Marijuana, health care on the ballot for some

[Tom Clancy]

Marijuana, health care on the ballot for some - CNN.com​

(CNN) -- In addition to picking their local and state lawmakers, voters across the country will decide on dozens of ballot measures covering everything from marijuana to fishing rights.

There are 160 ballot measures going before voters in 37 states Tuesday. That's slightly more than the 2008 election, but down from 2006. Another 24 ballot measures were decided earlier this year during primary and special elections.

Of the items on the ballot, 42 are citizen initiatives (proposed new laws or constitutional amendments placed on the ballot by citizen petition); one is a popular referendum (a proposal to repeal an existing law, also placed on the ballot by citizen petition); three are mandatory votes on whether to hold a state constitutional convention; and 114 were placed on the ballots by state legislatures.

Oklahoma leads the pack with 11 ballot measures up for a vote on Election Day. Louisiana and Arizona each have 10. When including all 2008 ballot measures, including those held earlier this year, California will have a total of 14 for the year, followed by Louisiana with 12 and Arizona and Oregon with 11 each.

Here are some of the most controversial topics on the ballot:

Health care: In response to the health care law signed by President Obama this year, Arizona, Colorado and Oklahoma will consider measures that would change their state constitutions to prohibit individuals and businesses from being required to participate in a health care system.

Marijuana: California is considering legalizing marijuana possession for personal use. Arizona, Oregon and South Dakota are considering various measures legalizing or loosening restrictions on marijuana use for medical purposes.

Unions: Several states are considering amending their constitutions to require secret balloting for union elections. The measures are in response to the so-called card check initiative, a priority for organized labor that would allow workers to unionize without a secret vote.

Guns/hunting and fishing rights: Voters in several states (Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, South Carolina and Tennessee) will consider measures that specify gun, hunting and fishing rights.

Abortion (definition of "person"): Colorado is once again considering an amendment that would define personhood.

If only North Carolina would start looking into decriminalizing Marijuana..

 

[Avatar4321]

Out of all the issues facing our country, why is legalizing marijuana getting any attention?

I suppose smoking pot is more important than having money for the future.

 

[Tom Clancy]

Who said it's more important than having money for the future?

No one, besides, it's a pretty big issue so why are you surprised by this?

 

[topspin]

looks like 19 is going down to refer madness in Cali, hopefully Az and South Dakota are for freedom.

 

[Mini 14]

If only North Carolina would start looking into decriminalizing Marijuana..

Let me give you a little hint about North Carolina:

That will never happen in your lifetime, even if you're 4 today.

 

[topspin]

same for Louisiana

 

[Tom Clancy]

If only North Carolina would start looking into decriminalizing Marijuana..

Let me give you a little hint about North Carolina:

That will never happen in your lifetime, even if you're 4 today.

I agree, but then again, they're one of the few states to start decriminalizing.

Now in NC if they catch you with weed and it's under 1/2 an Oz they can't take you to jail.

 

[topspin]

19 goes down but got more votes than ever at 45% for legalization.