While the focus for the 2013 elections has been on the governors races in NJ and VA, there are other statewide elections taking place across the country this November – ballot measures. Ballot measures are one of the most direct forms of democracy, giving the voters a chance to directly influence public policy. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, there are currently 31 ballot questions in six states in 2013, ranging from taxes to casinos. Below is a snapshot of some of the ballot measures being voted on. For a more complete list you can visit the National Association of State Legislature’s Database.
Genetically Engineered Foods: Washington State has a referendum on whether genetically engineered foods should be required to be labeled with that distinction. Interest groups on both sides have raised substantial sums, with a slight edge for those supporting labeling. The result could depend on turnout as populous and liberal Seattle has a competitive mayoral race, while conservative rural areas have less high profile races.
Minimum Wage: New Jersey has a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would raise the minimum wage to $8.25, and provides mechanisms for annual increases. The amendment also mandates that New Jersey’s minimum wage must always be higher than the federal minimum wage, currently $7.25. While the governor’s race in New Jersey is gaining more attention, whoever turns out for the minimum wage measure could have an impact on the other statewide elections, and vice versa. Casinos: New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo has pressed for a constitutional amendment to allow the state legislature to authorize and regulate casinos. While the wording of the amendment does not state whether the casinos will be private or state run, it does state the intention of the amendment is to create jobs, fund education, and allow local governments to lower their property tax burden.
Casinos: New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo has pressed for a constitutional amendment to allow the state legislature to authorize and regulate casinos. While the wording of the amendment does not state whether the casinos will be private or state run, it does state the intention of the amendment is to create jobs, fund education, and allow local governments to lower their property tax burden.
Genetically Engineered Foods: Washington State has a referendum on whether genetically engineered foods should be required to be labeled with that distinction. Interest groups on both sides have raised substantial sums, with a slight edge for those supporting labeling. The result could depend on turnout as populous and liberal Seattle has a competitive mayoral race, while conservative rural areas have less high profile races.
Minimum Wage: New Jersey has a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would raise the minimum wage to $8.25, and provides mechanisms for annual increases. The amendment also mandates that New Jersey’s minimum wage must always be higher than the federal minimum wage, currently $7.25. While the governor’s race in New Jersey is gaining more attention, whoever turns out for the minimum wage measure could have an impact on the other statewide elections, and vice versa. Casinos: New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo has pressed for a constitutional amendment to allow the state legislature to authorize and regulate casinos. While the wording of the amendment does not state whether the casinos will be private or state run, it does state the intention of the amendment is to create jobs, fund education, and allow local governments to lower their property tax burden.
Casinos: New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo has pressed for a constitutional amendment to allow the state legislature to authorize and regulate casinos. While the wording of the amendment does not state whether the casinos will be private or state run, it does state the intention of the amendment is to create jobs, fund education, and allow local governments to lower their property tax burden.
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