The Ballot Initiative Gazette
From Ballotpedia
Ballot measure and direct democracy news headlines from around the nation
Beer and wine grocery sales may be on Colorado ballot
DENVER, Colorado: Blake Harrison, a Denver attorney and candidate for the State House, filed an initiative to allow the sale of wine and full-strength beer within grocery stores. The initiative, also known as Initiative 29, was filed this week with the Colorado Legislative Council. A hearing on the proposal is scheduled for December 1st.[1] According to the submitted proposal, grocery and convenience stores would be allowed to set aside 5% of their floor space for beer and wine sales. State law currently only allows the sale of reduced-strength beer. In turn, liquor stores would be able to designate 5% of their shelf space for food sales, which are currently not allowed.[2]
In the past couple of years, two similar bills have been shot down. In 2008, a legislative proposal died in committee after a 5-1 Senate Finance Committee vote. The measure was opposed by liquor-store owners who argued the bill would severely impact their businesses. In 2008, however, the general assembly passed a law to allow Sunday liquor sales. In 2009, Rep. Liane "Buffie" McFayden attempted to pass a similar bill but it was defeated in the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee.[3]
Massachusetts dog track betting not gone--yet
BOSTON, Massachusetts: The House approved a bill on November 10, 2009 that extends simulcasting at the state’s two dog racing tracks until July 31, 2010. The Wonderland Greyhound Park had stopped racing after Massachusetts voters approved a ballot question in 2008 to ban such events. The park is to cease racing on December 31, 2009, and the state's other dog park, The Raynham Park, is supposed to stop races the next day.[4]
If the Senate approves of the bill, both parks would be converted into off-track betting venues for the first half of the 2010. Only bets on races elsewhere in the country would take place at the parks.
Texas ballot measures show low turnout throughout the state
Texas: Texas voters saw 11 ballot measures on November 3, 2009, with topics ranging from eminent domain to education to veterans affairs. Apparently, that didn’t catch the eyes, ears, or lever hands of Texas voters. According to the Secretary of State’s website, no amendment saw more than 8.14% of registered voters in the state of Texas decide on it. The measure with the lowest turnout was Proposition 5, with only 7.85% of registered voters voting on the issue. In Brazoria County, an editorial by TheFacts.com stated: “The Texas Secretary of State’s Office didn’t exactly have the highest of expectations for the Nov. 3 election, predicting overall turnout of between 3 and 4 percent. Voters in Brazoria County are meeting expectations, which in this case isn’t a good thing.”[5][6]
Even before the elections, most Texas newspapers predicted a low voter turnout, as constitutional amendments in the state historically show small numbers. According to Allbusiness.com, in Hidalgo County, Election Administrator Yvonne Ramon stated the low turnout is typical for amendment elections, and the county was “on par” with most counties throughout the state in the early voter returns.[7]
In Angelina County, Election Administrator Thelma Sherman reported during election day that at one point, only 844 people had voted, with the county holding 46,600 registered voters. Sherman stated a frustration with the dismal numbers due to the hard work and money put in to hold the elections. According to Sherman: "It takes as much to put on a small election as it does to put on a big election and with all the electronic equipment and the cost to have staff to work the polling places."[8]
Voting numbers were almost non-existent in Zavala County, as the no proposition hit over the 2% mark. The lowest for the county was Proposition 2, which yielded a mere 1.79% of registered voters.[9]
Rhode Island looking into marijuana issue
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island: A newly created commission in the state of Rhode Island may be the key to decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana. The commission met at the State House on November 18, 2009 to discuss the issue of the drug. The panel included a criminal-defense attorney, a retired court administrator, a prisoner-rights activist, the head of the Rhode Island nurses’ association, a medical doctor and a Harvard University lecturer who wrote a book on the legalization and taxation of marijuana.
