Court ruling against the city of Miami protects voters' rights. That's good news
On Thursday, the Third District Court of Appeal upheld an earlier ruling by Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Valerie Manno Schurr declaring that the city of Miami had no legal authority to postpone its November until 2026 without voter approval.
The ruling is a win for democracy and the rule of law.
The appellate court ruling came following a lawsuit filed by mayoral candidate Emilio González, who sued last month after the Miami City Commission voted 3-2 to postpone the election to 2026 via an ordinance, rather than through a ballot referendum.
Politicians can not change election dates or their term length without voter approval. That power rests with the people.
The court's finding that the ordinance was an unlawful change to the City Charter made without the electorate's approval reinforces what we've been saying all along: Miami residents deserve better representation.
We were troubled by these attempts to give term-limited politicians more time on the dais, circumventing the will of voters who enacted term limits in the first place. This moment presents an opportunity to strengthen our democracy through the proper channels: an election.
The Stronger Miami amendment campaign underway now (StrongerMiami.org) offers three essential reforms to strengthen our city's democracy and ensure more inclusive, accountable leadership: Align city elections with state and national elections to increase voter participation and reduce costs.
Miami's current odd-year election cycle depresses turnout, creating opportunities for special interests to dominate. Moving to even-year elections will boost participation and save taxpayers money.
Make commissioners more responsive and accountable to the neighborhoods they serve. Expanding the commission from five to nine commissioners will create smaller, more manageable districts, allowing residents to know and easily reach their elected representatives.
Establish proper redistricting standards so that city districts serve communities, not special interests.
These changes will strengthen our community and make politicians more responsive to our city's needs, not just their interests.
The Stronger Miami initiative empowers voters, allowing them to have a meaningful impact on decisions that affect our everyday lives. These reforms aim to create a more accountable and accessible system that reflects our city's evolving needs.
The commission's recent vote to extend the terms of existing politicians without voter approval is exactly why Stronger Miami was formed, and it speaks to the critical work we are doing to achieve community-driven reforms.
Judge Manno Schurr's ruling — and the appeals court's confirmation — ensures that these vital initiatives can be considered by the voters, not buried by backroom political maneuvering.
The November election must proceed as scheduled, allowing citizens to exercise their right to vote for the leaders of their choice for a mayor, city commissioner and referendum questions.
Democracy works when the people's voices are heard.
This significant ruling ensures it stays that way in Miami.
Elena V. Carpenter is a member of the board of directors of One Grove Alliance, which has united with the ACLU Florida, Engage Miami, Florida Rising and Miami Freedom Project to create Stronger Miami, a grassroots coalition dedicated to improving democratic participation and representation in Miami.
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