Maxwell: Abortion rights got 57% support in Florida. So why did it fail? Because big business and politicians have gamed the whole amendment process

Florida’s election will test whether the state maintains its new reputation as a Republican stronghold, as Democrats count on turnout for abortion rights and recreational marijuana ballot questions.

Florida’s voters were asked whether the state’s constitution should say that “no law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider.”

In the days after the election, reproductive rights advocates considered next steps. Strategy discussions included everything from legislative efforts, to legal options, to rallying around

Measures that would have protected abortion rights at the state level are projected to fail in Florida, Nebraska and South Dakota.

Florida voters rejected ballot measures Tuesday to protect abortion rights and legalize marijuana, handing victories to Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and solidifying the state’s new reputation as a conservative stronghold.