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What's a Ballot Measure?

Get results below to state-by-state ballot measures and amendments that hold an interest for the country at large.

Arizona

Arizona Proposition 102
Define Marriage Proposition 102 would amend the Arizona Constitution to provide that only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state.

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
56%
 
1,157,979
  NO
44%
 
900,185
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

Arizona Proposition 105
Majority Rules Proposition 105 would amend the Arizona Constitution to provide that an initiative measure that establishes, imposes or raises a tax, a fee or other revenue or mandates a spending obligation on a private person, a labor organization, other private legal entity or this state shall not become law unless the initiative measure is approved at the election by a majority of qualified electors registered to vote in the state.

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
34%
 
655,849
  NO
66%
 
1,288,897
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

Arizona Proposition 202
Illegal Hiring Proposition 202 makes various changes to the state laws prohibiting an employer from intentionally or knowingly employing an alien who is not authorized under federal law to work in the United States. Under Proposition 202, the definition of "knowingly employ an unauthorized alien" would be amended to require actual knowledge by an owner or officer of the employer. Proposition 202 would provide that a state, county or local official, in attempting to verify with the federal government if a person is authorized to work in the United States, shall rely solely upon the processes and procedures set forth in federal law. Additionally it allows the court to take judicial notice of the federal government''s determination of legal work eligibility and provides the court may request the federal government to provide automated or testimonial verification pursuant to federal law. Proposition 202 allows any person to file a written and signed complaint with the attorney general or county attorney that an employer in this state was either intentionally or knowingly employing an unauthorized alien in this state. If a person files a false or frivolous complaint, the person would be guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor. If the complaint is found to be valid, the appropriate federal and local officials would be notified by the attorney general or the county attorney. The county attorney would be authorized to bring an action against an employer only for violations that occur beginning January 1, 2009.

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
41%
 
806,790
  NO
59%
 
1,177,612
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

Arkansas

Arkansas Initiative 1
Adoptive Parents A proposed act providing that a minor may not be adopted or placed in a foster home if the individual seeking to adopt or to serve as a foster parent is cohabiting with a sexual partner outside of a marriage which is valid under the constitution and laws of this state; stating that the foregoing prohibition applies equally to cohabiting opposite-sex and same-sex individuals; stating that the act will not affect the guardianship of minors; defining "minor" to mean an individual under the age of eighteen (18) years; stating that the public policy of the state is to favor marriage, as defined by the constitution and laws of this state, over unmarried cohabitation with regard to adoption and foster care; finding and declaring on behalf of the people of the state that it is in the best interest of children in need of adoption or foster care to be reared in homes in which adoptive or foster parents are not cohabiting outside of marriage; providing that the Director of the Department of Human Services shall promulgate regulations consistent with the act; and providing that the act applies prospectively beginning on January 1, 2009.

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
57%
 
579,695
  NO
43%
 
437,720
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

Arkansas Amendment 3
State Lottery An amendment to the Arkansas Constitution authorizing the General Assembly to enact laws to establish, operate, and regulate state lotteries; requiring lottery proceeds to be used solely to pay the operating expenses of lotteries, including all prizes, and to fund or provide for scholarships and grants to citizens of this state enrolled in public and private non-profit two-year and four-year colleges and universities located within the state that are certified according to criteria established by the General Assembly; requiring the General Assembly to establish criteria to determine who is eligible to receive the scholarships and grants; declaring that lottery proceeds shall not be subject to appropriation by the General Assembly; declaring lottery proceeds to be cash funds held in trust separate and apart from the state treasury to be managed and maintained by the General Assembly or an agency or department of the state as determined by the General Assembly; requiring lottery proceeds remaining after payment of operating expenses and prizes to supplement, not supplant, non-lottery educational resources; declaring that this amendment does not repeal, supersede, amend or otherwise affect Amendment 84 to the Arkansas Constitution or games of bingo and raffles permitted therein; prohibiting lotteries and the sale of lottery tickets except as herein specifically provided.

