By Al Ortiz

WASHINGTON, United States: In the last report in the series of state breakdowns, for individual states, we take a closer look at Washington ballot measures. The statewide ballot is crowded with three initiatives that qualified for the ballot by turning in petition signatures by the July 8 petition drive deadline.

In next week’s report, all states will be broken down in what will be the final in the series of ballot measure breakdowns. A review will be given of all breakdowns covered in the past month.

Stay tuned for the total breakdown report on October 31

Overview

Magnifying the states

Washington

Big developments have been quickly materializing in the state of Washington. Not only are there three more questions on the ballot than there were in 2009, but campaign activity and contributions have been on a fast track this year.

Five questions are on the ballot for November 8, and one in particular has dominated headlines more so than others – Initiative 1183. The initiative would close state liquor stores and allow state licensing of private parties. Privately owned stores would be required to have at least 10,000 square feet of retail space to sell and distribute liquor. According to reports, the proposal has received a total of $34 million worth of contributions, from both supporters and opponents.

In fact, as of October 24, the warehouse club chain Costco Wholesale has reportedly contributed about $21 million of the $22.7 million donated to the campaign effort in support of Initiative 1183.

This makes Costco Wholesale the largest single donor to a ballot measure in state history, as previous reports stated the second largest donation made was $16.7 million by the American Beverage Association in 2010 to support Initiative 1107.

The two other initiatives on the ballot are Initiative 1125 and Initiative 1163. I-1125 would prohibit gas tax and toll revenues to be diverted to non-transportation purposes. The other initiative, I-1163 would reenact background checks, training, and certain other requirements for long-term care workers and providers.

The two legislative referrals on the ballot are SJR 8205 and SJR 8206. 8205 removes a provision from constitution about the length of time a voter must reside in Washington to vote for president or vice president, while 8206 requires the transfer of additional funds to the budget stabilization account if the state has received “extraordinary revenue growth.”
Impacts of 2011 measures:

• Washington Transportation, Initiative 1125 (2011) – Not yet listed
• Washington Long-Term Care, Initiative 1163 (2011) – Not yet listed
• Washington Liquor State Licensing, Initiative 1183 (2011) – Not yet listed
• Washington Voter Residency Requirement Amendment, SJR 8205 (2011) – Washington Constitution
• Washington Budget Stabilization Account Amendment, SJR 8206 (2011) – Washington Constitution

Notable Quotes:

• Kathryn Stenger, Yes on 1183 spokesperson:

“On the one hand, people love the idea because they already have a good relationship with Costco and being able to go in there and find their favorite brands, but it’s also given them some peace of mind. They know that Costco is selling beer and wine now, they know that Costco sells liquor in other states and has done so safely.”^[1]

• Gov. Christine Gregoire commenting on Initiative 1183:

“As a matter of policy, the tradeoffs aren’t there for me. I just don’t think it’s the right thing for Washington State.” Gregoire argues that expanded sales would help generate more revenue for the state but cautions that more sales may generate new costs to the state. For example, in treatment for drug and alcohol abusers.^[2]

Looking ahead: The following are measures that have been proposed for the 2012 ballot:

• Washington Supermajority Vote Required to Raise Taxes, Initiative 1181 (2012) – Would require a 2/3 supermajority vote or 65% of the Washington State Legislature, or a statewide vote, for tax increases.
• Washington Motor Vehicle Fees, Initiative 490 (2012) – Would set $30 annual vehicle-license fees.
• Washington Marijuana Penalties, Initiative 493 (2012) – Removes certain state criminal and civil penalties relating to manufacture, possession, use, and distribution of marijuana and paraphernalia.

Next week’s Breakdown: A breakdown summary of all states covered in the past month Last week’s Breakdown: Ohio and Texas

By Tyler Millhouse

Louisiana held two special elections Saturday to fill vacancies in District 22 of the Louisiana State Senate and District 101 of the Louisiana House of Representatives. The senate vacancy was created when Troy Hebert (Independent) resigned in November 2010 to become Louisiana’s alcohol and tobacco control commissioner. ^[1] In the house, Cedric Richmond (D) won election to the U.S. Congress in the November 2, 2010 general election. ^[2] In both elections open primaries were held Saturday, with run-offs scheduled for February 19 if no candidate received more than 50% of the vote. All candidates, regardless of party affiliation, appear on the same ballot. ^[3]

In District 22, Fred Mills, Jr. (R), pharmacist, business owner, and bank executive, bested 5 other candidates, receiving a majority of the votes and averting a run-off election. ^{[4] [5]} In District 101, Wesley Bishop (D), an attorney and SUNO administrator, defeated two other candidates and avoided a run-off. ^{[6] [7]}Both candidates won by a significant margin, with Mills’ nearest opponent receiving 19% of the vote and Bishop’s nearest opponent receiving 13%. ^[8]

Partisan impact

Since Mills (R) replaced Troy Hebert, an independent, the Louisiana GOP has successfully tied the Louisiana State Senate. However, the tie will face a challenge in the February 19 special election to replace Nick Gautreaux (D). The party that captures this seat will command a majority in the senate and gain significantly greater influence over the 2010 census redistricting process.

