By Kristen Horn

The topic of marriage on the ballot has increased activity for efforts, especially with four measures on the November 6, 2012 elections resulting in pro same-sex marriage outcomes. With Maine, Maryland and Washington showing support for legalized same-sex marriage and Minnesota shooting down a same-sex marriage ban, attention is being shown for the issue among other states as well as the United States Supreme Court. Advocates and opponents alike in states like Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, and Oregon are preparing to possibly face this issue on future ballots.

Arizona

Arizona’s momentum for same-sex marriage to appear back on the ballot for the first time since marriage was defined between a man and a woman in the 2008 election has begun with Arizonan Tanner Pritts. Pritts and the pro same-sex marriage group he formed, Arizona Advocates for Marriage Equality, have submitted paperwork with the Arizona Secretary of State to begin the processes for campaigning in the 2014 elections.^[1].

If approved, the paperwork submitted by Pritts will allow for fund raising and obtaining money for campaigning.

In addition to campaign funds, more than a quarter million valid signatures will be needed by the end of July 2014 for the issue to be present on the ballot.^[1]

No official word was reported as to what formal opposition the initiative effort was facing.

Arkansas

Arkansas LGBT groups such as Arkansans for Equality and The Arkansas Initiative for Marriage Equality have also gained momentum with same-sex marriage issues, hoping to place proposed initiatives on future ballots in 2014 and 2016. These groups are aiming to put a measure on the ballot for 2014 to repeal the marriage amendment in 2004 that defined marriage between a man and woman as well as a 2016 ballot initiative to legalize same-sex marriage.^[2].

Both groups have begun the steps to get the initiative on the future ballots. Trey Weir, an organizer with the advocacy groups, stated, “We’ve got a lawyer so far. We’ve met with him on last Wednesday (November 21, 2012) to discuss where we go from here and we should have some language for the ballot to submit to the Attorney General pretty soon.”^[2]

In addition, Arkansas city council in Eureka Spring voted to endorse same-sex marriage initiatives. Eureka Spring is the first city in Arkansas to approve initiative endorsement for same-sex marriage^[3].

Hannig and state representative Gregory Harris believe support for same-sex marriage has grown since the civil union laws passed two years ago and since the recent elections resulted with four states supporting same-sex ballot issues.

Legislators and same-sex marriage advocates in Illinois feel that the results in these states have shown a change in attitude that could affect the outcome of defining marriage in Illinois.^[4]

In addition to the legislative push for the same-sex marriage issue, State Senator Bill Haine, who opposed the previous civil union laws, is currently pushing for a constitutional amendment to define marriage between a man and a woman. This constitutional amendment needs to be on the ballot for a statewide vote to pass and go into effect, and could also change the push for legislative action regarding same-sex marriage.

Oregon

Oregon House Majority Leader Tina Kotek stated her support for same-sex marriage in the state of Oregon, claiming, “There are no shortcuts in this debate, a grass-roots, citizen-led effort is the way to go…I’m very excited what (other states) have done for marriage equality.” ^[5] With this attention, same-sex marriage advocacy groups in Oregon are working to put an initiative measure on future ballots.

Groups, such as Southern Oregon Pride and Basic Rights Oregon, are working to obtain signatures and complete the necessary steps for the path to the ballot, and recognize that it must be a voter made decision. Executive director of Basic Oregon Rights, Jeana Frazzini noted, “It’s a decision the voters will make and we want to build toward 2014, but we don’t rule out asking the Legislature to refer it.” ^[5]

With the growing attention by advocacy groups and legislators, Oregon also holds opposition groups to same-sex marriage initiatives like Oregon Family Council. The council led the charge in 2004 for the measure that defined marriage between a man and a woman ^[6].

For a same-sex initiative to pass in Oregon, a statewide vote would need to occur to amend the Oregon State Constitution.

Supreme Court action

With the gathered momentum in the states for same-sex marriage initiatives following the 2012 elections, the United States Supreme Court will have to make a decision regarding the California’s Proposition 8 in 2008 which made same-sex marriage illegal in the state. ^[7]

California’s Proposition 8 made its way to the Supreme Court by being rejected in lower court systems. If the Supreme Court decides to hear the appeals, a decision will be made by late June. Additionally, the Supreme Court may decide to withhold a decision until a decision has been made regarding the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act ^[8].

With this proposition on the plate, the decisions to be by the Supreme Court made will impact the momentum of same-sex marriage initiatives across the country.

November 6, 2012

By Josh Altic

PHOENIX, Arizona: Three of the nine ballot measures that were on the Arizona 2012 ballot on November 6 were approved. Out of the remaining six, five were defeated and one is currently too close to call one way or another.

For details on each proposition, see below.

Proposition 114

This measure, a legislatively-referred constitutional amendment, prohibits crime victims from being subject to a claim for damages for causing death or injury.

According to the Arizona Republic website Proposition 114 was one of the three propositions on the Arizona ballot that passed. It was approved by a very large, sixty percent margin, with 80% voting yes and 20% voting no. Election results are not yet official, as a canvassing of the results will not be done until later this month.

Proposition 115

The measure, the second of seven legislatively-referred constitutional amendments, would increase the governor’s options when picking from finalists for the state supreme court, Court of Appeals and the superior courts of Pima and Maricopa County. Currently, special screening panels review potential judges for those courts. The governor then picks a judge from at least three finalists. If enacted, this measure would increase that from 3 to 8. In addition, the State Bar of Arizona, if this measure was approved, would be allowed to appoint only one of five attorneys to a judicial nominating commission. Currently, the governor appoints five attorneys that are vetted by the bar association. Also, the measure would increase the terms of judges from six to eight years and the retirement age from 70 to 75.

Proposition 115 was defeated according to the Arizona Republic, with a large majority, 72.8%, voting no and 27.2% voting yes. Election results are not yet official, as a canvassing of the results will not be done until later this month.

Proposition 116

This legislatively-referred constitutional amendment would give tax breaks to businesses with newly acquired equipment.

The Arizona Republic shows Proposition 116 defeated, 43.6% of voters approving the tax breaks and 56.4% opposed to them. Election results are not yet official, as a canvassing of the results will not be done until later this month.

Proposition 117

This measure is the fourth of seven legislatively-referred constitutional amendments and limits the annual growth in the limited property value of locally assessed properties.

According to the Arizona Republic website, the limits of Proposition 117 were approved by Arizona voters. 57.1% of ballots were in favor of this amendment and 42.9% opposed to it. Election results are not yet official, as a canvassing of the results will not be done until later this month.

Proposition 118

This Amendment, which is a legislatively-referred constitutional amendment, would mandate that the annual distribution from the Permanent Fund be 2.5 percent of the average monthly market values of the fund for the immediately preceding five calendar years.

The Arizona Republic shows Proposition 118 to be a very tight race. Of votes counted, 49.8% approve Prop 118 and 50.2% reject it. As votes are still being reported and counted, this race is too close to call. Election results are not yet official, as a canvassing of the results will not be done until later this month.

For further updates follow Ballotpedia’s article on this proposition.

Proposition 119

Proposition 119, one of the three legislatively-referred constitutional amendments that was approved, authorizes the Arizona Legislature to enact a process to exchange trust land if the exchange is related to protecting military installations and managing lands.

