WEEKLY WHINE
Guide to 2012 US ballot measures
The United States votes on TUE 06 NOV 2012. If you live in the United States, you should vote on that day, or earlier if your locality supports such.
All 435 seats in the US House of Representatives are up for election, as are 33 seats in the US Senate, 22 state governors’ seats, more than 6,000 seats in state legislatures, a huge array of local seats in all three branches of government, 176 state ballot measures, and innumerable local ballot measures.
But how should you vote? Luckily, we here at GoobNet are ready to tell you the correct way to vote on all state ballot measures.
Note that those of you who watch Fox News are exempt. They have already told you how to vote.
ALABAMA
Amendment 1 amends the state constitution to implement a 20 year extension to payments into the Forever Wild Land Trust, which purchases land for state parks, nature preserves, and recreational areas. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Amendment 2 amends the state constitution to authorise bonds of up to US$750,000,000. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Amendment 3 amends the state constitution to define a Stockton Landmark District in Baldwin County. Because of precisely this type of amendment, Alabama’s state constitution is more than 350,000 words, 40 times the length of the US constitution. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Amendment 4 amends the state constitution to remove school segregation and poll taxes. GoobNet recommends a yes vote and welcomes Alabama to the 20th century. Note that the rest of the country is already on the 21st century, so you still have some catching up to do, Alabama.
Amendment 5 amends the state constitution to transfer the city of Richard’s water and sewer services to the city of Mobile. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Amendment 6 amends the state constitution to ban health care systems that involve mandatory participation. GoobNet recommends a no vote to combat this cynical ploy to subvert the Affordable Health Care Act.
Amendment 7 amends the state constitution to require secret ballots. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Amendment 8 amends the state constitution to prevent the legislature from increasing compensation during its own term. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Amendment 9 amends the state constitution to permit business privilege taxes. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Amendment 10 amends the state constitution to clarify regulations on banks and prevent the state from holding stock in banks. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Amendment 11 amends the state constitution to ban municipalities not located in Lawrence County from imposing municipal ordinances in that county. GoobNet recommends a no vote and severely questions the need for measures of this type.
ALASKA
Bonding Proposition A authorises a bond of up to US$453,499,200 for transportation improvement. GoobNet recommends a no vote on the grounds that this should be paid for with current tax money.
Ballot Measure 1 authorises a constitutional convention. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
ARIZONA
Proposition 114 amends the state constitution to state that victims are not liable for incidents occurring during or after a felony. GoobNet recommends a no vote and demands that Arizona legislators concentrate on issues that have actually happened.
Proposition 115 amends the state constitution to increase the governor’s control over the judiciary. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Proposition 116 amends the state constitution to cut property taxes on new equipment. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Proposition 117 amends the state constitution to limit annual increases in property tax value to 5%. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Proposition 118 amends the state constitution to increase distribution from the state’s Permanent Fund. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Proposition 119 amends the state constitution to authorise the state legislature to swap trust lands when in support of military installations. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Proposition 120 amends the state constitution to declare state sovereignty over its natural resources. GoobNet recommends a no vote to combat this cynical ploy to subvert federal environmental protection law.
Proposition 121 amends the state constitution to remove party control of primaries. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Proposition 204 renews a sales tax increase of one percentage point that funds education. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
ARKANSAS
Issue 1 amends the state constitution to increase state sales tax by half a percentage point for highway construction. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Issue 2 amends the state constitution to permit redevelopment districts within cities and counties. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Issue 3 was invalidated. It would have amended the state constitution to permit casinos built by a specific person. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Issue 4 was invalidated. It would have amended the state constitution to permit casinos. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Issue 5 permits medical marijuana. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
CALIFORNIA
Proposition 30 amends the state constitution to increase state income taxes on those earning US$250,000 or more per year, and to increase the state sales tax by a quarter of a percentage point. It conflicts with Proposition 38, meaning that if both pass, only the one with more yes votes takes effect. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Proposition 31 amends the state constitution to do many things. GoobNet recommends a no vote and demands that each change be brought to the electorate individually.
Proposition 32 bans corporate and union contributions to state and local candidates. GoobNet recommends a no vote until the ban also applies to superPACs.