Louisiana Senate Partisan Balance

Louisiana State House Partisan Balance

By Al Ortiz

BOSTON, Massachusetts: If Massachusetts residents absolutely want to avoid an alcohol tax when they buy their beverages of choice for New Year’s Eve, they might want to wait until after the clock strikes midnight. The newly passed alcohol sales tax repeal will take effect on January 1, 2011, as the new year begins and bottles of champagne open, according to the text of measure.

The measure, which was on the November 2, 2010 statewide ballot, asked voters whether or not to repeal a sales tax for alcohol sales in the state. Liquor retailers in Massachusetts indicated in late July 2009 that they were going to try to qualify the ballot measure for the 2010 ballot after the Massachusetts State Legislature increased the sales tax in the state from 5% to 6.25% and eliminated an exemption for alcohol sold in liquor stores. The measure was passed with 52 percent of voters voting ‘yes’ on the proposal.

OLYMPIA, Washington: A grand total of nine measures appeared on the November 2 statewide ballot in the state of Washington but only four were approved by voters. Approved measures included: I-1053, I-1107, SJR 8225 and HJR 4220.

Like California, Washington had some of the country’s highest grossing measures with campaign dollars in the millions on more than one occasion. On November 2, several of the the state’s hotly debated measures failed to collect sufficient support despite the millions of dollars in campaign support. Initiative 1098, a measure proposing a state income tax, was defeated by 53%. Likewise, I-1100 was defeated by 53%. A closely related measure, I-1105 resulted in a higher percentage in opposition. The measure failed with 65% opposed.

Results

Below are the overall results for the State of Washington.

Type	Title	Subject	Description	Result
ITP	Initiative 1053	Taxes	Will require 2/3 supermajority vote of the Washington State Legislature, or a statewide vote, for tax increases	a
ITP	Initiative 1082	Labor	Would amend workers’ compensation insurance in the state	d
ITP	Initiative 1098	Taxes	Taxes gross income above $200,000 for individuals, $400,000 for couples. Reduces state property tax by 20% and reduces certain business and occupation taxes	d
ITP	Initiative 1100	Alcohol	Closes state liquor stores and authorizes sale, distribution, & importation by private parties	d
ITP	Initiative 1105	Alcohol	Close all state liquor stores and license private parties to sell or distribute spirits. Revises certain laws concerning regulation, taxation and state revenues	d
ITP	Initiative 1107	Taxes	Would repeal certain 2010 amendments to state tax laws including a sales tax on candy and bottled water and a temporary excise tax on soda pop	a
LRSS	Referred Bill 52	Bond issues	Authorizes bonds for construction and repair projects increasing energy efficiency in public schools and higher ed. buildings	d
LRCA	SJR 8225	State budget	Adjusts the state debt limits	a
LRCA	HJR 4220	Law enforcement	Gives judges authority to deny bail whenever they deem the public at risk	a

RICHMOND, Virginia: Governor Bob McDonnell is open to having a statewide referendum on privatizing alcohol control in the Commonwealth of Virginia. ^[1]

During an interview on WRVA radio, the Governor said: “I think the idea would be embraced publicly, but I want to get the savings now.” McDonnell further stated that: “I’ve just got to convince the legislature to do that.”. ^[1]

McDonnell also said that a proposed referendum would be different from Washington Initiative 1100, which was on the November 2, 2010 ballot. McDonnell thinks a referendum would pass in Virginia because of an different electorate than in Washington State and only 1,000 retail units would be created upon voter approval. If I-1100 was approved by Washington voters, the plan would have called for 3,000 new retail stores to be created. ^[1]

The Governor is planning to re-tool the proposal in time for January of 2011 when lawmakers return to Richmond to finish the remainder of the legislative session. ^[1]

By Bailey Ludlam, Johanna Herman and Al Ortiz

ALL REGIONS, United States: During the past five weeks, Ballotpedia has dissected ballot measures in each region of the United States, with the regional breakdown having started on September 30, 2010. Each week has featured one region of the United States, magnifying ballot measures in each state in that region, as well as comparing ballot measure counts in that region to that of the 2008 general election. Notable local measures in those particular regions were also highlighted in regional breakdown articles. Now, one day before the general election, Ballotpedia gives you each region that has been covered in the past five weeks, along with measures getting the most attention in those regions. To view each regional breakdown article Ballotpedia has done, click a region on the map and become informed on what proposals are on the ballot in your area.