According to the Arizona Republic, Proposition 119 was passed with 61.9% voting yes and 38.1% voting no. Election results are not yet official, as a canvassing of the results will not be done until later this month.

Proposition 120

This measure, the seventh legislatively-referred constitutional amendment on the Arizona ballot, would have declared state sovereignty over the state’s natural resources based on the argument of “equal footing.” Natural resources would include land, air, water, minerals and wildlife

Proposition 120 was defeated with 32.3% voting yes and 67.7% voting no, according to the Arizona Republic. Election results are not yet official, as a canvassing of the results will not be done until later this month.

Proposition 121

This measure is the only initiated constitutional amendment on the Arizona 2012 general election ballot and sought to implement a top-two style open primary system. In a top-two open primary, candidates for a government position run on the same primary ballot regardless of party affiliation. All registered voters are then able to cast their vote for the candidate of their choice. The two candidates with the most votes are then placed on the November general election ballot, regardless of party affiliation. The proposal was introduced by former Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson.

According to the Arizona Republic website, Proposition 121 was shot down by 67.2% of voters with only 32.8% voting yes. Election results are not yet official, as a canvassing of the results will not be done until later this month.

Proposition 204

This initiated state statute would have renewed a 2010 voter-approved one-cent sales tax to provide funding for education for students in the state who meet certain requirements, scholarships for college students and reinvestment in vocational education and new jobs, according to reports.

But, according to the Arizona Republic Proposition 204 was rejected, with 35.1% voting yes and 64.9% voting no. Election results are not yet official, as a canvassing of the results will not be done until later this month.

November 2, 2012

By Ballotpedia’s State legislative team

Tucson: Arizona: There are 90 total legislative seats with 2012 elections in Arizona, where polling places are open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Mountain Time.^[1]

In Arizona, there are six state senate districts where the partisan registration of Democratic and Republican voters is less than 10 percentage points apart. These districts would be considered “competitive” when looked at strictly with respect to vote party affiliation. The six state senate districts in Arizona are District 4, 8, 9, 10, 18 and 26.

Going into the election, Republicans in Arizona hold two-thirds of the seats in both chambers of the legislature after padding their majorities in 2010 as the party’s wave swept across the nation.^[2] However, redistricting following the 2010 census left many Republicans unhappy, complaining that the state redistricting commission favored Democrats and stressed creation of competitive districts, districts considered winnable by either major party, at the expense of other redistricting goals.^[2] The combinations of theredistricting changes, the growing percentage of registered independents and the higher turnout in a presidential election are creating expectations that more districts are in play in 2012 and that the gains made by Republicans in 2010 were a “high tide that will recede in November”.^[2]

While Republicans currently have a solid majority at 21-9 in the state senate, there are five incumbent Republicans retiring, compared to three Democrats. With eight of thirty seats open, it is conceivable that Democrats could swing the chamber in their favor.

In the wake of the primary, it has been noted that the Tea Party fervor which erupted in 2010 has subsided somewhat, and the state senate may now be headed for a more centrist path after November.^[3]

Republicans currently hold 40 of 60 seats in the state house. Fourteen Republicans are retiring, while only eight Democrats are retiring (one Independent is retiring as well).

Of the incumbents up for election in 2012, 59 (65.54%) of them are running for re-election. A total of 39 of 90 (43.3%) districts will see more than one major party candidate in the general election. Threestate house incumbents, Jerry Weiers, Jim Weiers, and Nancy G. McLain and two state senators, Linda Gray and Ron Gould, were termed out by term limit restrictions.

Here are a few races to watch:

Senate

• District 6: Incumbent Tom Chabin (D) will face incumbent Chester Crandell (R).
• District 16: Democratic challenger Scott Prior ran unopposed in the primary election, but will take on incumbent Rich Crandall. Crandall defeated a primary challenge from state representative John Fillmore to win the nomination.
• District 20: This seat has been left open by retiring Republican John McComish. Current House Representative Kimberly Yee (R), Democratic challenger Michael Powell, and well known IndependentDoug Quelland are all thought to have a legitimate chance at winning. Quelland was formerly a Republican member of the House and will compete with Yee for the conservative vote, possibly leaving an opening for Powell.^[4]
• District 26: State representative Ed Ableser (D) is challenging incumbent Jerry Lewis. Both ran unopposed in the primary elections. Libertarian Party candidate Damian Trabel is also running for the seat.

House

• District 18: Democrats are hoping that Iraq war veteran Corey Harris will pose a challenge for Republican incumbents Jeff Dial and Bob Robson in this important swing district.^[4]

August 29, 2012

By Ballotpedia’s state executive team

See also: Congressional and state legislative results

Phoenix, Arizona: There are three seats on the quasi-executive Arizona Corporation Commission up for election this year. All six candidates who filed for the office, including the full trio of incumbent commissioners, made it past the primary elections on August 28th and will advance to the general election on November 6th.^[1] Below is a breakdown of the votes for the Democratic and Republican primary races. All results are unofficial until certified by the Arizona Secretary of State.

Arizona Corporation Commission-Democratic Primary, 2012
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Sandra Kennedy Incumbent	36.4%	194,670
Paul Newman Incumbent	32.8%	175,580
Marcia Busching	30.3%	162,292
Write-in	0.5%	2,838
Total Votes		535,380
Election Results Via: The Arizona Secretary of State

Arizona Corporation Commission-Republican Primary, 2012
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Bob Stump Incumbent	34.9%	280,838
Robert “Bob” Burns	31.7%	255,367
Susan Bitter Smith	32.9%	264,545
Write-in	0.5%	3,887
Total Votes		804,637
Election Results Via: The Arizona Secretary of State

Vermont

See also: Congressional and state legislative results

MONTPELIER, VT: Yesterday’s primaries in Vermont sealed the nomination of Democratic incumbent attorney general Bill Sorrell as well the general election candidates forgovernor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer and state auditor, also up for election this year. Excluding Sorrell and challenger T.J. Donovan, who conceded Wednesday morning after a hard-fought and extraordinarily close race,^[2] every Republican, Democratic, and Progressive Party candidate seeking election to state executive office this year in Vermont skated through the primary round unopposed.^[3] Of these six positions, current auditor Thomas Salmon is the only incumbent not running for re-election in 2012.^[4] Salmon said he can retire with satisfaction after having achieved all the goals he set for the office, and plans to move on to “new challenges.”^[4]

Vermont Attorney General Democratic Primary, 2012
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Bill Sorrell Incumbent	50.8%	21,102
T.J. Donovan	49.2%	20,408
Total Votes		41,510
Election Results Via: Vermont Secretary of State

Since there was only one contested primary, the fall fields were basically set when the candidate filing period closed in June, barring one critical point of uncertainty: Write-in candidates can play an influential role in Vermont elections, and neither the identity nor the general election presence of those sleepers can be determined conclusively until all primary results are tabulated and submitted for review by representatives of the Democratic, Republican and Progressive parties. The write-in candidate mystery is the subject of particular interest this election cycle. After receiving the Progressive Party’s nomination for governor in the spring, Party chairwoman Martha Abbott said she would yield her candidacy to incumbent Peter Shumlin in order to give government-financed health care system the best shot possible. Progressives responded by mounting a write-in campaign for the executive director of Vermonters for a Clean Environment, Annette Smith. Smith’s single-issue platform concerns mountaintop wind development, to which, in the opinion of like-minded Progressives, Shumlin is not sufficiently opposed. The statutory requirements for Smith’s write-in nomination are that she must receive more votes than an opponent whose name is already printed on the ballot, or else more than half the votes as the number of petition signatures needed to file for the office. For governor, that means 250 votes. ^[5] According to secretary of state Jim Condos (D), who is effectively unopposed for re-election in 2012, the details about write-in candidates such Smith will not be available for another week.^[6] The exact general election match-ups cannot be known until those results are finalized, but here is a list of candidates already certified for advancement as of August 29th:^[7]

August 29, 2012

By Ballotpedia’s Congressional and State legislative teams

The primary season continued yesterday with elections in Alaska, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Vermont.

