Making Florida relevant in the presidential primary
civicconcern | | 
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For years, voters in both parties have been concerned about their inability to have a voice in choosing presidential candidates because Florida's primary is held so late in the game. And as the 4th largest state and an indisputable bell-weather of the national landscape, it just seems to makes sense for Floridians to participate in this crucial stage of electing the president.
Now, Florida leaders are talking about moving our primary much earlier. In spite of threats from both national political parties, the effort has garnered bipartisan support. Republican governor Charlie Crist has voiced his approval, and a House bill that would move our primary to within one week of New Hampshire's has passed two committees with unanimous votes. HB 537 will now head to the floor for a vote by the full House once session convenes in March.
But opponents say that front-loading the primary system will only increase the huge sums of money already spent in presidential campaigns. They argue that it will tilt the system too far in favor of candidates with high name recognition and huge campaign war chests.
If you'd like to voice your opinion to the legislators who will likely be the next to vote on the issue, you can click here to contact the members of the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee.
