11/06/2000

What happens after the votes on the ballot questions are in?

Two of the measures, Question 1, which would set a new timetable for redistricting, and Question 2, which would limit voting by incarcerated felons, are proposed Constitutional amendments. If approved by voters, the amendments are added to the state Constitution as soon as the Governor's Council certifies the election results in early December. The six other questions are initiative petitions, placed on the ballot by groups seeking to create new laws or change existing ones. Most become law as soon as the Governor's Council certifies the results. However, a few questions, including a proposed ban on dog racing and a universal health care measure, include specific dates when the new laws would take effect. The health care initiative, Question 5, would require the Legislature to approve a system for universal coverage by July 2002.

Can the Legislature undo or change the measures if they are approved by the voters?

As with any law, the Legislature can make changes to initiative petitions that voters approve. It can amend them or even repeal them. The Legislature cannot change Constitutional amendments, and it has already voted in favor of Questions 1 and 2 during constitutional conventions.

Can the measures be struck down upon judicial review?

Any law can be struck down on constitutional grounds, but these questions were reviewed by the attorney general before being placed on the ballot.