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Iowa Repeal of Dueling Ban, Amendment 2 (1992)

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Iowa Amendment 2

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Election date

November 3, 1992

Topic
Dueling bans
Status

ApprovedApproved

Type
Legislatively referred constitutional amendment
Origin

State legislature



Iowa Amendment 2 was on the ballot as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment in Iowa on November 3, 1992. It was approved.

A "yes" vote supported repealing language from the Iowa Constitution that disqualified people who engaged in a duel, as the principal or accessory, from public office.

A "no" vote opposed repealing language from the Iowa Constitution that disqualified people who engaged in a duel, as the principal or accessory, from public office.


Overview

Amendment 2 repealed Section 5 of Article I of the Iowa Constitution.

The Des Moines Register published an editorial on Amendment 2, which said, “Dueling already had passed out of fashion by the time the provision was written into the Iowa constitution of 1846. … The dueling ban is a fascinating artifact that helps to give a feel for the age in which the document was written. Other than wanting to keep that touch of flavor, there’s no reason to keep the anti-dueling language in the constitution. Unless, of course, you want Iowa to be prepared just in case dueling someday makes a comeback.”[1]

The Sioux City Journal reported, "All kidding aside, even if the amendment passes, duel participants probably still could not hold office. Currently, those who take part in a duel can be charged with attempted murder, murder or manslaughter, depending on their aim. Felons are ineligible for every public office..."[2]

Election results

Iowa Amendment 2

Result Votes Percentage

Approved Yes

540,320 57.32%
No 402,364 42.68%
Results are officially certified.
Source


Text of measure

Ballot title

The ballot title for Amendment 2 was as follows:

Summary: The amendment repeals the disqualification from public office for parties to a duel.


Path to the ballot

The Iowa State Legislature referred the constitutional amendment to the ballot for voter consideration.

See also


External links

Footnotes