According to reports, the recommendation the group might make to the state: “roll back the state’s marijuana penalty laws to reduce the prison population and free the police to pursue other crimes.”[10]
Massachusetts statewide sales tax measure gaining momentum
BOSTON, Massachusetts: Activists stated during the week of November 19, 2009 that they had collected enough signatures to place the measure on the 2010 ballot. Carla A. Howell, chairwoman of the committee organizing the effort, Alliance to Roll Back Taxes, declined to provide the number of signatures collected, but did state: "We do feel confident we've submitted more than the requirement.”[11]
According to the ballot summary: This proposed law would reduce the state sales and use tax rates (which were 6.25% as of September 2009) to 2.5% as of January 1, 2011. It would make the same reduction in the rate used to determine the amount to be deposited with the state Commissioner of Revenue by non-resident building contractors as security for the payment of sales and use tax on tangible personal property used in carrying out their contracts.[12]
Hearing date set for Idaho ballot access lawsuit
BOISE, Idaho: Daien v Ysursa now has a hearing date set for Monday, December 14, 2009.[13]
The case challenges the ban on out-of-state circulators for independent presidential candidates. The case was filed on April 7, 2009. The lawsuit was filed by Donald N. Daien, a resident of Arizona, because he wanted to help Ralph Nader to appear on the Idaho ballot last year. He stated that he wanted to help other candidates appear on ballot in the future, giving him reason to file the lawsuit on January 16, 2009.[14]
Secret Ballot initiative filed in Nevada
CARSON CITY, Nevada: The Nevada Secret Ballot Amendment initiative was filed this week with the secretary of state's office. The measure proposes protecting the "right to vote by secret ballot for elections for public office, for decisions on ballot measures, and for designations of employee representation." In order to qualify the measure for the November 2010 ballot supporters are required to collect a minimum of 97,002 valid signatures.[15]
The same initiative has been filed in Arizona, Arkansas, Missouri, Colorado, and Utah. Currently, legislation, also known as the Employee Free Choice Act, is pending before the United States Congress that would remove that requirement from federal law.
Same-sex marriage opponents file lawsuit against D.C. board
Washington, D.C.: Only a day after the Washington, D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics announced their rejection of placing a proposed same-sex marriage ban measure on the ballot, same-sex marriage opponents filed a lawsuit against the board.[16] The suit was filed in D.C. Superior Court on Wednesday, November 18, according to representatives of the Alliance Defense Fund. According to reports, Bishop Harry Jackson and other opponents are "vowing an extensive court battle."[17]
The proposed measure read:
Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in the District of Columbia.
Ohio Rep. Garrison introducing bill already in place
Columbus, Ohio:
It sure would be nice if elected state officials were required to become familiar with applicable parts of the state constitution and statutes before drafting their bills.
Ohio Rep. Jennifer Garrison introduced a bill called The Ballot Integrity Act that would require circulators and coordinators to register with the secretary of state's office. She said this law is needed to cut down on the number of initiatives on the ballot. [18] [19]
That part of her new bill won't be necessary. Ohio's Form 15 is already in place for circulators and coordinators.
D.C. board rejects same-sex marriage ban on ballot
Washington, D.C.: Yesterday, the Washington, D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics ruled to reject a proposed ballot measure to ban same-sex marriage on the basis that it would violate D.C.'s Human Rights Act (HRA). The HRA prohibits discrimination. Previously, the board rejected a proposed referendum on the district's recognition of out-of-state same-sex marriages. The board based their ruling on the district's HRA law. The D.C. City Council is expected to vote on same-sex marriage December 1, 2009. The council is required to vote twice before the law is accepted.[20]
Marijuana activist gets $30k from national group
HAILEY, Idaho: A marijuana activist who successfully lobbied for Haily residents to pass two marijuana intiatives in 2007 and 2008, claims to have recieved $30,000 from a national marijuana group that allegedly backed out of funding his efforts. Ryan Davidson won a $60,000 grant from the Washington D.C. based Marijuana Policy Project, but the group withdrew the cash after Davidson met resistance with local communities. Although the Idaho Supreme Court later approved his initiatives, the group still refused to cooperate, according to Davidson.[21]
Despite the victory in court, Davidson's marijuana initiatives have subsequently been thrown out in court.
