Voters in the City of Miami will weigh in this November on two key charter amendments: one establishing lifetime term limits for elected officials and another creating a citizens’ redistricting committee.
The proposed term limits measure, championed by civic activist Damian Pardo, would cap service at two terms as mayor and two terms as commissioner, for life. However, an exception would apply for individuals elected to fill a vacancy—such as Commissioner Ralph Rosado, who won a special election to succeed the late Manolo Reyes—as opposed to those who were appointed.
“We wanted to make running a good thing and give an incentive and make appointing not such a good thing, so if you are appointed, you actually lose part of your term,” said Pardo. “The concept is all about equity, fairness and democracy.”
The proposal drew support from several members of the public during comment. Miami resident Rick Madan said, “Term limits always bring fresh ideas. There are so many good people in Miami who would like to participate, but running against an incumbent in low voter turnout elections is not going to happen, so term limits need to be instituted.”
But the idea wasn’t without opposition. Chairwoman Christine King and Vice Chair Joe Carollo were the only two city commissioners to vote against placing the amendment on the ballot.
“So-called lobbyists, they don’t have term limits, so they are going to be the ones who are here, year after year after year,” said Carollo.
Pardo countered, “Well if anything, when term limits come, lobbyists lose engagement and power because now they have a new elected, so those existing relationships don’t continue.”
King also raised concerns: “What if the voters want to bring someone back? That’s their choice.”
Pardo responded, “What voters will be deciding is that they are agreeing with the majority of this commission, that we should limit power and provide more opportunity for those who want to serve.”
A motion by King to defer the item failed, clearing the way for it to appear on the November ballot.
Also headed to voters this fall is a charter amendment related to redistricting, the result of a settlement in a lawsuit that alleged the city engaged in racial gerrymandering.
What’s on the ballot
Charter Amendment to Establish Lifetime Term Limits for Elected Officials with a Retroactive Effective Date
Ballot Summary:
Shall the City Charter be amended to provide that no person who has been elected or appointed two (2) times, excluding times when elected to fill a vacancy, to the office of Mayor or Commissioner shall be eligible for reelection to that office during their lifetime, that the term limits shall be measured retroactively from each elected official’s first election or appointment, and that this amendment shall become effective immediately?
Proposed Charter Amendment to Establish a Citizens’ Redistricting Committee
Ballot Summary:
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Amends the Charter to provide that City Commission districts may not be drawn with the intent to favor or disfavor a candidate or incumbent.
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Establishes a Citizens’ Redistricting Committee to draw districts after each census and when required by law.
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Provides process for the Redistricting Committee to propose redistricting plans to the City Commission for final action.
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Sets Redistricting Committee members’ qualifications, duties, term of office, and process for appointment and removal.
Both measures will be put to a vote in the November 2025 municipal election.