Here’s what happened in Arizona.^[1]

Congress

U.S. Senate

United States Senate elections in Arizona, 2012

Five candidates competed in primaries for Arizona’s U.S. Senate seat yesterday – 4 Republicans and 1 Democrat. The seat is open following the retirement of incumbent Jon Kyl. In the Republican primary, U.S. Representative Jeff Flake, defeated Wil Cardon, Bryan Hackbarth, and Clair Van Steenwyk for the nomination. He will now face the lone Democratic candidate, Richard Carmona, in the general election. Sheila Bilyeu, a Libertarian, and Ian Gilyeat, an Independent, will also compete in the general election.

U.S. House

United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, 2012

Arizona has nine congressional seats on the ballot in 2012. A total of 54 candidates filed to run, made up of 16 Democratic challenger, 23 Republican challengers, 7 incumbent, and 8 third-party candidates. A total of 415 U.S. House seats have held primaries. Thus far, 54.94% of possible primaries have been contested. Arizona’s contested figure of 83.33% (15 out of 18 possible party primaries) is significantly more competitive than the national average.

In District 1, Ann Kirkpatrick defeated Wenona Benally Baldenegro for the Democratic nomination while Jonathan Paton defeated Patrick Gatti, Gaither Martin, and Douglas Wade in the Republican primary. The seat is open following redistricting.

In the 2nd district, incumbent Ron Barber, who was elected to replace Gabrielle Giffords in the June special election, fended off a challenge from Matt Heinz and write-in candidate Charlie Manolakis in the Democratic primary. Martha McSally defeated Mark Koskiniemi for the GOP nomination.

In District 3, Democratic incumbent Raul Grijalva easily overcame the challenge of Amanda Aguirre and J. Manuel Arreguin. Meanwhile, Gabriela Saucedo Mercer defeated Jaime Vasquez for the Republican nomination.

In District 4, Republican incumbent Paul Gosar defeated challengers Ron Gould and Rick Murphy in the Republican primary. Results are not yet final for the Democratic primary. Preliminary results show Johnnie Robinson leading Mikel Weisser with 8,754 votes to Weisser’s 8,731.^[2]

District 5 is open following redistricting. Matt Salmon defeated Kirk Adams in the Republican primary. He will face Democrat Morgan Spencer in the November general election.

In the 6th district, incumbent David Schweikert defeated fellow incumbent Benjamin Quayle in one of the most heated Republican primaries of the year. Meanwhile, Matt Jette defeated John Williamsonfor the Democratic nomination.

In District 7, Democratic incumbent Ed Pastor defeated challenger Rebecca DeWitt in the primary election.

In the 8th district, incumbent Trent Franks survived a challenge from Tony Passalacqua and write-in candidate Helmuth Hack in the Republican primary. He will face Democrat Gene Scharer in the general election.

Ten candidates competed in Arizona’s newly created 9th congressional district. Kyrsten Sinema defeated Andrei Cherny and David Schapira in the Democratic primary. On the other side of the aisle,Vernon Parker was victorious, defeating Lisa Borowsky, Leah Campos Schandlbauer, Travis Grantham, Wendy Rogers, Martin Sepulveda, and Jeff Thompson for the Republican nomination.

State legislature

See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2012 and Arizona House of Representatives elections, 2012

There are 90 total legislative seats with elections in 2012 – 30 Senate seats and 60 House seats.

There were 28 contested primaries in the state legislative races out of a possible 180 contested major party primaries, including 8 in the state senate elections (counting one write-in campaign) and 20 in the state house elections. Each district elects two representatives to the Arizona House of Representatives, and thus only districts that have more than two contestants from the same party were considered contested districts.

Senate

There were eight contested primaries in the State Senate races, including one write-in campaign.

District 5: House District 3 Representative Nancy McLain (R), who has been in office since 2005, was defeated in her bid for a senate seat by Kelli Ward. Ward also defeated Sam Scarmardo. Incumbent Republican Sylvia Allen is not running for re-election.

District 16: District 19 incumbent Rich Crandall (R), who first assumed office in 2011, holds only a narrow lead in initial counting against challenger and House District 23 Representative John Fillmore, who first assumed office in the House in 2011.

District 24: Former Senator Ken Cheuvront (D), who was in office from 2003 to 2011, was defeated in his bid to return to the senate by House incumbent Katie Hobbs, who first assumed office in 2011.

District 25: Former Arizona Senate President Russell Pearce (R), who made a bid to return to the Arizona State Senate after he lost a recall election in 2011, was defeated by entrepreneur Bob Worsley.

House

There were 20 contested primaries in the State House of Representatives races.

District 1: Incumbents Andy Tobin (R), who first assumed office in 2007, and Karen Fann (R), who first assumed office in 2011, defeated current State Senator Lori Klein (R), who has represented Senate District 6 since 2011 and made a bid for this House seat to avoid a primary fight with Senate President Steve Pierce (R).

District 13: District 12 incumbent Steve Montenegro (R), who first assumed office in 2009, managed a victory. However, fellow incumbent from District 24 Russ Jones (R) was behind challengerDarin Mitchell after ballots were counted on election night.

District 15: District 7 incumbent Heather Carter (R) was handily re-elected, but fellow District 7 incumbent David Smith (R) trailed challenger John Allen in the first round of counting. Another challenger, James Bearup, was in fourth place.

District 30: District 14 incumbent Debbie McCune-Davis (D), who first assumed office in 2011, and Jonathon Larkin defeated Mike Snitz in the Democratic primary, and now do not face anyRepublican opposition for the seat.

A few additional House races remained unresolved, including:

District 4: Juan Carlos Escamilla, Charlene Fernandez, and Lisa Otondo are in a close three-way race.

District 7: District 2 incumbent Albert Hale, who first assumed office in 2011, won re-election in this district, but it is still unclear whether Jamescita Peshlakai or Phil Stago will be joining him.

District 16: Kelly Townsend advanced to the general election, but Doug Coleman and Jeff Davis are in a battle for second, with Judy Novalsky trailing.

District 19: Mark Cardenas has likely been elected to the House, but Lupe Contreras and Lorenzo Sierra could still both earn the second seat. Bryan Kilgore is behind, in fourth place.

District 26: Mary Lou Taylor won a spot on the general election ballot, but the battle for the second Republican slot still shows Jason Youn within possible striking distance of Raymond Speakman, who won nearly as many votes as Taylor. Buckley Merrill trails the pack.