Mississippi Voter ID initiative surpasses signature halfway mark
JACKSON, Mississippi: According to Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, Mississippi Voter Identification Petition (2011) proponents have gathered more than half of the required signatures to place the initiative on the 2011 statewide ballot. A minimum of 90,000 valid signatures are required to qualify the measure.[22] The measure, if successful, would require Voter ID at the polls in the state. The measure was previously proposed for the 2008 ballot, however, Mississippi Senate failed to take action on the proposal. The 2011 initiative is sponsored by Delbert Hosemann and Sen. Joey Fillingane.
Oregon autism community moves forward with vaccine initiative
SALEM, Oregon: This week the Oregon autism community announced that they are moving forward with efforts to place an initiative focused on vaccines and neurological disorders on the statewide ballot. The initiative is sponsored by Generation Rescue and supported by Talk About Curing Autism (TACA). The proposal is in its early stages and proponents are still deciding what exactly will appear in the ballot proposal. Some of the listed ideas and areas of concern for the sponsors include: increased research of unvaccinated children and aluminum; changes to the current vaccine disclosure and informed consent laws; banning thimerosal for children and pregnant women.[23]
California water bond measure may re-ignite the north/south war of 1982
STOCKTON, California: Democratic assemblywoman Noreen Evans said that the $11 billion water bond on the June 2010 ballot may be "the same tired story all over again". Her comment referred to the Peripheral Canal Vote of 1982, when northern California voters went to the ballot box to overturn a plan of the California State Legislature to divert water from northern California to southern California through a concrete canal starting on the periphery of the Sacramento-San Joaquin river delta that would have moved water resources south.
Republican assemblyman Charles DeVore, criticizing the water bond from a different perspective, said that it is approximately double what it would take to "add water and fix the ecologically fragile delta". He asks, "Why is it that the price tag for this is a little more than double what it takes to do the job?"[24]
The $11 billion water bond bill includes about $2 billion in earmarks for projects that "lawmakers candidly acknowledge were included in the proposal to win the votes that were needed to pass the plan out of the Legislature."[24]
Examples of projects that would be funded if the proposition passes, but which are not related to improving the quality of California's water system, are:
- $40 million to educate the public about California's water.[24]
- $100 million for aLake Tahoe Environmental Improvement Program for watershed restoration, bike trails and public access and recreation projects.
- $75 million for the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, for public access, education and interpretive projects.
- $20 million for the Baldwin Hills Conservancy to be used to buy more land. The conservancy is near the home of Assembly Speaker Karen Bass.
- $20 million for the Bolsa Chica Wetlands in Huntington Beach for interpretive projects for visitors.[24]
Gov. Schwarzenegger said, ""When you hear about pork, what is for some people pork is for us cleaning up the groundwater."[24]
The amount of money requested in the bill was increased by $1.15 billion in an all-night session that ended just hours before the bill was approved.
1992 measure re-appears in midst of Oklahoma's down economy
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma: 5 percent reductions in state agencies have been ordered the past three months due to declining revenues during the current fiscal year. According to the governor's chief budget adviser, those reductions could increase. Among the down economy is the effects of the 1992 measure that Oklahoma voters approved that prohibited legislature from raising taxes without the approval of voters if the increase does not pass 3/4 vote of each legislative body.[25]
If deeper cuts are necessary, lawmakers could choose to raise taxes to keep the cuts at 5 percent, but must do it under the provisions of the measure that was passed 19 years ago.
New Montana ballot proposal filed
HELENA, Montana: A new proposed ballot measure has been filed with the Montana Secretary of State's office.