Proposition 33 permits persistency discounts for automobile insurance. GoobNet recommends a no vote and will not pretend not to notice that Mercury Insurance chairman George Joseph has donated more than US$16,000,000 to this measure’s yes campaign, whilst no other donor has contributed more than US$100,000 on this measure – to either side.
Proposition 34 abolishes the death penalty and replaces it with life without parole. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Proposition 35 affects penalties for human trafficking. GoobNet recommends a no vote on the grounds that the proposition is overly broad.
Proposition 36 modifies the three strikes law to permit life sentences for a third felony conviction only if it is serious or violent. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Proposition 37 requires labelling of genetically modified food. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Proposition 38 increases state income taxes on those earning US$7,136 or more per year. It conflicts with Proposition 30, meaning that if both pass, only the one with more yes votes takes effect. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Proposition 39 increases state income taxes on corporations that do business within the state but are not located there. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Proposition 40 is a referendum on the new state senate districts. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
COLORADO
Amendment 64 amends the state constitution to legalise marijuana. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Amendment 65 is an advisory question that instructs the state’s members of Congress to support a US constitutional amendment to limit campaign spending. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Amendment S amends the state constitution to reform state hiring practises. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
FLORIDA
Amendment 1 amends the state constitution to ban health care systems that involve mandatory participation. GoobNet recommends a no vote to combat this cynical ploy to subvert the Affordable Health Care Act.
Amendment 2 amends the state constitution to reduce property taxes for disabled veterans. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Amendment 3 amends the state constitution to limit state revenues. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Amendment 4 amends the state constitution to reduce property taxes. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Amendment 5 amends the state constitution to increase legislative control of the state judiciary. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Amendment 6 amends the state constitution to ban public funding for abortions. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Amendment 8 amends the state constitution to permit public funding for religious institutions. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Amendment 9 amends the state constitution to reduce property taxes for surviving spouses of military veterans and first responders. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Amendment 10 amends the state constitution to reduce taxes on tangible personal property valued between US$25,000 and US$50,000. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Amendment 11 amends the state constitution to authorise the state legislature to authorise localities to reduce property taxes for low income seniors. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Amendment 12 amends the state constitution to create a council of student body presidents of state universities, the chair of which would replace the president of the Florida Student Association in the system’s board of governors. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
GEORGIA
Amendment 1 amends the state constitution to permit charter schools. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Amendment 2 amends the state constitution to permit the state to enter into lease agreements of greater than one year. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
HAWAI‘I
The Dam and Reservoir Owners Assistance Amendment amends the state constitution to authorise bonds that would fund safety compliance upgrades to dams and reservoirs. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
The Appointment of Retired Judges Amendment amends the state constitution to authorise the chief justice of the state supreme court to appoint retired judges on a temporary basis. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
IDAHO
Proposition 1 is a referendum on a bill that removes tenure for teachers and prevents some issues from being included in negotiations. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Proposition 2 is a referendum on a bill that permits linking teachers’ salaries to standardised test scores. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Proposition 3 is a referendum on a bill that requires some high school courses to be taken online. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
HJR 2 amends the state constitution to include rights to hunting, fishing, and trapping. GoobNet recommends a no vote and severely questions that said rights were ever under threat.
SJR 102 amends the state constitution to state that responsibility of the probation and parole program for adult felons belongs to the state Board of Corrections. GoobNet recommends a no vote on the grounds that this is redundant.
ILLINOIS
HJRCA 49 amends the state constitution to require a 60% supermajority to increase pension benefits for public employees, at any level of government within the state. GoobNet recommends a no vote and demands that the state reform its pension scheme by actually reforming its pension scheme.
KANSAS
The Boat Property Tax Amendment amends the state constitution to authorise the state legislature to tax watercraft differently from other forms of property. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
KENTUCKY
House Bill 1 amends the state constitution to include rights to hunting and fishing. GoobNet recommends a no vote and severely questions that said rights were ever under threat.
LOUISIANA
Amendment 1 amends the state constitution to prevent the state Medicaid trust fund from being cut. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Amendment 2 amends the state constitution to increase gun rights. GoobNet recommends a no vote and severely questions that said rights were ever under threat.