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
63%
 
640,557
  NO
37%
 
379,823
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

California

California Proposition 11
Redistricting Creates 14-member redistricting commission responsible for drawing new district lines for State Senate, Assembly, and Board of Equalization districts. Requires State Auditor to randomly select commission members from voter applicant pool to create a commission with five members from each of the two largest political parties, and four members unaffiliated with either political party. Requires nine votes to approve final district maps. Establishes standards for drawing new lines, including respecting the geographic integrity of neighborhoods and encouraging geographic compactness. Permits State Legislature to draw lines for congressional districts subject to these standards. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Probably no significant increase in state redistricting costs. (Initiative 07-0077.)

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
51%
 
5,639,120
  NO
49%
 
5,470,209
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

California Proposition 2
Treatment of Farm Animals Requires that an enclosure or tether confining specified farm animals allow the animals for the majority of every day to fully extend their limbs or wings, lie down, stand up, and turn around. Specified animals include calves raised for veal, egg-laying hens, and pregnant pigs. Exceptions made for transportation, rodeos, fairs, 4-H programs, lawful slaughter, research and veterinary purposes. Provides misdemeanor penalties, including a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment in jail for up to 180 days. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Probably minor local and state enforcement and prosecution costs, partly offset by increased fine revenue. (Initiative 07-0041.)

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
63%
 
7,582,476
  NO
37%
 
4,390,291
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

California Proposition 4
Minor Abortion Amends California Constitution to prohibit abortion for unemancipated minor until 48 hours after physician notifies minor's parent, legal guardian or, if parental abuse reported, an adult family member. Provides exceptions for medical emergency or parental waiver. Permits courts to waive notice based on clear and convincing evidence of minor's maturity or best interests. Mandates reporting requirements, including reports from physicians regarding abortions on minors. Authorizes monetary damages against physicians for violation. Requires minor's consent to abortion, with exceptions. Permits judicial relief if minor's consent is coerced. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Potential unknown net state costs of several million dollars annually for health and social services programs, court administration, and state health agency administration combined. (Initiative 07-0053.)

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
48%
 
5,726,718
  NO
52%
 
6,251,638
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

California Proposition 5
Sentencing Guidelines Requires State to expand and increase funding and oversight for individualized treatment and rehabilitation programs for nonviolent drug offenders and parolees. Reduces criminal consequences of nonviolent drug offenses by mandating three-tiered probation with treatment and by providing for case dismissal and/or sealing of records after probation. Limits court's authority to incarcerate offenders who violate probation or parole. Shortens parole for most drug offenses, including sales, and for nonviolent property crimes. Creates numerous divisions, boards, commissions, and reporting requirements regarding drug treatment and rehabilitation. Changes certain marijuana misdemeanors to infractions. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: Increased state costs that could exceed $1 billion annually primarily for expanding drug treatment and rehabilitation programs for offenders in state prisons, on parole, and in the community. Savings to the state that could exceed $1 billion annually due primarily to reduced prison and parole operating costs. Net savings on a one-time basis on capital outlay costs for prison facilities that could exceed $2.5 billion. Unknown net fiscal effect on expenditures for county operations and capital outlay. (Initiative 07-0081.)

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
40%
 
4,738,879
  NO
60%
 
7,032,282
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

California Proposition 7
Renewable Energy Generation Requires all utilities, including government-owned utilities, to generate 20% of their power from renewable energy by 2010, a standard currently applicable only to private electrical corporations. Raises requirement for all utilities to 40% by 2020 and 50% by 2025. Imposes penalties for noncompliance. Fast-tracks approval for new renewable energy plants. Requires utilities to sign longer contracts (20 year minimum) to procure renewable energy. Creates Solar and Clean Energy Transmission Account to purchase property or rights of way for renewable energy. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: State administrative costs of up to $3.4 million annually for the regulatory activities of the Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission, paid for by fee revenues. Potential, unknown increased costs and reduced revenues, particularly in the short term, to state and local governments resulting from the measure's potential to increase retail electricity rates, with possible offsetting cost savings and revenue increases, to an unknown degree, over the long term to the extent the measure hastens renewable energy development. (Initiative 07-0066.)