The effort to place the measure on the ballot is being led by Stevensville, Montana resident Duane A Sipe. The Secretary of State's Office recieved the proposed ballot measure on November 9, 2009. Sipe is proposing an amendment that would allow citizens to convene special investigative juries in their counties, not just judges. The proposed amendment would allow .5 percent of registered voters in a county to sign a petition that would subsequently summon an 11 person jury. According to Sipe's proposed amendment, any indictment brought by 8 of those jurors would have to be prosectued by the county's attorney.[26]
If the measure clears a review by the Secretary of State's office, Sipe will then have to collect 48,000 signatures from registered voters in Montana in order to place the measure on the ballot.[27]
Ripple effect of Maine's gay-marriage decision hits New Hampshire
CONCORD, New Hampshire: Maine's Question 1 may not have had the bravado of California's Proposition 8 of 2008, in terms of news coverage, but it's effects on the gay-marriage issue is proving to be just as significant to both sides of the argument. The defeat of same-sex marriage is causing other states to take notice, and New Hampshire has recently joined in. On January 1, 2010, gay couples in the state will be able to join hands in matrimony, as that will be the first day gay marriages will be allowed.[28]
However, two legislative proposals that have been filed requesting a bill and a constitutional amendment that would repeal the new law not long after it takes effect at the start of the new year. The legislative session begins in January, and both opponents and proponents are preparing for a heated fight.
Delaware forest referendum supporters must work to get it on ballot
BURLINGTON, Delaware: Supporters of a referendum that would ask Town Meeting representatives and selectment to support selling a 250 acre portion of town-owned land must now work to get it placed on a 2010 ballot. The town board voted 3-2 on a motion against putting the referendum on the ballot. As a result, supporters must now collect 1,600 valid signatures from registered voters in town if they want the referendum on the ballot.[29]
The land, known as the Land-locked Forest, would be sold to the development group Patriot Partners, and would most likely be developed into a retirement community.
'Political downsizing': Western New York may be setting trend
BUFFALO, New York: Western New York may be going down a path that most voters have yet to see, or may be unfamiliar with. It's a trend that may become popular across the country. Kevin Gaughan, founder of a movement that calls for "political downsizing", states a theory that "the best(and maybe only) way to cut government is to start with your own representatives." Gaughan is leading the movement that not only removes people from office, but removes the offices themselves. Communities are now beginning to adopt the idea of voting by referendum to reduce the number of seats on town councils.[30]
Four towns in Western New York that considered referenda to reduce the number of members on their town boards voted to do so. In Niagara County voters decided to reduce the county legislature from 19 to 15. According to Gaughan: "This is our chance to send a message. Now we have a stick. The guys on the council are friends of mine. I'm sorry it has to start at this end. But it has to start somewhere."
Oregon Supreme Court makes minor changes to tax ballot titles
SALEM, Oregon: On Friday, the Oregon Supreme Court slightly modified the ballot title wording of two 2010 tax hike referendum measures - Measure 66 and Measure 67.[31] The main point of argument surrounded a sentence included in both ballot titles: "Maintains funds currently budgeted for education, health care, public safety, other services." Tax opponents argued that the sentence was pure "speculation" and should be omitteded from the title, however, the court ruled instead to replace the word "maintains" with "provides."[32] Additionally, the court changed the wording of the "no vote" description to read: "Leaves amount currently budgeted for education, health care, public safety, other services underfunded." Previously, it had read, "Reduces funding currently budgeted for education, health care, public safety, other services by estimated $472 million."[33]
Updated ballot titles may be read here.
Pam Murray recall appears to be successful
NASHVILLE, Tennessee: Yesterday, Nashville residents cast their votes regarding whether to recall Nashville Councilwoman Pam Murray. Recall efforts began after Murray and Councilwoman Karen Bennett disputed a proposed bill that would have led to permitting mobile vendors on Cleveland Street in which some called Murray "unresponsive". Residents became increasingly concerned after a NewsChannel 5 report in April 2009 that revealed that Murray works for a methadone clinic in Detroit, Michigan despite her legal residence being in Nashville.[34] According to Nashville law, elected officials must reside in the city or district they represent.
Murray was first elected to the District 5 council in 2003.