August 27, 2012

By Ballotpedia’s Congressional and State legislative teams

The primary season continues with elections in Alaska, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Vermont tomorrow.

Here’s what to watch for in Arizona, where polling places are open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Mountain Time on Election Day.^[1]

Congress

U.S. Senate

United States Senate elections in Arizona, 2012

There are five candidates competing in primaries for Arizona’s U.S. Senate seat tomorrow – 4 Republicans and 1 Democrat. The seat is open following the retirement of incumbent Jon Kyl. In the Republican primary, Wil Cardon, U.S. Representative Jeff Flake, Bryan Hackbarth, and Clair Van Steenwyk compete for the nomination. The winner will face the lone Democratic candidate, Richard Carmona, in the general election. Sheila Bilyeu, a Libertarian, and Ian Gilyeat, an Independent, will also compete in the general election.

U.S. House

United States House of Representatives elections in Arizona, 2012

Arizona has nine congressional seats on the ballot in 2012. A total of 54 candidates have filed to run, made up of 16 Democratic challenger, 23 Republican challengers, 7 incumbent, and 8 third-party candidates. Including states with their primaries tomorrow, a total of 415 U.S. House seats have held primaries. Thus far, 54.94% of possible primaries have been contested. Arizona’s contested figure of 83.33% (15 out of 18 possible party primaries) is significantly more competitive than the national average.

In District 1, Ann Kirkpatrick and Wenona Benally Baldenegro vie for the Democratic nomination while Patrick Gatti, Gaither Martin, Jonathan Paton, andDouglas Wade compete in the Republican primary. The seat is open following redistricting.

In the 2nd district, incumbent Ron Barber, who was elected to replace Gabrielle Giffords in the June special election, faces a challenge from Matt Heinzand write-in candidate Charlie Manolakis in the Democratic primary. Jesse Kelly, Mark Koskiniemi, and Martha McSally face off for the GOP nomination. Should Kelly and Barber win their primaries, they will meet in a rematch of the special election in November.

In District 3, Democratic incumbent Raul Grijalva is challenged by Amanda Aguirre and J. Manuel Arreguin. Meanwhile, Gabriela Saucedo Mercer andJaime Vasquez compete for the Republican nomination.

In District 4, Republican incumbent Paul Gosar is challenged by state senator Ron Gould and Rick Murphy in the Republican primary. Johnnie Robinsonand Mikel Weisser vie for the Democratic nomination.

In District 5 is open following redistricting. Kirk Adams and Matt Salmon compete on the Republican ticket. The winner will face Democrat Morgan Spencer in the November general election.

In the 6th district, incumbents Benjamin Quayle and David Schweikert compete in on of the most heated Republican primaries of the year. Meanwhile,Matt Jette and John Williamson compete for the Democratic nomination.

In District 7, Democratic incumbent Ed Pastor is challenged by Rebecca DeWitt in the primary election. Scott Fistler is a write-in and the only candidate for the Republican primary.

In the 8th district, incumbent Trent Franks faces a challenge from Tony Passalacqua and write-in candidate Helmuth Hack in the Republican primary. The winner will face Democrat Gene Scharer in the general election.

Ten candidates compete in Arizona’s newly created 9th congressional district. Andrei Cherny, David Schapira, and Kyrsten Sinema compete in the Democratic primary. On the other side of the aisle, Lisa Borowsky, Leah Campos Schandlbauer, Travis Grantham, Vernon Parker, Wendy Rogers, Martin Sepulveda, and Jeff Thompson vie for the nomination on the Republican ticket.

State legislature

See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2012 and Arizona House of Representatives elections, 2012

There are 90 total legislative seats with elections in 2012 – 30 Senate seats and 60 House seats.

There are 28 contested primaries in the state legislative races out of a possible 180 contested major party primaries, including 8 in the state senate elections and 20 in the state house elections. Each district elects two representatives to the Arizona House of Representatives, and thus only districts that have more than two contestants from the same party are considered contested districts.

Five of the 8 contested state senate primaries are Democratic primaries, and 10 of the 20 contested state house primaries are Democratic primaries. Thus a total of 16.7 percent of all possible contested Democratic primaries are contested. The rest of the contested primaries are Republican primaries, which accounts for 14.4 percent of all contested Republican primaries.

The 28 contested primaries represents 15.6 percent of possible primaries tomorrow. This figure is slightly lower than the current national contested average of 18.4 percent for states that have had filing deadlines.

In the Senate, 22 incumbents are running for re-election. In the House, 37 incumbents are running for re-election.

State legislature

See also: Arizona State Senate elections, 2012 and Arizona House of Representatives elections, 2012

There are 90 total legislative seats with elections in 2012 – 30 Senate seats and 60 House seats.

There are 28 contested primaries in the state legislative races out of a possible 180 contested major party primaries, including 8 in the state senate elections and 20 in the state house elections. Each district elects two representatives to the Arizona House of Representatives, and thus only districts that have more than two contestants from the same party are considered contested districts.

Five of the 8 contested state senate primaries are Democratic primaries, and 10 of the 20 contested state house primaries are Democratic primaries. Thus a total of 16.7 percent of all possible contested Democratic primaries are contested. The rest of the contested primaries are Republican primaries, which accounts for 14.4 percent of all contested Republican primaries.

The 28 contested primaries represents 15.6 percent of possible primaries tomorrow. This figure is slightly lower than the current national contested average of 18.4 percent for states that have had filing deadlines.

In the Senate, 22 incumbents are running for re-election. In the House, 37 incumbents are running for re-election.

Senate

There are eight contested primaries in the State Senate races.

District 3: District 27 incumbent Olivia Cajero Bedford (D), who first assumed office in 2011, faces a primary challenge from fellow DemocratMaria Garcia.

District 5: House District 3 Representative Nancy McLain (R), who has been in office since 2005, faces two other Republican candidates, Sam Scarmardo and Kelli Ward. Incumbent Republican Sylvia Allen is not running for re-election.

District 16: District 19 incumbent Rich Crandall (R), who first assumed office in 2011, faces challenger and House District 23 Representative John Fillmore, who first assumed office in the House in 2011.

District 27: District 16 incumbent Leah Landrum-Taylor (D), who first assumed office in 2007, faces Democratic challenger Victor Jett Contreras.

District 30: District 14 incumbent Robert Meza (D), who first assumed office in 2011, faces Democratic primary challenger Raquel Teran in a contest that will likely decide who occupies the seat in the next legislative session.

House

There are 20 contested primaries in the State House of Representatives races.

District 1: Incumbents Andy Tobin (R), who first assumed office in 2007, and Karen Fann (R), who first assumed office in 2011, face Senator Lori Klein (R), who has represented Senate District 6 since 2011.

District 12: District 22 incumbent Eddie Farnsworth (R), who most recently assumed office in 2011 but served in leadership in the House before his current tenure began, faces Republican candidates Larry Chesley and Warren Petersen in the primary for this House seat.

District 15: District 7 incumbents Heather Carter (R) and David Smith (R), both of whom first assumed office in 2011, face Republican challengersJames Bearup and John Allen.

