needed: If you see disinformation online, report it to ReportDisinfo.org. You can also report misleading social media posts directly to the platforms.
Actual Examples of Ads Countering Misinformation
Those opposed to Amendment 3 have run ads with actors complaining that if it’s passed, we will have to deal with the smell of pot in public places. Gov. DeSantis has even pushed this disinformation. The fact is public smoking is already illegal in Florida, and that won’t change if voters choose to legalize recreational cannabis. The committee backing Amendment 3 is airing a new ad, “Smell,” to counter the misinformation.
Another ad promoting the recreational marijuana amendment fact-checks critics with a Republican leader’s voice. Sen. Gruters, a Sarasota Republican, looks to the camera in “Blowing Smoke,” a 30-second Smart & Safe Florida Campaign ad.
Inweekly Guides
We have produced guides on Amendment 3 (Recreational Marijuana) and Amendment 4 (Women’s Reproductive Rights)
Amendment 3: What You Need To Know About Florida’s Recreational Marijuana Ballot Measure
Reproductive Rights on the Ballot: Breaking Down Amendment 4 for Florida Voters
Votes Cast as of Oct. 15 – in Escambia County
| Party | Ballots Cast |
| Democrats | 2,556 |
| Republicans | 3,164 |
| No Party Affiliation | 1,041 |
| Other | 117 |
| 6,878 |