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
35%
 
4,114,124
  NO
65%
 
7,602,106
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

California Proposition 8
Same Sex Marriage Ban Amends the California Constitution to provide that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government: The measure would have no fiscal effect on state or local governments. This is because there would be no change to the manner in which marriages are currently recognized by the state. (Initiative 07-0068.)

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
52%
 
6,455,839
  NO
48%
 
5,938,488
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

Colorado

Colorado Amendment 46
Discrimination by Gov Prohibits the state from discriminating against, or grant preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting.

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
49%
 
1,046,970
  NO
51%
 
1,080,238
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

Colorado Amendment 47
Conditions of Emplymt Prohibition on mandatory labor union dues.

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
44%
 
963,547
  NO
56%
 
1,206,079
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

Colorado Amendment 48
Definition of Person An amendment to the Colorado constitution defining the term "person" to include any human being from the moment of fertilization as "person" is used in those provisions of the Colorado constitution relating to inalienable rights, equality of justice, and due process of law.

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
27%
 
585,561
  NO
73%
 
1,605,978
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

Florida

Florida Amendment 2
Define Marriage This amendment protects marriage as the legal union of only one man and one woman as husband and wife and provides that no other legal union that is treated as marriage or the substantial equivalent thereof shall be valid or recognized.

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
62%
 
4,755,789
  NO
38%
 
2,913,740
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

Maine

Maine Question 1
Veto Tax on Drinks & Insurance Do you want to reject the parts of a new law that change the method of funding Maine''s Dirigo Health Program through charging health insurance companies a fixed fee on paid claims and adding taxes to malt liquor, wine and soft drinks?

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
64%
 
459,435
  NO
36%
 
254,645
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

Maryland

Maryland Question 1
Early Voting Authorizes the General Assembly to enact legislation to allow qualified voters to vote at polling places inside or outside of their election districts or wards and to vote up to two weeks before an election. This amendment also authorizes the General Assembly to enact legislation to allow absentee voting by qualified voters who choose to vote by absentee ballot, in addition to voters who are absent at the time of the election or who are unable to vote personally. (Amends Article I, 1 and 3 of the Maryland Constitution)

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
72%
 
1,742,294
  NO
28%
 
669,019
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

Maryland Question 2
Video Lottery Authorizes the State to issue up to five video lottery licenses for the primary purpose of raising revenue for education of children in public schools, prekindergarten through grade 12, public school construction and improvements, and construction of capital projects at community colleges and higher education institutions. No more than a total number of 15,000 video lottery terminals may be authorized in the State, and only one license may be issued for each specified location in Anne Arundel, Cecil, Worcester, and Allegany Counties, and Baltimore City. Any additional forms or expansion of commercial gaming in Maryland is prohibited, unless approved by a voter referendum. (Enacts new Article XIX of the Maryland Constitution)

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
59%
 
1,473,080
  NO
41%
 
1,036,725
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

Massachusetts

Massachusetts Question 1
Income Tax Ban This proposed law would reduce the state personal income tax rate to 2.65% for all categories of taxable income for the tax year beginning on or after January 1, 2009, and would eliminate the tax for all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2010. The personal income tax applies to income received or gain realized by individuals and married couples, by estates of deceased persons, by certain trustees and other fiduciaries, by persons who are partners in and receive income from partnerships, by corporate trusts, and by persons who receive income as shareholders of "S corporations" as defined under federal tax law. The proposed law would not affect the tax due on income or gain realized in a tax year beginning before January 1, 2009. The proposed law states that if any of its parts were declared invalid, the other parts would stay in effect.

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
30%
 
903,259
  NO
70%
 
2,066,907
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

Massachusetts Question 2
Decriminalize Marijuana This proposed law would replace the criminal penalties for possession of one ounce or less of marijuana with a new system of civil penalties, to be enforced by issuing citations, and would exclude information regarding this civil offense from the state's criminal record information system. Offenders age 18 or older would be subject to forfeiture of the marijuana plus a civil penalty of $100. Offenders under the age of 18 would be subject to the same forfeiture and, if they complete a drug awareness program within one year of the offense, the same $100 penalty.

