Voters take notice. There are important state issues that need your attention. These proposed questions are state specific, ballot measures, and will be at the bottom of your ballot, hence the term “down ballot issues.” Each state has different referendums, initiatives and amendments that are specific to their state constitutions and legislatures.
Many people have the roles of our government reversed, but James Madison clearly defines the correct role of the states in Federalist No. 45 when he says, “The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite.” Take heed to his words, the state governments are important and should not be overlooked. It is essential in this election that you as a voter, educate yourself on the ballot measures that are brought before you.
To correctly assess your position on your state ballot measures, there are a few terms that will help you better understand these issues. A legislative referendum is a measure that has been referred to the ballot by the legislature of the state; these include referred laws, constitutional amendments or bond questions. An initiative is a measure that was placed on the ballot through the citizen’s petition process. It may either be a new law or a constitutional amendment. Only 24 states permit the initiative. A popular referendum is similar to an initiative in that it is placed on the ballot though the citizen’s petition process, but it includes a popular vote by the state legislature.
Also, when looking at the measures proposed by your state, don’t take the title of the measure at face value. Many titles are strategically named to be misunderstood. It is for this purpose, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWALAC) has highlighted many states whose measures touch upon our core issues (Definition of the Family, Sanctity of Human Life, Education, Pornography, Religious Liberty, and National Sovereignty).
First let’s look at the state measures that deal with health care.
In Alabama, Amendment 6 entitled Prohibit Mandatory Participation in any Health Care System is a Legislative Referendum that if passed will ensure that any person, employer, or health care provider is legally prohibited from being compelled to participate in any health care system.
CWALAC encourages those in Alabama to vote in favor of or “yes” on this ballot issue.
In Florida, Amendment 1 entitled Health Care Services is a Legislative Referendum that if passed prohibits laws or rules from compelling any person or employer to purchase, obtain, or otherwise provide for health care coverage.
CWALAC encourages those in Florida to vote in favor of or “yes” on this ballot issue.
In Montana, LR-122 entitled Prohibit Health Insurance Purchase Requirement is a Legislative Referendum that if passed will prohibit the state or federal government from mandating the purchase of health insurance or imposing penalties for decisions related to purchasing health insurance.
CWALAC encourages those in Montana to vote in favor of or “yes” on this ballot issue.
In Wyoming, Amendment A entitled Health Care Freedom is a Legislative Referendum that if adopted would provide that the right to make health care decisions is reserved to the citizens of the state of Wyoming.
CWALAC encourages those in Wyoming to vote in favor of or “yes” on this ballot issue.
Second, let’s look at the state measures that deal with life.
In Florida, Amendment 6 entitled Prohibition on Public Funding of Abortions; Construction of Abortion Rights is a Legislative Referendum that is passed prohibits public funds from being used for any abortion or for health-benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion. This does not include health of the mother, rape or incest.
CWALAC encourages those in Florida to vote in favor of or “yes” on this ballot issue.
In Montana, LR-120 entitled Revise Parental Notification of Abortion and Judicial Bypass is a Legislative Referendum that if passed would require parental notification prior to an abortion for a minor, providing for judicial waiver of notification, repealing prior statues, and providing penalties.
CWALAC encourages those in Montana to vote in favor of or “yes” on this ballot issue.
Next, let’s look at the state measures that deal with human trafficking.
In California, Proposition 35 entitled Human Trafficking. Penalties. Sex Offender Registration. Initiative Statute is an Initiative, that if passed would, among other things, increase criminal penalties for human trafficking, require sex offenders to provide information regarding Internet access and identities they use in online activities, and prohibits evidence that victim engaged in sexual conduct from being used against victim in court proceedings.
CWALAC encourages those in California to vote in favor of or “yes” on this ballot issue.
Lastly, let’s look at the state measures that deal with marriage.
In Maine, Question 1 entitled An Act to Allow Marriage Licenses for Same-Sex Couples and Protect Religious Freedom is an Initiative that if passed would grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
CWALAC encourages those in Maine to vote against or “no” on this ballot issue.
In Maryland, Question 6 entitled Civil Marriage Protection Act is a Popular Referendum that if passed would allow gay and lesbian couples to obtain a civil marriage license.
CWALAC encourages those in Maryland to vote against or “no” on this ballot issue.
In Minnesota, Amendment 1 entitled Recognition of Marriage Solely Between One Man and One Woman is a Legislative Referendum that if passed would clarify that only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Minnesota.
CWALAC encourages those in Minnesota to vote in favor of or “yes” on this ballot issue.
In Washington, Referendum 74 entitled Concerning Civil Marriage and Domestic Partnerships is a Popular Referendum that if passed would allow same-sex couples to marry.
CWALAC encourages those in Washington to vote against or “no – rejected” on this ballot issue.
For more information on ballot issues and for real time coverage as Election Day progresses, visit Concernedwomen.org .