Amendment 3 amends the state constitution to require more advance time for bills affecting public employee requirement. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Amendment 4 amends the state constitution to reduce property taxes for surviving spouses of some military veterans. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Amendment 5 amends the state constitution to permit removal of retierement benefits from public officials who are convicted of felonies relating to their offices. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Amendment 6 amends the state constitution to authorise exempting property taxes for land annexed by the city of New Iberia. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Amendment 7 amends the state constitution to restructure various boards and commissions. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Amendment 8 amends the state constitution to permit property tax exemptions for certain businesses. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Amendment 9 amends the state constitution to require more advance time for special districting. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
MAINE
Question 1 permits gay marriage. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Question 2 authorises a bond of up to US$11,300,000 for higher education. GoobNet recommends a no vote on the grounds that this should be paid for with current tax money.
Question 3 authorises a bond of up to US$5,000,000 for water and sewage projects. GoobNet recommends a no vote on the grounds that this should be paid for with current tax money.
Question 4 authorises a bond of up to US$51,500,000 for transportation improvement. GoobNet recommends a no vote on the grounds that this should be paid for with current tax money.
Question 5 authorises a bond of up to US$7,925,000 for water and sewage projects. GoobNet recommends a no vote on the grounds that this should be paid for with current tax money.
MARYLAND
Question 1 amends the state constitution to require judges of the Orphans Court in Prince George’s County to be admitted in good standing with the state bar. GoobNet recommends a no vote and demands its replacement with another amendment that levies this requirement on all judges on all courts within the state, instead of separate amendments for every single court in the entire state.
Question 2 amends the state constitution to require judges of the Orphans Court in Baltimore County to be admitted in good standing with the state bar. GoobNet recommends a no vote and demands its replacement with another amendment that levies this requirement on all judges on all courts within the state, instead of separate amendments for every single court in the entire state.
Question 3 amends the state constitution to remove elected officials charged with certain types of crime on a guilty or no contest plea rather than on final conviction. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Question 4 is a referendum on a bill that permits qualified undocumented immigrants at colleges within the state. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Question 5 is a referendum on the new US congressional districts. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Question 6 is a referendum on a bill that permits gay marriage. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Question 7 permits an additional casino in Prince George’s County and expands gaming at existing casinos. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
MASSACHUSETTS
Question 1 requires automobile manufacturers to provide diagnostic and safety information to vehicle owners, above and beyond a compromise bill passed after the deadline for removing this item from the ballot. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Question 2 permits euthanasia for humans. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Question 3 permits medical marijuana. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
MICHIGAN
Proposal 1 is a referendum on a bill that authorises the governor to appoint an emergency manager to take over local government entities in financial distress. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Proposal 2 amends the state constitution to include the right to collective bargaining. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Proposal 3 amends the state constitution to require a minimum of 25% of state electricity from renewable sources by 2025. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Proposal 4 amends the state constitution to permit collective bargaining for home health care providers. GoobNet recommends a no vote on the grounds that this is redundant to Proposal 2.
Proposal 5 amends the state constitution to require a 67% supermajority in the state legislature to increase state taxes. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Proposal 6 amends the state constitution to require voter approval of new bridges or tunnels between the state and Canada. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
MINNESOTA
Amendment 1 amends the state constitution to ban gay marriage. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Amendment 2 amends the state constitution to require photographic identification for voters. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
MISSOURI
Amendment 3 amends the state constitution to authorise the governor to appoint four, rather than three, of the seven members of the Appellate Judicial Commission. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Proposition A amends the state constitution to require municipal police forces to be placed under the municipality’s responsibility. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Proposition B increases cigarette taxes and allocates the proceeds to a new Health and Education Trust Fund. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Proposition E amends the state constitution to prohibit the governor from creating a health insurance exchange. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
MONTANA
LR-120 requires parental notification before a minor’s abortion. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
LR-121 requires proof of citizenship to receive services from the state. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
LR-122 bans health care systems that involve mandatory participation. GoobNet recommends a no vote to combat this cynical ploy to subvert the Affordable Health Care Act.
IR-124 is a referendum on a bill that limits the state’s medical marijuana programme. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
I-166 bans corporate campaign contributions. GoobNet recommends a no vote to combat this cynical ploy to subvert the US Supreme Court’s decisions.