According to unofficial results and the Davidson County Election Commission, the recall effort was approved. The election commission plans to certify the results on Monday.[35]
- Pam Murray (incumbent): 540 (49.91%)
- Jamie Hollin (challenger): 542 (50.09%)
Ohio representative proposes new initiative law
Columbus, Ohio: This week Ohio Rep. Jennifer Garrison revealed the "Ballot Integrity Act" - proposed legislation that would amend the state's initiative process. On Thursday, Garrison said, "I am here to improve our initiative process for the future and protect Ohio’s Constitution. Over the past several years, Ohio has seen a sharp increase in ballot initiatives and if this continues, we’ll become the California of the Midwest." One of the problems with the state's initiative process, she said, is that some people simply are not following the laws, however, she noted that some the laws need to be revised.[36]
The legislation, if approved, would:
- require petition firms to get licenses
- give the secretary of state the power to deny licenses to petition firms that previously violated petition laws in Ohio or other states
- require the registration of petition circulators
- require the development of training programs for petition circulators
Nevada personhood amendment faces legal challenge
CARSON CITY, Nevada: A lawsuit was filed this week against the proposed Nevada Personhood Amendment by the American Civil Liberties Union, Planned Parenthood and several individuals. According to the filed lawsuit, the petition and the description are "misleading" and does not include an explanation of the proposition's objective. Should the lawsuit be successful, the petition could still be allowed on the ballot if the language is altered.[37] The measure, if approved, would recognize the personhood of the unborn from the earliest stages of life. The amendment is supported by Personhood Nevada and is part of a nationwide effort to place the measures on 2010 ballots. [38] Maggie McLetchie, a lawyer for the ACLU of Nevada, said, "They seek to outlaw a huge range of reproductive services. Under the petition, fetuses could sue and be sued. What they are proposing is so radical and would clog up the courts." However, Richard Ziser, a supporter of the measure, said that it is clear what the petition's objective is - "It is to protect the life of the unborn. They would prefer we used the term abortion. We will see what we will end up with."[37]
South Dakota smoking referendum eligible for ballot, signatures to be reviewed
PIERRE, South Dakota: After much debate the proposed South Dakota Smoking Ban Referendum is eligible for the 2010 statewide ballot, ruled Circuit Judge Kathleen Trandahl. However, the issue regarding the number of valid signatures remains to be resolved. However, according to reports Judge Trandahl's final decision is expected to be appealed to the South Dakota Supreme Court.[39]
Signature requirements:
- Required: 16,776
- Filed: 25,400
- Invalid: 8,845 (as of July 23)
- Invalid, after review: approximately 8,685 (as of November 2)
Texans hope to get top tier universities after amendment passage
AUSTIN, Texas: Among the 11 constitutional amendments that passed in the state of Texas was Proposition 4, an amendment that will now transfer $500 million from a “dormant” existing fund into a new National Research University Fund which will be used to hire faculty members and to turn seven schools into Tier One Universities: University of Texas campuses at Dallas, Arlington, El Paso and San Antonio; Texas Tech University; the University of Houston and the University of North Texas.[40]
According to Bill Hobby, former Lieutenant Governor of the state: "Tonight's passage of Proposition 4 sends this important message: Texans understand that more nationally recognized research universities will help retain Texas-grown talent, recruit top researchers who will generate billions of dollars in economic growth, and create more high-paying, permanent jobs.”
Rhode Island Governor vetoes gay issue bill, says voters should decide
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island: Governor Donald Carcieri has vetoed a bill that, if passed, would have enabled gay couples the right to plan funerals for their partners, the same rights that heterosexual couples have. Carcieri, who is an opponent of gay marriage, stated that the legislative bill would “erode” heterosexual marriages. Another aspect of Carcieri’s logic is his beliefs that the issue should be decided by voters.[41]
According to Carcieri: “If the General Assembly believes it would like to address the issue of domestic partnership, it should place the issue on the ballot and let the people of the State of Rhode Island decide.”
Pennsylvania Supreme Court denies third party candidate
BERKS COUNTY, Pennsylvania: A year ago, Dennis Baylor began his campaign to run for the Pennsylvania State Senate as an independent. After losing to incumbent James Rhoades, Baylor decided that he should run again in a March special election under the No-Party Party of Pennsylvania. He had gathered enough signatures to appear on the November ballot, but was told that the had to start the signature gathering process all over again. The independent then filed a lawsuit, stating that state election code was “unconstitutionally burdensome toward minor party candidates seeking ballot access”.[42]
However, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court denied his subsequent appeal. Justice J. Michael Eakin later stated that the third party candidate had “viable claims” in stating his complaints about ballot access laws. Baylor filed a petition on October 28, 2009 for reconsideration of his case.
