Residents of the City of Miami will have four referendums to vote on in the upcoming November election. Here are our recommendations for each one.
Referendum 1: Charter Amendment Establishing a Citizen Charter Review Commission Within One Year of Each Decennial Census -YES
This referendum would amend the City Charter to establish a Charter Review Commission of qualified electors to review the charter, hold public hearings for community input, and recommend charter amendments to the City Commission. The Miami Times recommends voting YES on this amendment, ensuring direct resident participation in city government.
Referendum 2: Charter Amendment to Authorize Non-Waterfront Property Sales or Leases With Limited Market Interest -NO
This referendum would allow the City Commission to bypass currently required voter approval for the sale or lease of non-waterfront City-owned property when fewer than three proposals are received. The Miami Times recommends voting NO on this amendment, ensuring the decision stays in voters’ hands.
Referendum 3: Charter Amendment to Prohibit Gerrymandering, Establish Citizens’ Redistricting Committee, and Define Redistricting Process -YES
This amendment would articulate the requirement that City Commission districts not be drawn with the intent to favor or disfavor a candidate or incumbent, in addition to establishing a Citizens’ Redistricting Committee to draw districts after each census. In an effort to prohibit gerrymandering and ensure fair maps with voter participation, The Miami Times recommends voting YES on this amendment.
Referendum 4: Charter Amendment to Establish Lifetime Term Limits for Elected Officials with a Retroactive Effective Date -YES
This amendment would establish lifetime two-term limits for each candidate running for office of Mayor or Commissioner. To ensure consistent turnover and fresh perspective on the commission, and to prohibit repeat politicians from monopolizing any office, The Miami Times recommends voting YES on this amendment.
Early voting in the City of Miami is now underway at Carrie P. Meek Senior and Cultural Center, Gerry Curtis Park Community Center, Hispanic Branch Library, Legion Memorial Park Community Center, Miami City Hall, Shenandoah Branch Library, Stephen P. Clark Government Center, and West Flagler Branch Library. Early voting sites are open Oct. 29-Oct. 31 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Nov. 1-2 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The general municipal election takes place Nov. 4. If required, a runoff will take place Dec. 9.