District 20: District 6 incumbent Carl Seel (R), who first assumed office in 2009, faces Republican challengers Paul Boyer and George Benavides.

District 23: District 8 incumbent John Kavanagh (R), who first assumed office in 2007, and District 8 incumbent Michelle Ugenti (R), who first assumed office in 2011, face Republican challenger Jennifer Petersen.

District 24: House District 15 incumbent Lela Alston (D), who first assumed office in 2011, and House District 14 incumbent Chad Campbell (D), who first assumed office in 2007, face two other Democratic candidates: Jean Cheuvront-McDermott and Tom Nerini.

District 27: District 16 incumbents Ruben Gallego (D) and Catherine H. Miranda (D), both of whom first assumed office in 2011, face Democratic challenger Reginald Bolding.

District 29: District 13 incumbent Martin Quezada (D), who first assumed office in 2012, faces challengers Lydia Hernandez and Martin Samaniego.

District 30: District 14 incumbent Debbie McCune-Davis (D), who first assumed office in 2011, faces Democratic challengers Jonathon Larkin andMike Snitz in a race that will likely decide who holds this seat in the next legislative session.

July 24, 2012

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Edited by Al Ortiz

Four proposals have descended upon the ballot in three states this week, with one measure in the southwest region of the country enduring a rough landing.

Measures in Arizona, Maryland and Oregon will be put up for a vote this November, leaving the Tuesday Count total at an even 150 measures in 35 states.

A pair of ballot measures in the state of Oregon were granted ballot access just days apart when the Oregon Secretary of State verified the required amount of signatures needed to make the fall election.

The first of the two, a casino proposal, would amend the state constitution to authorize privately-owned casinos and require those casinos to give a percentage of monthly revenue to the State Lottery. According to reports, 116,521 signatures were verified on July 20. A minimum of 116,283 valid signatures were needed by theJuly 6 petition drive deadline.

The other initiative was a gillnet fishing initiative that would ban Columbia River commercial salmon fishing with gillnets by non-tribal persons and would allow the use of seine nets instead.

In order to qualify for the ballot, supporters were required to collect a minimum of 87,213 valid signatures by July 6. On July 17, the Secretary of State reported that the measure had been qualified for the ballot with 94,304 valid signatures.^[1]

A Maryland veto referendum could stir up a debate this year, particularly among the Maryland State Legislature. A redistricting referendum solidified its place on the ballot this past week that would overturn Maryland’s congressional redistricting plan passed in October 2011.

With respect to Congressional redistricting, the Maryland General Assembly bears primary responsibility, proposing and passing the redistricting plan as ordinary legislation.

The last certification for this week’s report came out of Arizona. For details, see below.

[edit]A tale of two Arizona ballot measure languages?

Add one more measure to the 2012 ballot in Arizona.

However simple that process sounds, recent litigation showed it was anything but simple for the latest certified measure.

On July 18, Judge Robert Oberbillig ruled that Arizona Secretary of State Ken Bennett should not have refused to process the petitions for the proposed Quality Education and Jobs Act, a ballot initiativeintroduced by the Quality Education and Jobs Committee.

The judge ruled that the measure be placed on the November ballot because according to Oberbillig, proponents of the initiative gave Bennett the correct version of the petition and that there was no evidence that those who signed the petition were misled.^[2]

The initiative was previously disqualified by Bennett because ballot language on circulating petitions was different from language that the secretary’s office had on file. According to supporters of the initiative, differences between the circulated text and the official text was a “hyper-technicality”. Supporters argued that the circulated text was “substantially” the same.^[3]

The proposal would renew a 2010 voter-approved one-cent sales tax to provide funding for education for students in the state who meet certain requirements, scholarships for college students and reinvestment in vocational education and new jobs, according to reports.

The constitutional amendment, which won with 64.3% of the vote, was supported by Gov. Jan Brewer, who wanted the Arizona State Legislature to vote to refer the proposal to the ballot as a means to alleviate the state’s budget strain.

The fight isn’t over yet, as Bennett filed an appeal of the ruling, insisting that proponents of the initiative did not comply with state law. Reports also say that Bennett hired an expert in elections law to spearhead the appeal. Bennett stated, “To leave the lower court ruling in place I think risks huge voter confusion, huge confusion with our offices and other filing offices as far as how we’re supposed to process these initiatives.”^[4]

[edit]Quick hits

New poll shows heavy support for Minnesota Marriage Amendment: A recent poll released by SurveyUSA shows 52 percent of those polled were in favor of the amendment, 37 percent were opposed, 6 percent were undecided, and another 5 percent stated they would not vote. The poll surveyed 552 likely voters and carried a +/-4.3% margin of error.^[5]

Montana Secretary of State finishes counting signatures: On Friday, July 20, the Montana Secretary of State announced the final tally of which proposed measures made it to the ballot and which did not. According to the state’s website, only two citizen backed measures will be on this fall’s ballot. The first is a veto referendum, IR-124 and the second is an initiated state statute, I-166. There were four other possible measures that submitted signatures but did not meet the minimum requirements to appear on the ballot.^[6]

King County Youth Center upgrade headed to August ballot

Supporters of a local measure in King County, Washington are looking to get voter approval for a property tax increase which would go towards a new youth center.

On August 7, county voters will decide if they want an increase of $.07 per $1,000 of assessed value added to their current property tax rate. The tax, if approved, would last nine years.

Those in favor of the tax have pointed to the degrading conditions of the center such as the dispensing of brown water from drinking fountains, leaks found in roofs, lack of heating in the basement and other problems as a need for the increase. The center currently occupies four buildings, and if the measure is approved, those buildings would be sold in favor of a new facility built to house all the services and programs which are offered.

Opponents of the measure have pointed out that there are more essential items which need attention in the county and any addition to the property tax rate is too high. Opponents have also pointed out that the levy increase would only pay for building and furnishing a new facility and that maintenance and operational costs would be additional.

The Tuesday Count Spotlight highlights notable developments from local ballot measures across the country as well as international ballot measures.

The Vermont Constitution says that amendments can only be proposed once in a four-year period. When is the next time residents can vote on an amendment? Click here to find out!

BALLOT LAW UPDATE
Lawsuit aimed at Montana Corporate Contributions Initiative: On Monday, July 23, 2012, a lawsuit was filed with theMontana Supreme Court aimed at blocking the measure from reaching the ballot this fall. The lawsuit was filed by state Senator Dave Lewis, businessman Phil Lilleberg, and the group Montanans Opposed to I-166. The complaint filed with the court states that the measure “is not legally sufficient to appear on the state’s general election ballot, and that the statements prepared for the petition and the ballot do not meet the requirements of (state law).”^[7]

Legal marijuana supporters in Oregon file lawsuit against Secretary of State: Sponsors of Oregon Initiative 24, Citizens for Sensible Law Enforcement, have filed a lawsuit against Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown challenging the office’s disqualification of a large amount of signatures during a sampling process carried out in June. According to reports, 48% of the 122,000 signatures submitted early have been disqualified by the Secretary of State. Robert Wolfe, a chief proponent of the measure, said, “Under the policies of Kate Brown, the Oregon Elections Division works hard to remove every possible signature from initiative petitions and for reasons that make no sense. Instead, they should be working to include as many signatures as possible, thus preserving citizen access to the ballot through the initiative system, as demanded by the Oregon Constitution.”^[8][9]

A new update will be released on July 25. Click here for past Ballot Law Update reports!