Tulsa sees three charter amendments pass
TULSA, Oklahoma: The city of Tulsa, Oklahoma saw three charter amendments pass after the November 3, 2009 election results came in. The three charter amendments and their impact follows:[43]
- Proposition 1 requires candidates for city auditor to be certified public accountants or certified internal auditors. 84% voted in favor.
- Proposition 2 rearranges City Council elections so three seats will be on the ballot each year for three-year terms. 56% voted in favor.
- Proposition 3 requires that both the mayor and council approve any claim or lawsuit settlement of $1 million or more. 65% voted in favor.
California utility PG&E appears to have signatures for "right to vote" measure
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SACRAMENTO, California: California utility Pacific Gas & Electric and the campaign committee it has given $3.5 million to, appear to have enough signatures to qualify the California Taxpayers Right to Vote Act (2010) for the 2010 ballot in California,
A report in early November said that petitions for the measure were "off the streets and being prepared for submission." If sponsors want the measure on the June 8, 2010 ballot, they'd need to submit these signatures by Monday, November 16. If they submit the signatures after November 16, the measure, if it qualifies, will qualify for the November 2, 2010 ballot.[44]
North Carolina county sales tax measure yields high campaign spending
LEE COUNTY, North Carolina: Lee County voters decided on a sales tax increase on November 3, 2009, and voted in favor of measure. Campaigning for the measure, according to a local newspaper report, reached high levels of spending, both for the increase and against.[45]
The ballot question raised the sales tax in the county from a quarter of a penny to 8 percent, with revenue being used to renovate Lee County High School. According to the report, The Lee County chapter of Americans For Prosperity, a group that was against the measure used campaign signs, automated phone calls and ads in the local newspaper ads. Those strategies are said to have a value of 7,044.55. The Lee Education Investment Committee, a group for the increase, reportedly collected $14,375 from donors as well.
Maine ballot question indirectly affects New York
ALBANY, New York: With New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine losing re-election, proponents of gay marriage are feeling the heat of legalizing marriage equality since Governor-elect Chris Christie is a known opponent. With the passage of Maine’s Question 1 repealing a same-sex marriage law that legalizes it, New York proponents may now feel the effects of the dilemma. According to reports, there is “little evidence” that votes for gay marriage in the state legislature are present. With the Maine example being proof that the marriage question is “unpopular” with the “electorate”, proponents in New York are pushing more for legislation.
According to Governor David Paterson, marriage is “one of those rare types of legislation that you never know what people are going to do until it hits the floor.”[46]
Tribal leader in favor of December measure placed on leave
Arizona: Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. was placed on administrative leave by the Tribal Council on October 26, 2009. Ironically, Shirley has been promoting a measure that will appear on the December ballot that would reduce the number of tribal council members.
According to news outlets, council members received reports relating to Shirley and his dealings with contractors who provide satellite and wireless services to the tribe and a loan agreement. According Shirley, Jr.: "I wasn't informed about what the allegations are," he said in a news release. "All that's out there is hearsay. . . . I certainly believe I'll be exonerated. We've got nothing to hide."[47]
Issue of gay marriage hits New Jersey
TRENTON, New Jersey:With the defeated of Jon Corzine in the November 3, 2009 elections, proponents of gay marriage have reached a point of urgency. With the ousting of the pro-gay marriage governor, who will leave office in the next few months, and the insertion of gay marriage opponent Chris Christie, New Jersey Democrats are hoping to pass a bill that would legalize marriage equality before Corzine leaves the reigns to the Governor elect.[48]
According to a contributor named “Caroline” in the blog, 'The Outspoken Liberal: "I really don’t want marriage equality on the ballot in New Jersey--this is why we must pass it before Corzine leaves office."
According to Sharon Soon, writer for the blog Conservatives With Attitude,: "Many state Senate seats will be up next year, and following a loss like today’s, it might not be the wisest action for our Democrats to pass legislation on such an issue that is proven to be unpopular and controversial."
