Fact Check: Florida AG claims Miami lacks authority to change election date without voter approval!
What We Know
Recently, the Miami City Commission voted to postpone the upcoming November 2025 election to 2026, a decision that has sparked controversy and accusations of a "power grab" by city officials. The vote, which passed 3-2, aims to shift the city’s elections from odd years to even years, with proponents arguing that this change will increase voter turnout significantly. However, critics, including Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, have raised concerns about the legality of this decision, asserting that the city lacks the authority to make such a change without voter approval, as mandated by the city charter (Miami Herald, CBS News).
The city charter explicitly states that municipal elections occur in odd years, and any changes to this schedule require a vote from the electorate. Critics argue that the commission's decision effectively extends the terms of current officials, including Mayor Francis Suarez and Commissioner Joe Carollo, both of whom are term-limited, thereby disenfranchising voters (Florida Politics).
Analysis
The claim that Miami lacks the authority to change the election date without voter approval is supported by both the city charter and statements from the Florida Attorney General. The city charter clearly outlines that municipal elections must be held in odd years, and any amendments to this schedule necessitate voter consent (Miami Herald, Florida Politics).
Critics of the commission's decision, including candidates for mayor and concerned residents, have voiced their belief that the change should have been put to a public vote. They argue that bypassing voter input undermines democratic principles and could lead to legal challenges (CBS News).
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high, as they include reputable news organizations and official statements from government officials. The Miami Herald and CBS News are established media outlets that provide thorough coverage of local issues, while Florida Politics specializes in political reporting within the state.
Conclusion
The claim that Miami lacks the authority to change the election date without voter approval is True. The city charter's stipulations regarding election scheduling clearly indicate that such changes require voter consent, and the Florida Attorney General's position reinforces this interpretation. The decision by the Miami City Commission not only raises legal questions but also has prompted significant public outcry regarding the democratic process.
Sources
- Miami cancels November election, postpones it to 2026 - Miami Herald
- City of Miami postpones November 2025 election to 2026 - CBS News
- Miami approves delay of election to 2026, setting up legal battle with state - Florida Politics
