Tallahassee Democrat
Paula Dockery, Syndicated columnist
At every election, voters have the chance to make their voices heard but during 2016 balloting they have the opportunity to cause a massive shift in the direction we’re going—especially in Florida.
The national election—driven by the presidential race—has illustrated the intensity of voter dissatisfaction toward the two-party system, the political parties themselves and the way their current congressional representatives are governing.
What’s happening nationally will certainly affect the dynamic in Florida. In a presidential election year, turnout is generally higher, more minorities choose to vote, and the top of the ticket can have an impact on down-ticket races.
In Florida, we have another dynamic playing out.
Incumbents are rarely defeated—and sometimes, not even challenged—for re-election, causing voters to feel like their votes really don’t matter. But this year, incumbents are choosing to leave office for a variety of reasons—term limits, running for another office or because of personal or professional circumstances. And some are leaving because they no longer see their seat as winnable after the courts required the redrawing of the Legislature-approved district maps.