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
65%
 
1,942,246
  NO
35%
 
1,038,101
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

Massachusetts Question 3
Dog Racing Ban This proposed law would prohibit any dog racing or racing meeting in Massachusetts where any form of betting or wagering on the speed or ability of dogs occurs. The State Racing Commission would be prohibited from accepting or approving any application or request for racing dates for dog racing. Any person violating the proposed law could be required to pay a civil penalty of not less than $20,000 to the Commission. The penalty would be used for the Commission's administrative purposes, subject to appropriation by the state Legislature. All existing parts of the chapter of the state's General Laws concerning dog and horse racing meetings would be interpreted as if they did not refer to dogs. These changes would take effect January 1, 2010. The proposed law states that if any of its parts were declared invalid, the other parts would stay in effect.

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
56%
 
1,647,792
  NO
44%
 
1,285,405
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

Michigan

Michigan Proposal 1
Allow Medical Marijuana A legislative initiative to permit the use and cultivation of marijuana for specified medical conditions.

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
63%
 
3,005,678
  NO
37%
 
1,792,497
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

Michigan Proposal 2
Stem Cell Research A proposal to amend the state constitution to address human embryo and human embryonic stem cell research in Michigan.

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
53%
 
2,520,240
  NO
47%
 
2,271,071
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

Missouri

Missouri Amendment 1
Make English Official Official Ballot Title: Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to add a statement that English shall be the language of all governmental meetings at which any public business is discussed, decided, or public policy is formulated whether conducted in person or by communication equipment including conference calls, video conferences, or Internet chat or message board? A "yes" vote will amend the Missouri Constitution to add a statement that English shall be the language of all governmental meetings at which any public business is discussed, decided, or public policy is formulated. This includes meetings conducted in person or by other means of communication including conference calls, video conference, Internet chat, or Internet message board. A "no" vote will not amend the Missouri Constitution to add a statement that English shall be the language of all governmental meetings at which any public business is discussed, decided, or public policy is formulated.

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
86%
 
2,407,464
  NO
14%
 
381,849
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

Missouri Proposition C
Renewable Energy Official Ballot Title: Shall Missouri law be amended to require investor-owned electric utilities, cooperative utilities, and certain municipal utilities to generate or purchase electricity from renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, biomass and hydropower with the renewable energy sources equaling at least 2% of retail sales by 2011 increasing incrementally to at least 15% by 2021, including at least 2% from solar energy; and restricting to no more than 1% any rate increase to consumers for this renewable energy?

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
66%
 
1,777,559
  NO
34%
 
914,331
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

Montana

Montana Initiative I155
Children Health Ins I-155 establishes the Healthy Montana Kids plan to expand and coordinate health coverage for uninsured children under the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Montana Medicaid Program, and employer-sponsored health insurance. The State Health Department may: raise income eligibility levels for children under CHIP and Medicaid; simplify transitions between CHIP and Medicaid coverage; provide assistance for children in employer-sponsored insurance; and work with health care providers, schools, organizations, and agencies to encourage enrollment of uninsured children. Funding for I-155 will come from a share of the insurance premium tax and federal matching funds. I-155 costs an estimated $22 million of state funds, paid from the treasury with a share of current revenues from the insurance premium tax. Actual expenditures will depend on other factors, including the amount of federal matching dollars and enrollment.

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
70%
 
326,565
  NO
30%
 
141,470
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

Nebraska

Nebraska Initiative 424
Ban Affirmative Action The object of this petition is to place on the general election ballot an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Nebraska to prohibit discriminating against or granting preferential treatment to any individual or group on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting by the state or any of its agencies, institutions, or political subdivisions.

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
58%
 
392,324
  NO
42%
 
289,484
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

North Dakota

North Dakota Measure 2
Income Tax Cut This initiated measure would amend sections 57-38-30 and 57-38-30.3 of the North Dakota Century Code for tax years beginning after December 31, 2008 by lowering the state corporate income tax rates by fifteen percent and the adjusted state income tax rates by fifty percent, except for one taxpayer bracket where the reduction would be forty-five percent and for two other brackets where some income would not be taxed.