NEBRASKA
Amendment 1 amends the state constitution to make misdemeanors committed while seeking office grounds for impeachment from that office. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Amendment 2 amends the state constitution to include rights to hunting and fishing. GoobNet recommends a no vote and severely questions that said rights were ever under threat.
Amendment 3 amends the state constitution to increase the limit on state legislators to three terms rather than two. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Amendment 4 amends the state constitution to raise the salary of state legislators from US$12,000 per year to US$22,500 per year. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
NEVADA
Question 1 amends the state constitution to permit the state legislature to convene a special session on a 67% supermajority in each chamber. GoobNet recommends a no vote and demands that state legislators actually do their jobs whilst they are in session.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
CACR 26 amends the state constitution to increase legislative control of the state judiciary. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
CACR 13 amends the state constitution to ban new taxes on personal income. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
The Constitutional Convention Question authorises a constitutional convention. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
NEW JERSEY
Public Question 1 authorises a bond of up to US$750,000,000 for state college upgrades. GoobNet recommends a no vote on the grounds that this should be paid for with current tax money.
Public Question 2 amends the state constitution to increase benefit contributions from the salaries of judges on the state superior and supreme courts. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
NEW MEXICO
Bond Question A authorises a bond of up to US$10,335,000 for upgrades to facilities for senior citizens. GoobNet recommends a no vote on the grounds that this should be paid for with current tax money.
Bond Question B authorises a bond of up to US$9,830,000 for public libraries. GoobNet recommends a no vote on the grounds that this should be paid for with current tax money.
Bond Question C authorises a bond of up to US$120,000,000 for higher education. GoobNet recommends a no vote on the grounds that this should be paid for with current tax money.
Constitutional Amendment 1 amends the state constitution to increase the Judicial Standards Commission membership from eleven to thirteen. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Constitutional Amendment 2 amends the state constitution to authorise the legislature to change the qualifications required for a public regulation commissioner. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Constitutional Amendment 3 amends the state constitution to transfer authority for corporate registration from the Public Regulations Commission to the Secretary of State. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Constitutional Amendment 4 amends the state constitution to transfer authority for regulating insurance from the Public Regulations Commission to a new state department. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Constitutional Amendment 5 amends the state constitution to create an independent commission to oversee public defenders. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
NORTH DAKOTA
Measure 1 amends the state constitution to repeal the poll tax, which violates the US constitution anyway. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Measure 2 amends the state constitution to require an oath of office from executive branch officials; legislators and judges are already required to take the oath. GoobNet recommends a no vote on the grounds that this is unnecessary.
Measure 3 amends the state constitution to include rights to farming and ranching. GoobNet recommends a no vote and severely questions that said rights were ever under threat.
Measure 4 bans smoking in indoor workplaces. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Measure 5 makes malicious harm of cats, dogs, or horses a felony. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
OHIO
Issue 1 authorises a constitutional convention. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Issue 2 amends the state constitution to establish an independent redistricting commission. GoobNet recommends a no vote and demands that it be reintroduced with provisions for a referendum to approve each redistricting plan.
OKLAHOMA
Question 758 amends the state constitution to limit annual increases in property tax value to 5% and to limit future increases in the property tax rate to three percentage points per year. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Question 759 amends the state constitution to ban affirmative action. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Question 762 amends the state constitution to transfer authority over parole decisions for nonviolent offenders from the governor to the Pardon and Parole Board. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Question 764 amends the state constitution to authorise bonds for a reserve fund for the state Water Resources Board. GoobNet recommends a no vote on the grounds that this should be paid for with current tax money.
Question 765 amends the state constitution to abolish the state Department of Human Services. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Question 766 amends the state constitution to abolish taxes on intangible property. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
OREGON
Measure 77 amends the state constitution to require a legislative session when the governor declares a catastrophic disaster, and it authorises the state legislature to suspend the state’s spending restrictions in such sessions. This measure takes effect only if it is passed by a 67% supermajority. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Measure 78 amends the state constitution to use the word branch rather than department to refer to the legislative, executive, and judicial functions of the government, and to use the word chamber rather than branch to refer to the two houses of the state legislature. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Measure 79 amends the state constitution to state that real estate transfer taxes are not permitted, though state law already prohibits them. GoobNet recommends a no vote on the grounds that this is redundant.