July 17, 2012

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Edited by Al Ortiz

As the summer months heat up, so do the ballot measure certifications. The second week of July saw three additional measures added to the ballot as more statewide questions continue to gush in to the Tuesday Count.

With most of the 2012 state legislative sessions adjourned for the year, it comes as no surprise that the trio of ballot measures this week come via the citizen initiative process in three different states. The addition of those ballot measures this week results in a current total of 146 certified proposals in 35 states across the country.

Starting in chronological order, in Maryland, a same-gender marriage referendum was placed on the ballot by the Maryland Secretary of State‘s office on July 10.

The measure is in response to the enactment of the Civil Marriage Protection Act on March 1, 2012, which will allow same-sex couples to obtain a civil marriage license in the state beginning on January 1, 2013. The referendum will allow voters to decide whether the law will be upheld.^[1][2][3]

Maryland is one of two states that allow for only the referendum process. The other is the state of New Mexico.

Then, on July 11 in Montana, a corporate contributions initiative, or Initiative 166, was approved for the ballot by the Montana Secretary of State. The measure, proposed by the group Stand with Montanans, would determine state policy on prohibiting corporate contributions and expenditures in Montana elections. The measure seeks to charge state lawmakers with furthering the state’s policy on the matter and ask congressional delegates to support efforts to overrule the Citizens United decision by amending the U.S. Constitution.

To gain ballot access for the November 2012 ballot, supporters needed to collect 24,337 valid signatures from registered voters. In addition, those signatures were required to be submitted by the June 22, 2012 petition drive deadline.

Finally, on July 13, an act to create a seven-person statewide cannabis commission to regulate the cultivation and sale of cannabis was granted a spot on the ballot.

In order to qualify for the ballot, supporters were required to collect a minimum of 87,213 valid signatures by July 6. The measure was part of seven initiatives to file signatures by the deadline in Oregon.

While these measures have had enough signatures counted and verified for ballot placement, it seems one measure’s organizers in Arkansas still have a bit of work to do.

Supporters of the proposed medical marijuana legalization question was allowed 30 additional days to circulate petitions after it was found by the Arkansas Secretary of State‘s office that not enough valid signatures were collected.

The measure would allow the use of marijuana by people who choose to use it for medical purposes. Those who choose to use it for medical purposes would be free from legal penalty.

The group behind the measure, Arkansans for Compassionate Care, have until August 13 to obtain the additional signatures needed.^[4]

[edit]Petition drive deadlines

Citizen initiative season is anything but over, as less than a month remains before Colorado petition drive organizers must submit signatures for their proposed measures to make the ballot. The petition drive deadline in the state is August 6.

Among the measures circulating for the ballot are:

• A Water Law Amendment - would implement a public trust doctrine to water in the state. This means that the doctrine would state that unappropriated water in natural streams is public property that is to be used by state residents.

• A “Personhood” Amendment - would define the term “person” in the state constitution as the start of biological development.

• A “Religious Freedom” Amendment - would mandate that the government can’t exclude expressions of religious belief from public places.

[edit]Quick hits

Referendum on redistricting in Maryland appears headed for ballot: According to reports, 56,342 signatures for the Maryland Redistricting Referendum has been verified by the state Board of Elections by Wednesday, July 11. Given that only 55,736 valid names are necessary to send the measure to the ballot, certification appears certain. With 2,000 signatures left to count however, the board has not yet officially qualified the measure.^[5]

Minnesota Secretary of State gives measure regarding voter ID new ballot title: Last week, shortly after the announcement of a lawsuit against him for renaming the Minnesota Same-Sex Marriage Amendment, Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie changed the ballot title of the Minnesota Voter Identification Amendment. Secretary Ritchie has changed the title from “Photo Identification Required for Voting,” to “Changes to In-Person & Absentee Voting & Voter Registration; Provisional Ballots.” Supporters of this amendment have also discussed filing a lawsuit over the change.^[6][7]

Double trouble as possible ballot measure litigation looms in Glendale, Arizona

Two proposed measures in Glendale, Arizona may be heading to court as supporters fight the city over the right for the proposals to appear on the November ballot.

The first of the proposed issues was a measure seeking to reverse the city council’s decision to increase the sales tax rate of 0.7 percent, did not obtain the required number of signatures to qualify for the ballot. The city stated that a sales tax approved by the city cannot be put to a vote because it legal for them to implement an increase without voter approval. The city also said that there were errors on the petition.^[8][9]

The second proposal was an attempt by residents to force a public vote on the city’s lease agreement with the National Hockey League’s Phoenix Coyotes professional team. The city said that the group turned in their petition three days late. Additionally, the petitions did not contain the required number of signatures or the all the appropriate information on the petition forms. Proponents argued that the number of signatures required for approval should be based on 2010 election information and not 2008 voter numbers.^[8][9]

Both groups have five days to decide whether to take their issues to court. However, supporters of the measure regarding the professional hockey team said, that while it is unclear if the issue will be taken to court, they would still fight against the deal by other means available to them.^[8][9]

The Tuesday Count Spotlight highlights notable developments from local ballot measures across the country as well as international ballot measures. 

The Vermont Constitution says that amendments can only be proposed once in a four-year period. When is the next time residents can vote on an amendment? Click here to find out!

BALLOT LAW UPDATE

Michigan Supreme Court schedules arguments for Emergency Manager Referendum case: Upon receiving an appeal by Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility of the ruling made by the Michigan Court of Appeals, the Michigan Supreme Court scheduled oral arguments for July 25. The court, however, has not actually granted the request for a repeal but instead will hear arguments on whether to grant the request or take other action. If the request is denied the question will automatically go to voters without further input from the courts.^[10]

Recount request filed for California Proposition 29: On Monday, July 9, Prop. 29 supporter John Maa filed a request for a recount in several Los Angeles County precincts. The request comes weeks after supporters of the proposition conceded defeat after a close outcome during the June 5 primary election. According to reports, the official “Yes on Proposition 29″ campaign group has denied involvement with the recount request. County Clerk Dean Logan says the recount will cost $5,700 for each day it takes, which could exceed one week.^[11]

A new update will be released in late July. Click here for past Ballot Law Update reports!

Edited by Al Ortiz

The Tuesday Count took on a wild change recently with plenty of states across the nation showing political activity. California has added more fuel to the rampant fire of ballot measure developments by pulling a certified measure off of the ballot this past week.

In addition, two other states added a total of seven initiatives between them. All in all, the 2012 ballot measure total has sprung up to 143 ballot measures in 35 states.

Beginning with this week’s de-certification, California residents have to wait a while longer in order to decide whether or not to overhaul the state’s water system. Awater bond measure was removed from the ballot on July 5 when the California State Legislature approved a bill to take the measure off the 2012 ballot. Lois Wolk, one of the state senators who voted in favor of this move, said that it was undertaken because the Democratic majority in the state legislature wants to do everything they can to ensure that the “Jerry Brown Take Hike Initiative” on the November 6, 2012 ballot has a good chance of passing. She said, “We are faced with a tax levy in November. It would be disastrous to have [the borrowing] on the ballot.”^[1][2]

If voters approve the water bond, which could possibly be placed on the 2014 ballot, it would allow the state government to borrow $11.1 billion to overhaul the state’s water system.