Magnifying the regions

Northwest

Washington is heavy with numerous measures worth keeping an eye on. Everything from liquor regulations to spending amendments appear on the ballot. According to state documents, more than $38.6 million has been raised thus far in either support or opposition for all citizen initiatives scheduled to appear on the ballot.

In particular, two tax initiatives take different approaches to the state’s spending woes. Initiative 1098 calls for implementing a state income tax on incomes of $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for couples. On the other hand, Initiative 1053, another tax-related measure, proposes requiring a two-thirds majority vote of the Washington State Legislature or a vote of the people for any tax increases.

Oregon, like Washington, has a heavy ballot with a wide array of topics. The measure to watch: Measure 74 proposes establishing a medical marijuana supply system, assistance and research programs and would allow limited selling of marijuana. Oregon is one of four states with marijuana related measures on the 2010 ballot.

For a rundown of other states’ measures in this region, such as Montana’s much-talked about proposals, view Ballotpedia’s northwest regional breakdown article.

Southwest

Unlike most states this year, Colorado’s ballot is heavy with citizen initiatives. Causing the greatest amount of controversy and discussion is a trio of spending-related measures: Proposition 101, Amendment 60 and 61. Supporters argue that the three measures will force government to operate more efficiently and cut bloated spending. Opponents, on the other hand, argue that the measures would devastate the state and “halt the pro-business environment.”

There are 10 measures on the November ballot in Arizona, but one that is causing a stir is Proposition 203, which would allow residents in the state with specific medical conditions to be treated with certain amounts of marijuana for personal use. According to the provisions of the initiative, the Arizona Department of Health Services would be put in charge of regulating the sale and use of medical marijuana. Supporters state that the medicine is beneficial to those who would be eligible to obtain the medicine, while opponents counter that the measure is a smokescreen for patients who could abuse the drug.

To view the controversial Oklahoma measures on the ballot, check out the southwest regional breakdown article.

Midwest

In November, voters will vote on taxes, election reform and animal rights. All three certified citizen initiatives in Missouri have become some of the most discussed measures of the year. One of the most debated includes - Amendment 3 which proposes prohibiting the tax of real estate sales or transfer of real estate. The campaign effort in support of the proposed measure has drawn in more than $3 million dollars as of early October.

Tax measures in the region are not limited to the state of Missouri, however, as in Indiana, voters will decide on Public Question 1, which would add property tax caps to the Indiana Constitution. Polls taken in the state have shown a strong support for the measure, while opponents have conceded that the measure will likely pass.

For other measures in this region, like Iowa and Michigan’s Constitutional Convention questions, view Ballotpedia’s regional breakdown of the midwest.

Northeast

Fiscal issues are hot this year and there’s no exception in Virginia. Virginia is one of about five states that propose a ballot question involving revenue stabilization or rainy day funds on the November 2010 ballot. Question 3 asks voters if they approve of directing “10 percent to 15 percent of the Commonwealth’s average annual tax revenues derived from income and retail sales taxes for the preceding three fiscal year” to a “rainy day fund.”

Staying with the fiscal issues are two tax measures on the Massachusetts ballot. Question 1 would repeal the sales tax for alcohol sales, while Question 3 would roll back the state sales tax from 6.25 percent to 3 percent. There has been a strong showing of opposition among state newspapers of the measures, but polls for Question 3 have shown that residents surveyed seem to be split on the issue.

For the ballot measure happenings in states like Maine, which has a casino measure on the ballot, view Ballotpedia’s breakdown of the northeast region.

Southeast

At its all time peak, the Florida ballot had a total of 10 certified measures; however, voters will cast their votes on only 7 measures. Florida is certainly one the state’s with the some of the most disputed measures and not just due to the post-certification legal battles. Of the certified measures, the most debated include: Amendment 4 – comprehensive land use plansand Amendments 5 and 6 – redistricting measures.

Like other Southeastern states such as South Carolina and neighboring Tennessee, the issue of the right to hunt and fish will be on the Arkansas ballot this year. Issue 1 asks voters whether or not to allow residents the right to hunt, fish, trap, and harvest wildlife in the state. The Arkansas Legislature can only refer up to three constitutional amendments to the Arkansas Constitution for any one ballot. This measure is one of three legislatively-referred constitutional amendments that are on the ballot in 2010.