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
30%
 
91,182
  NO
70%
 
210,253
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

Oregon

Oregon Measure 58
Bilingual Education Current law requires instruction in all school subjects (except foreign languages) to be primarily in English; permits instruction in more than one language so students whose native language is not English can make early transition to English; requires schools to provide English courses for children unable to profit from classes taught in English. Measure provides that no public school student shall be taught in language other than English for more than two years, with exception for classes teaching foreign language to English-speaking students. Limits "English immersion classes" (not defined) to no more than two years for students whose primary language is not English and who are not capable of being taught in English; after that, students shall be taught exclusively in English.

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
44%
 
715,933
  NO
56%
 
921,635
96 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

Oregon Measure 60
Teacher Merit Pay Local public school district boards currently fix salaries, and retention and other contract terms of employment for teachers within their respective districts, subject to state laws regarding collective bargaining, merit, competence, licensure and the Accountability for Schools for the 21st Century Law. Measure eliminates seniority as criterion for pay raises and requires that pay raises for teacher be based solely on that teacher's "classroom performance" (undefined); provides that if a school district reduces teaching staff, the district must retain the "most qualified" teacher, identified by "past classroom experience successfully teaching the specific subject" and academic training in that subject. Measure supersedes any conflicting law or policy, but applied only to teacher contract extensions and new contracts made after the effective date of measure.

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
39%
 
635,670
  NO
61%
 
1,010,802
96 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

Oregon Measure 65
Open Primaries Currently, major parties nominate candidates to general election through party primaries; minor parties, independents nominate candidates directly to general election. Multiple candidates for office may appear on general election ballot. Measure changes those nomination processes for partisan offices, including United States Senator, Congressional Representative; Governor; Secretary of State; State Treasurer; Attorney General; State Senator; State Representative; any state, county, city, district office that is not nonpartisan/for which law authorizes political party nominations to general election. Primary ballots contain all prospective candidates; elector may vote for candidate regardless of elector''s, candidate''s party affiliation. Only top two candidates in primary compete in general election. Primary, general election ballots must contain candidates'' party registration, endorsements. Eligible person, regardless of party affiliation, may fill vacancy.

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
34%
 
522,384
  NO
66%
 
1,011,585
95 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

South Dakota

South Dakota Initiative 11
Abortion Ban Currently a woman may obtain an abortion during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. Beyond 24 weeks, abortions may be performed only if necessary to preserve the life or health of the woman. Measure 11 would prohibit all abortions performed by medical procedures or substances administered to terminate a pregnancy, except for: abortions medically necessary to prevent death or the serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily organ or system of the woman; and abortions to terminate a pregnancy of less than 20 weeks resulting from rape or incest reported to law enforcement. When an abortion is performed as a result of reported rape or incest, the woman must consent to biological sampling from herself and the embryo or fetus for DNA testing by law enforcement. Measure 11 would allow the provision of contraception substances prior to the time pregnancy can be determined by conventional medical testing, or assistance in obtaining abortions in states where the procedure is legal. If approved, Measure 11 will likely be challenged in court and may be declared to be in violation of the United States Constitution. The State may be required to pay attorneys fees and costs.

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
45%
 
167,536
  NO
55%
 
206,488
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

South Dakota Amendment J
Eliminate Term Limits The Constitution establishes term limits for legislators. No legislator may serve in the state house of representatives or the state senate for more than four consecutive terms, or a total of eight consecutive years. Constitutional Amendment J would repeal legislator term limits.

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
24%
 
87,367
  NO
76%
 
272,581
100 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST

Washington

Washington Initiative 1000
Medical Choice This measure would permit terminally ill, competent, adult Washington residents medically predicted to die within six months, to request and self-administer lethal medication prescribed by a physician. The measure requires two oral and one written request, two physicians to diagnose the patient and determine the patient is competent, a waiting period, and physician verification of an informed patient decision. Physicians, patients and others acting in good faith compliance would have criminal and civil immunity.

  Option Vote%      Total Votes
  YES
58%
 
1,528,694
  NO
42%
 
1,108,134
91 % Reporting Updated 2009-07-23 15:24:01 EST
, W = Race Winner R = Runoff Winners (i) = Incumbent Candidate
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