Measure by Measure

Tracking ballot initiatives.

Ed Carson from the November 1996 issue

Most of the media coverage on the fall election has been on the presidential and congressional races. But voters also will be choosing among numerous state ballot initiatives. Here's an overview of the more important measures.

• CCRI. The California Civil Rights Initiative would eliminate all race and gender preferences in government. Americans for Tax Reform's Kolt Z. Jones, who tracks initiatives, says, "CCRI is the most important initiative on the ballot in 15 or 20 years." If CCRI passes, other states will likely follow with their own versions as initiatives or legislation.
• Taxes. Voters in Arizona, Florida, Nevada, and South Dakota will consider initiatives requiring either two-thirds voter approval for all taxes and fees or a two-thirds legislative supermajority.
• Term Limits. Term limits supporters have qualified at least 10 initiatives for the ballot in November, but only one in North Dakota would actually limit terms in office. The rest would require states to note candidates' term-limits votes on the ballot.
• Minimum Wage. California, Missouri, Montana, and Oregon voters will decide whether to raise the minimum wage in their states by varying amounts.
• Campaign Finance. At least four initiatives in three states would impose new campaign finance or lobbying restrictions. Alaska's measure would lower contribution levels and require more disclosure.
• School Choice. Washington state voters have two school choice initiatives on the ballot, one creating a voucher system, the other, charter schools.
• Other. Maine will vote on an anti-clear cutting measure. And, for the first time in several election cycles, no anti-gay initiatives qualified for the ballot.