To the north of California, on July 6, the state of Washington saw its petition drive deadline pass for ballot initiative efforts. When all was said and done, two initiatives filed signatures with the Washington Secretary of State‘s office. According to the secretary’s office the filed initiatives will be placed on the November 6 ballot. Both submitted the required number of signatures.

One of the two measures included a charter school initiative to allow 40 public charter schools in the state over the next five years. The group that is in favor of the measure, and who submitted the initiative, is a coalition that includes the League of Education Voters, Stand for Children and Democrats for Education Reform.

Also submitting signatures was an initiative effort to require either two-thirds legislative approval or a vote by the people in order to raise taxes. According to the initiative, a one-third minority of Legislators in either House or the Senate could prevent the passage of any measure to raise revenue or repeal existing tax exemptions. The measure defines repealing a tax exemption as raising revenue. Currently, it only takes a simple majority to pass a tax exemption but under the proposal, a two-thirds majority of both houses would be required to repeal it.

However, the two initiatives weren’t the only ones to have made the ballot in Washington. Two legislative referrals have also been added. One measure would implement changes in the use of state bond debt, while the other would provide clear authority to state research universities to invest funds. According to the secretary of state’s office, the measures’ formal titles were SJR 8221 and SJR 8223.

On the East Coast, Massachusetts initiative organizers had until July 3 to submit signatures to election officials in the state. According to the Massachusetts Secretary of State‘s office, all three proposals’ sponsors submitted enough signatures to be placed on the November ballot. The proposals, all of which are expected to garner plenty of attention, included the medical marijuana initiative, the“Death with Dignity Act” proposal and the “Right to Repair” measure.

[edit]Signature filing deadlines

Starting on July 3 and ending on July 9, there were 9 petition drive deadlines for proposed ballot initiatives in Arizona, Arkansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon and Washington. The required amount of valid signatures was required to be submitted to the appropriate election officials on those days in order for initiatives to be placed on the ballot.

As previously mentioned, all initiatives who filed signatures in Massachusetts and Washington have made the ballot. The same cannot be said for initiatives filed in others states…yet.

Below is a summary of which initiatives filed signatures and are currently being verified:

• Arizona (July 5): “Open Government Act” Initiative, Federal Action Rejection Initiative, Sales Tax Renewal Amendment
• Arkansas (July 6): Severance Tax Increase Question, Medical Marijuana Question, Casino Amendment
• Michigan (July 9): Collective Bargaining Initiative, Renewable Energy Amendment, Tax Approval Amendment
• Nebraska (July 6): None
• Nevada (July 9) (Veto referendums): None
• Ohio: Ohio Redistricting Amendment (2012)
• Oregon: See Quick hits

[edit]Quick hits

Final signatures submitted for veto referendums in Maryland: Supporters of both the Maryland Redistricting Referendum and the Maryland Same-Sex Marriage Referendum have submitted their final signatures. According to reports, the Maryland Secretary of State has until July 20 to verify them. Supporters must have 55,736 valid names to gain ballot access. According to reports, supporters of the same-sex marriage referendum have submitted 162,241 names total and, of this, 109,313 have already been verify by the state. The Secretary of State has until August 3 to certify the ballot title for these measures.^[3][4]

Six groups filed signatures on Monday’s deadline in Michigan: Monday, July 9, marked the deadline for groups proposing constitutional amendments to turn in names to the Michigan Secretary of State. From the list of hopefuls six amendments submitted signatures. Those that filed are as follows: the Renewable Energy Amendment, International Bridge Initiative, Taxation Amendment, Home Health Care Amendment, “Protect Our Jobs” Amendment, and the Casino Gaming Amendment. The Michigan Fracking Ban Amendment did not file signatures, but supporters are aiming to place the measure on the 2014 ballot.^[5][6]

Cayman Island residents head to the polls on July 18

Residents in the Cayman Islands will have the chance to vote on whether they would like to have single-member constituencies with each elector having just one vote. The current system, a multi-member, multi-vote elector system has been the form of voting in the country for 180 years.^[7]

Supporters of the “one man, one vote” concept had attempted to place the issue on the ballot through a signature gathering process, but the government decided to place the issue as a referendum vote instead. However, proponents are still circulating petitions in order to use gathered signatures as a way to inform people about the issue and encourage them to vote on the July 18.^[7]

The Premier of the country, along with his party, the United Democratic Party, have come out against the measure and have held meetings encouraging residents to vote against the referendum. The party has stated that the current system of voting is not broken, so there is no need to fix it. When the Premier was asked why he was against a referendum which his government initiated, he stated that they placed the referendum on the ballot because the people wanted to vote on it, but that did not mean it reflected the views of the government.^[8]

In order for the vote to be valid, at least 50 percent of those residents who are registered to vote must cast a vote in favor of the measure.^[9]

The Tuesday Count Spotlight highlights notable developments from local ballot measures across the country as well as international ballot measures. 

California has one of the biggest ballot measure totals this year. How many measures are certified? Click here to find out!

BALLOT LAW UPDATE

Judge rules in California ballot numbering case: On Monday, July 9 Sacramento Superior Court Judge Michael P. Kenny ruled against Molly Munger who had filed a lawsuit in an attempt to prevent ballot priority for a measure filed by Governor Jerry Brown over one filed by her. Munger argued that though she filed her measure before the governor’s, the Secretary of State certified his first and thereby gave his measure an advantage because it will appear first on the statewide ballot. Judge Kenny ruled that the state did nothing wrong and said that to do otherwise would be an act of him telling counties exactly how they should operate their certification procedures. As a result of the ruling, the measures that will appear on the ballot have been assigned an order by the Secretary of State, with Gov. Brown’s being the first listed.^[10]

Supporters of the Minnesota Same-Sex Marriage Amendment to file lawsuit over ballot title: Upset over Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie’s new wording for how the amendment will appear on the ballot, supporters of the measure are discussing how to proceed with a lawsuit claiming Secretary Ritchie is unlawfully using his office to fight the measure. According to reports, supporters plan to file their challenge directly with Minnesota Supreme Court. For reference, Secretary Ritchie plans to change the title from “Recognition of marriage solely between one man and one woman” to “Limiting the status of marriage to opposite sex couples.”^[11]

A new update will be released in late July. Click here for past Ballot Law Update reports!

Edited by Al Ortiz

Three states chipped in one ballot measure each this week, as the Tuesday Count seems to be slowing down for the time-being.

However, that may change with the flurry of petition drive deadlines that will continue to arrive as the first week of July progresses.

Sifting through the complex ballot measure developments that occurred recently, the ballot measure total slowly grew by three to give a sum of 137 ballot measures in 34 states. California, New Hampshire and South Dakota were the culprits who added measures to the ballot, with two of those states placing measures on the ballot via the initiative process.

After three citizen initiatives were reported to be placed on the California ballot in the last Tuesday Count, state election officials still had work to do regarding a“government accountability” act. Signatures to qualify the measure for the ballot were submitted to county election officials around the state on May 7, and the those signatures were verified by the California Secretary of State on June 26.

