In Mr. Sommers’ AP U.S. History class, the students participated in a mock election of the new amendments and judicial elections in Florida, and compared the results to those of the actual election.

“As an American history teacher I would never pass up the opportunity to take a look at an election,” said Mr. Sommers.

Results of students in comparison to the results of the Florida Population.

The 3 questions the students voted on represent the 3 amendments voted on by the Florida Population.

1. The Florida Water and Land Conservation Initiative, Amendment I, dedicates 33 percent of net revenue to the Land Acquisition Trust Fund. This fund was developed to manage and restore natural systems to improve public access and recreational use of conservation lands.

2. Florida right to medial marijuana initiative, Amendment II, would have legalized medical marijuana.

3. Florida Prospective Judicial Vacancies, Amendment III, would have empowered an out-going governor to appoint justices or judges,  even though the governor’s turn of office has ended.

The opinions of Mr. Sommer’s AP class are fairly consistent with the views of the Florida voting population, with the exception of the second amendment, which would have legalized medical marijuana. Nationally, the younger population tends to be more tolerant of initiatives of this sort.

As Mr. Sommers gave everyone in his class a voice in the election, and all took part, only 50.4% of the voting public participated in the actual election.