Helena newspaper editorial calls voter turnout 'shameful'
Helena, Montana: In an editorial published by the Helena Independent Record, the publication calls the voter turnout in the city ‘shameful.’ The newspaper stated that the city is dependent on it’s government, yet less than half of the registered voters went to the polls to vote.[49]
The editorial states: “…the only troubling aspect about the commission election rests with the level of voter participation.We live in a city that revolves around government and there was a diverse field of qualified candidates, yet only 44.6 percent of the eligible voters bothered to vote. We can't accurately describe the number as "voter turnout," since the process of voting on the mail ballots didn't even require a change from one's pajamas or a trip to a polling place. All it took was a minute or two and a postage stamp."
Dog track to close in Massachusetts because of measure
BOSTON, Massachusetts: Raynham-Taunton Greyhound Park will close on January 1, 2010 due to the Massachusetts Racing Commission denied the request of the dog racing park to add racing dates in 2010 in deference to a voter approved statewide ban on the sport.
Massachusetts voters approved a ballot measure a year ago that banned dog races starting next year. However, statehouse supporters of dog racing pushed measure that would aid dog racing parks, including delaying the live-racing ban for two years, simulating out of state races and introducing slot machines into the parks.[50]
Maryland court to rule on petition signature validation process
HOWARD COUNTY, Maryland: The Howard County, Maryland, Circuit Court will hear a case on November 13, 2009 pertaining to whether or not petition signatures in the state are invalid if the signature doesn’t exactly match the name of the registered voter in records.
Norman v Howard County, 13C-09-76855 began in Howard County when a petition for referendum on zoning surfaced. The Howard County Board of Elections eliminated two-thirds of the signatures when it was reviewed for a second time. The signatures were reviewed twice due to another case in Montgomery County that stated that referendum signatures are to be deemed invalid if they do not exactly match the name in registration records.[51]
Book highlights 'limited' ballot measures in Kentucky
Kentucky: According to “Citizen Lawmakers: The Ballot Initiative Revolution”, a book by David Schmidt, it is noted that in 1910, a state law was passed that gave the state of Kentucky and it’s cities initiative rights up until the 1970’s. It also states, however, that in 1980, the legislature abolished that provision.
According to Sarah Ball Johnson, executive director of the Kentucky State Board of Elections, although the legislature places constitutional amendments on the ballot on occasion, the measures do not touch upon social or political issues that would be before voters in California or Ohio.
Health care measure may be coming to Kansas in 2010
TOPEKA, Kansas: Republicans in the House of Representatives and the Senate are teaming up to propose a health care amendment that supposedly would exempt them from a national government proposed and managed health-care reform.[52]
Proponents stated that the resolution is necessary to keep the state’s constitutional rights and maintain personal freedom and liberty in the state. According to state’s government, the amendment would need to gain two-thirds of approval from both legislative branches in order to place it on the 2010 ballot. The amendment is set to be introduced in each chamber during next year’s 2010 session.
Iowa voters hoping for same-sex marriage vote
DAVENPORT, Iowa: Proponents of same-sex marriage are aware of the Maine ballot measure that repealed the same-sex marriage law. Now, they say, it could happen in their state. Recently, Iowa critics of gay marriage have stated that they will begin to push for a referendum on the Iowa ballot. According to Bryan English, spokesman for the Iowa Family Policy Center, "When the people of a state are given the chance to vote, they always support the only definition of marriage -- one man and one woman.”
The Iowa Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in early 2009 and critics will push legislature even more to approve of a referendum.[53]
Kootenai County, Idaho leaders taking steps after jail expansion voted down
KOOTENAI COUNTY, Idaho: On November 3, 2009, Northern Idaho residents in Kootenai County voted down a local ballot measure that would have expanded the county’s jail. Now, the county will continue to send inmates to other jails, and it will ultimately cost the county approximately $52 million over the next decade. According to the measure, if passed, it would have raised the county sales tax by a half-cent for 10 years, using that collected money to pay for a $57 million jail expansion.[54]
The next step, leaders say, hopefully will come soon. County commissioners will lobby state legislators to renew the local-option sales tax that expires at the end of the year.
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