JACKSONVILLE Fla.-- In a sweeping rejection, Floridians voted no to the majority of the amendments on this year's ballot.
"Normally people are reluctant to pass amendments that they don't understand," said Dr. Stephen Baker, professor of political science at Jacksonville University.
But the three that did survive the chopping block were not only the easiest to understand, Dr. Baker says they're the ones that hit close to home.
"They happen to be the ones that tug most at our heartstrings," he said.
Amendments 2, 9 and 11 provide property tax relief directly for disabled veterans, spouses of soldiers killed in action and low income seniors.
"Generally the amendments that provide a sympathetic beneficiary are the ones most likely to pass," said Dr. Baker.
Amendments that did not pass include a ban on abortion funding, and an amendment that would protest health care reform.
Baker says more of the amendments might have passed had they been clearer on the ballot.
"These gigantic multi-page amendments that are written in a language that would be difficult to understand are probably not going to serve the public that much," he said.
Amendments 2 and 9 will take effect on Jan. 1, however Amendment 11, which relates to property tax relief for seniors will have to be approved by local governments before it can take effect.