The measure would establish a two-year state budget cycle and prohibit the California State Legislature from “creating expenditures of more than $25 million unless offsetting revenues or spending cuts are identified.” Read more provisions of the measure here.

This brings California’s ballot measure total to 14. The large proposition total on the ballot comes as no surprise, given the state’s recent ballot measure history.

Since 2008, all but one year’s ballot had measures for voters to decide on. That year was in 2011. However, in the four other years, the average ballot measure total in the Golden State came out to a little under 14 proposals.

On the other hand, very little ballot measure activity has happened in New Hampshire in recent years. The last time voters in the state had measures on the ballot was in 2006, when two measures were approved by those who cast ballots.

This year, two more measures will be decided on during the November election. The most recently-added measure was ballot-certified by the New Hampshire Legislature before session ended on July 1. The measure would ban new taxes on personal income.

Currently the state of New Hampshire charges the following personal income taxes: the gambling winnings tax that assesses a 10 percent levy on winnings of $600 or more and a 5 percent tax on dividends and interest.

In South Dakota, supporters of a veto referendum regarding a teachers’ tenure bill achieved ballot access when signatures were verified by the South Dakota Secretary of State.

The measure would block a bill that was signed into law and supported by South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard that would give bonuses to high performing teachers, ban tenure and recruit potential candidates for teaching jobs that are deemed important and critical. The veto referendum effort against the bill was organized by the South Dakota Education Association.

South Dakota’s ballot measure total for the November 6, 2012 ballot is seven.

[edit]Petition drive deadlines

The Fourth of July holiday is quickly approaching, so it seems fitting for direct democracy to take over the country. Supporters of statewide ballot initiatives in seven states this week face deadlines on different days.

Starting on July 3 and ending on July 6, there will be petition drive deadlines in Arizona, Arkansas, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Ohio, Oregon and Washington. The required amount of valid signatures must be turned in by supporters to the appropriate election officials on those days in order for initiatives to be placed on the ballot.

Five out of those seven states had initiatives on the ballot during the last ballot measure election in 2010. However, a different year could mean different results.

Below are signature requirements and deadlines for each state:

• Massachusetts: Supporters of Massachusetts proposals must gather signatures from about 1/2 of 1% of voters who voted in the last governor election. This amounts to about 11,000 signatures. Signatures must be submitted to the Massachusetts Secretary of State by today, July 3.

• Ohio: In Ohio, the statewide petition drive deadline for ballot initiatives seeking ballot access in 2012 is July 4, 2012. That is when supporters of initiated constitutional amendments need to turn in 385,247. For indirect initiated state statutes, the magic number is 115,574.

• Arizona: Arizona ballot initiative efforts have until July 5 to turn in the required amount of signatures for their proposals. Signature requirements for ballot initiative efforts are 259,212 signatures for initiated constitutional amendments and 172,808 for initiated state statutes.

• Arkansas: Petition drive organizers in Arkansas will need 78,133 signatures for initiated constitutional amendments and 62,507 for initiated state statutes by July 6.

• Nebraska: For initiatives filed as state statutes in the state of Nebraska, supporters are required to collect valid signatures from a minimum of seven percent of registered voters. The number is ten percent of registered voters for initiated constitutional amendments. July 6 is the deadline for those signatures to be submitted.

• Oregon: In order to place a measure on the general election ballot in Oregon, supporters must gather valid signatures equaling 8% of the votes cast for the office of governor in the state’s most recent gubernatorial election for constitutional amendments, 6% for state statutes, and 4% for veto referendums. This translates into 116,283, 87,213, and 58,142 signatures, respectively. Signatures must be turned in by July 6.

• Washington: In Washington, initiatives hoping to be granted ballot access, a minimum of 241,153 valid petition signatures are required to qualify an Initiative to the People for the 2012 statewide ballot.

Read more about circulating initiatives in these states here

[edit]Quick hits

Minnesota Secretary of State submits new ballot title: Although Governor Mark Dayton‘s veto of the Minnesota Same-Sex Marriage Amendment was not enough to keep the question from the ballot it did succeed in invalidating the title chosen by the legislature. As a result Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie was allowed to write a new title for the amendment. The title chosen to appear on the ballot by Secretary Ritchie, which was submitted on June 28, is “Limiting the status of marriage to opposite sex couples.” According to reports, republican supporters of the amendment in the legislature do not approve of the new title and are debating whether or not to file a lawsuit.^[1]

Initiative on banning gillnetting in Oregon submits signatures: On Monday, July 2, supporters of Initiative 21 reportedly submitted 45,000 names to the Oregon Secretary of State, bringing the total submitted so far to 134,000. This total is well over the 87,213 signatures required, meaning the measure has a high chance of making the ballot this November. According to supporters, the measure would ban the practice of catching fish by the gills and smothering them, a method they argue is outdated.^[2]

Wording of Massachusetts Medical Marijuana Initiative approved by state supreme court: On July 2 Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Associate Justice Robert J. Cordy released his decision approving new ballot language for a proposed amendment legalizing medical marijuana. The new language rewords the “Yes” statement on the ballot to, “A yes vote would enact the proposed law eliminating state criminal and civil penalties related to the medical use of marijuana, allowing patients meeting certain conditions to obtain marijuana produced and distributed by new state-regulated centers, or, in specific hardship cases, to grow marijuana for their own use.”^[3]

Residents in Phoenix to decide on pensions next year

Changes to public pension funds and services has been a increasingly hot topic issue, with two measures in San Jose andSan Diego California both approved by residents during their local June 5 election. In Phoenix, residents will decide on March 12, 2013 whether or not they want changes made to the city pension system. The city council voted unanimously to place this issue on the March ballot, though exactly what will be changed has not been decided. Proposed changes include changing retirement eligibility as well as setting the normal retirement age at 63 with early retirement allowed at 55 if 10 years of service have already been given. A consulting team has been hired by the city to conduct a study into the pension system and formulate proposed changes which will then be presented to the council in the fall. If the proposed changes are approved by voters in March, the changes would go into effect July 2013.

The Tuesday Count Spotlight highlights notable developments from local ballot measures across the country as well as international ballot measures. 

California has one of the biggest ballot measure totals this year. How many measures are certified? Click here to find out!

BALLOT LAW UPDATE
Initiative allowing wine to be sold at grocery stores approved by Oklahoma Supreme Court: In a narrow 5-4 ruling delivered on Thursday, June 28, by the Oklahoma Supreme Court, arguments that the Oklahoma Wine Purchase Amendment violates the state and U.S. constitutions were rejected. The initiative is known as Initiative Petition No. 396 and would allow grocery stores across the state to sell wine.^[4]

Amendment reordering California ballot measures signed into law: On June 27 Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 1499 into law. The bill, similar in effect to SB 1039, would alter the appearance of ballot items so that all proposed constitutional amendments and bond measures, whether proposed by legislative referrals or by citizen initiatives, would appear near the top of statewide ballots. However, a lawsuit challenging the fairness of the bill has been filed and Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Timothy M. Frawley has ordered the California Secretary of State to refrain from numbering items on the ballot until the lawsuit is resolved.^[5][6]

A new update will be released in late July. Click here for past Ballot Law Update reports!