Measure 80 legalises marijuana and establishes a commission to regulate its cultivation and sale. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Measure 81 bans the use of seine nets in commercial salmon fishing in the Columbia River. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Measure 82 amends the state constitution to permit private casinos. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Measure 83 amends the state constitution to permit one private casino in Multnomah County. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Measure 84 phases out estate and inheritance taxes. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Measure 85 amends the state constitution to allocate excess corporate income ane excise tax revenue to schools rather than refunding it to the paying corporations. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
RHODE ISLAND
Question 1 amends the state constitution to permit casino games at Twin River. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Question 2 amends the state constitution to permit casino games at Newport Grand. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Question 3 amends the state constitution to authorise bonds of up to US$50,000,000 for upgrades at Rhode Island College. GoobNet recommends a no vote on the grounds that this should be paid for with current tax money.
Question 4 amends the state constitution to authorise bonds of up to US$94,000,000 for construction of a veterans home. GoobNet recommends a no vote on the grounds that this should be paid for with current tax money.
Question 5 amends the state constitution to authorise bonds of up to US$12,000,000 for wastewater infrastructure projects and US$8,000,000 for drinking water infrastructure projects. GoobNet recommends a no vote on the grounds that this should be paid for with current tax money.
Question 6 amends the state constitution to authorise bonds of up to US$20,000,000 for environmental projects. GoobNet recommends a no vote on the grounds that this should be paid for with current tax money.
Question 7 amends the state constitution to authorise bonds of up to US$25,000,000 to support low cost housing. GoobNet recommends a no vote on the grounds that this should be paid for with current tax money.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Amendment 1 amends the state constitution to require candidates for governor and lieutenant governor to run as a ticket rather than being elected separately. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
SOUTH DAKOTA
Constitutional Amendment M amends the state constitution to remove restrictions on corporate stock and shareholder voting. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Constitutional Amendment N amends the state constitution to repeal a limit on the mileage reimbursement rate for legislators. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Constitutional Amendment O amends the state constitution to limit the annual payment from the state cement plant fund to the state general fund to 4% of the fund’s value rather than US$12,000,000. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Constitutional Amendment P amends the state constitution to require a balanced budget. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Referred Law 14 is a referendum of a bill that dedicates some tax money to a new fund for large projects. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Referred Law 16 is a referendum of a bill that removes tenure for teachers and introduces a standard rating system for teachers. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Initiated Measure 15 increases sales tax by one percentage point to fund education. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
UTAH
Amendment A amends the state constitution to allocate a portion of state severance taxes to the permanent state trust fund. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Amendment B eliminates property taxes for military personnel. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
VIRGINIA
Question 1 amends the state constitution to limit eminent domain to the taking of private land for public use, which is exactly what eminent domain was supposed to be for in the first place. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Question 2 amends the state constitution to permit the legislature to delay the start of the veto session by up to one week. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
WASHINGTON
Initiative 1185 requires a 67% supermajority in both houses to increase state taxes. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Initiative 1240 authorises up to 40 charter schools. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Referendum 74 is a referendum of a bill that permits gay marriage. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Initiative 502 legalises marijuana. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
SJR 8221 amends the state constitution to reduce the debt limit. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
SJR 8223 amends the state constitution to authorise state research universities to invest money. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
Advisory Vote 1 is an advisory question on the state’s recent tax cuts to large banks. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
Advisory Vote 2 is an advisory question on whether to continue funding the state’s pollution liability insurance agency. GoobNet recommends a yes vote.
WEST VIRGINIA
Amendment 1 amends the state constitution to remove the two term limit on county sheriffs. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
WYOMING
Constitutional Amendment A amends the state constitution to ban health care systems that involve mandatory participation. GoobNet recommends a no vote to combat this cynical ploy to subvert the Affordable Health Care Act.
Constitutional Amendment B amends the state constitution to include rights to hunting and fishing. GoobNet recommends a no vote and severely questions that said rights were ever under threat.
Constitutional Amendment C amends the state constitution to permit district court commissioners to override the district court judge. GoobNet recommends a no vote.
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