Not sure what’s going on in Alabama, Louisiana or North Carolina, where the position of county sheriff could be affected? Go to Ballotpedia’s southeast regional breakdown article.

Local measure activity

Northwest: In the state of Oregon, 16 counties have listed items on their county websites to be included on the November 2 ballot. Out of those 16 counties, 81 measures will be voted on, with a few in multiple counties. Of those 81 measures, 18 deal with various tax issues, 20 with different proposed charter amendments and 15 on issues on annexation. Only 9 school issues will be voted in the counties, 5 having to do with school property taxes and 4 dealing with school bonds. The rest of the issues deal with term limits, utility fee questions, bond issues and other various specific issues. In Washington, a red light camera measure will be voted on by Mukilteo city residents. This was initially a petition to stop the city from installing cameras, but now that the city went back on this plan, it is now a measure to ensure if the city ever wanted to install them a vote would be required. Red light cameras are an issue all over the country.

Southwest: In Denver, the Extraterrestrial Affairs Commission Creation referendum will be voted on by local residents. It would establish a commission to investigate phenomena, but also to try to encourage more open policies with the US government concerning alien life on earth. While some note it is far fetched to even have this issue on the ballot the man who proposed and collected signatures for it heartily agrees that this would only benefit the people of Denver.

Midwest: In Ohio, an Ottawa Hills Deer Culling referendum measure will be voted on by residents. The proponents claim there are too many deer in the town and see fit to kill those in excess in order to save people the trouble of having eaten flowers. But opponents see more reasonable ways to stop the deer. Only professionals would be able to kill the deer if this is approved, but some would argue there is no reason to kill deer who have not harmed anyone.

Northeast: The Anne Arundel Mills Mall casino referendum is one of the most notable local measures of the Northeast region, as opponents and supporters have made their voices heard in their respective campaigns. In November of 2008, there was a Maryland casino measure on the ballot, where voters approved the placement of slots in five locations throughout Maryland, one being in Anne Arundel county. It was later decided that the Anne Arundel slot location would be at the Anne Arundel Mills Mall. During the 2009 election, 59% of voters approved the placement of slots in Anne Arundel county. A coalition of anti-slot activists and Maryland horsemen then gathered the required 19,000 signatures needed to suspend the approval and have county voters decide to approve the location or not. After two separate pieces of litigation stalled the efforts to place the measure on the ballot, it was ruled by the The Court of Appeals that the measure could stay on the ballot. The measure was first ruled invalid because it was said that the slots were a part of a zoning appropriation package and such issues were not valid for referendum under state laws.

Southeast: In Florida, an Alachua County Airboat Curfew measure would enact a curfew for the use of airboats on the nearby lakes. Proponents of the measure noted that those on the airboats have a tendency to get load and rowdy at all hours of the night, but Airboaters stated that it was their right to boat whenever they pleased regardless of the complaints. It was noted that those causing the problems would be better stopped if law enforcement better observed the rules on alcohol consumption.

OLYMPIA, Washington: Although Washington is featuring fewer measures than its neighboring state, Oregon, the ballot is heavy with hot topics. A total of nine questions are certified for the November 2 general election ballot. Three are legislatively-referred while six are Initiatives to the People.

In particular, two tax initiatives take different approaches to the state’s spending woes. Initiative 1098 calls for implementing a state income tax on incomes of $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for couples. The initiative is largely backed by Seattle lawyer William Gates Sr. and has raised more than $3.3 million. Current Gov. Chris Gregoire has also voiced her support for the proposed income tax. Opponents have raised more than $505,000. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and Amazon.com founder and CEO Jeff Bezos have both contributed to the campaign in opposition to I-1098.

Initiative 1053, another tax-related measure, proposes requiring a two-thirds majority vote of the Washington State Legislature or a vote of the people for any tax increases. The initiative was proposed by political activist Tim Eyman. A similar measure was approved in 2007 but was repealed earlier this year after the two-year threshold lapsed.

In contrast to the spending issues on the ballot, Washington voters will also face two alcohol-related questions. Initiative 1100 and 1105 propose the privatization of alcohol sales in the state. However, aside from their common goal, both measures differ in how they would privatize alcohol sales. For example, I-1105 would require a licensed distributor to sell to retail outlets and would eliminate the state liquor tax. I-1100 does not include price controls however, I-1105 prices liquor licenses based on the volume of liquor sold.

According to state documents, $38.6 million has been raised thus far in either support or opposition for all citizen initiatives scheduled to appear on the ballot.

ON THE BALLOT: