Polls are not always accurate, but they are the only way we have to gauge support for an election measure. Polls in Florida have been all over the place, with most of them showing Amendment 2 winning. The ones that show medical marijuana losing in Florida seem to always be racked with flaws. Every poll I’ve seen for Washington D.C.’s Measure 71 have shown the marijuana legalization initiative winning. There are two new polls out which show both measures winning. First up, Florida, which per the Tampa Bay Times is leading:
A new poll commissioned by the sponsor of Florida’s Amendment 2, which would legalize marijuana for medical use, shows 62 percent of likely voters will approve it, 35 percent are opposed and 3 percent are undecided, according to a United for Care release.
The poll was conducted by Anzalone Liszt Grove based on actual ballot language, not a summary sentence that many polls use. It was a survey of cell phone and landline users, taken Oct. 22 through 27, the release said. The margin of error was plus or minus 3.4 percent.
Under Florida law, Amendment 2 must win at least 60 percent approval to pass. Some polls have shown the measure clearing that hurdle, but others have indicated it will fall short. So the latest figures were hailed by supporters.
And for Washington D.C., we turn to Fire Dog Lake:
All signs indicate the people of D.C. will vote in favor of legalizing marijuana next week. A new survey by Public Policy Polling for Washington City Paper and the Kojo Nnamdi Show found Initiative 71 leading with 52 percent of likely voters planning to vote for it and only 35 percent planning to vote against it. The remaining 13 percent are still undecided.
Initiative 71 would make it legal for adults 21 and over to possess up to two ounces of marijuana and grow a few plants in their own home. The measure doesn’t include provisions allowing for the regulated sale and tax of marijuana like we have seen in Colorado and Washington State, only because D.C.’s initiative law wouldn’t allow it.
The true support for both initiatives will only be known on Election Day, which is less than a week away. If you live in either area, continue to spread awareness and help get out the vote. A high voter turnout will equal success. A poor or mediocre turnout will almost certainly lead to defeat. Get active!
