Arizona’s 2006 Ballot Measures
Don’t want to put up with smoking in public places? Think the minimum wage should be increased? Should the state crack down more on illegal immigrants? Ban gay marriage? 19 Ballot measures give Arizona voters the chance to make public policy come November seventh. From gay marriage to election reform, the initiative and referendum process in Arizona is alive and well. Here and Now looks at what the propositions will do, why they’re on the ballot and who is behind them. Find out why special interest groups are turning more and more to the initiative route and why some political analysts worry about having too many questions before voters.
Become more informed about these issues by visiting KJZZ's 2006 Ballot Measures Fast Facts.
To call-in during the show, phone (480) 774-8200. To post a question ahead of time, click on the "comments" link below.
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Comments (5)
It is misleading to refer to the marriage proposition as a ban on gay marriage because the real consequences will be for straight Arizonans. Gay marriage is already illegal in Arizona and will continue to be regardless of whether this initiative passes. This initiative will take away benefits from elderly, straight couples who love each other but cannot marry because they will lose pensions they have through a previous spouse who is no longer alive. The initiative will also take away domestic violence protections from straight women who live with their boyfriends.
I am concerned about the "Lottery" Vote Encouragement ballot. I think it's a mockery of our electoral system and will encourage many more voters to cast a vote but quite likely not an educated vote, but rather a Quick-Pick vote. We may end up electing the first listed ballot item. We may end up with all elected officials with last names beginning with A. There is already a "reward" for voting. That reward being your voice is heard.
Mary Jo made the comment that a 1988 AZ English speaking ballot measure failed. If I recall correctly, this is the one the voters passed and Rose Mofford, our then non-elected governor, took it upon herself to reject it. To this day I still think she was out of line and exceeding her powers. Now we have wasted thousands of tax dollars printing multiple languages and even discriminate against English only speaking citizens by indicating Spanish as a "plus" in state job openings..
Did the supporters of some of these initatives first try to get the legislature to approve them or did they go straight to the ballot?
Why is there no information available as to the fate of the taxation of decriminalized marijuana ballot initiative? This measure no doubt failed to make the 2006 ballot but why is there no record available?
