Category: Ballot measures

  • Illinois State Legislature refers 2020 ballot measure to allow for a graduated state income tax

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    Since 1970, the Illinois Constitution has required the state personal income tax to be a flat rate. The Illinois State Legislature, with the support of Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D), passed legislation on May 27, 2019, to ask voters to repeal the requirement and instead allow for a graduated income tax by constitutional amendment.   Voters…

  • Alabama voters will decide in 2020 whether or not the state legislature may recompile the state constitution

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    In Alabama, a 2020 ballot measure would, if approved, authorize the state legislature to recompile the state constitution during its 2022 regular session and also provide for its ratification.   According to the text of the proposed amendment, authorized changes to the constitution would include:   arranging it in proper articles, parts, and section; removing…

  • Countdown: with 161 days until election, 15 ballot measures are certified to appear on 2019 state ballots in four states

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    As of May 28, 2019, 15 statewide ballot measures were certified for 2019 ballots in four states. Fourteen were referred to voters by their state legislature and one was qualified for the ballot by a citizen initiative petition. Measures can still be added or removed from 2019 ballots.   Four of the 26 states with…

  • Nevada will be the first state to vote to repeal its constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman

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    On November 3, 2020, voters in Nevada will decide a ballot measure to repeal the state’s constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman. Instead, the ballot measure would define marriage as between couples regardless of gender and state that religious organizations and clergypersons have the right to refuse to solemnize a…

  • Voters in Philadelphia approve four charter amendments

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    On May 21, 2019, voters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, voted in the city’s primary election for mayor, city council, and other city offices. Voters also approved four amendments to the city’s charter according to election night results with 94% of precincts reporting. The four amendments were all referred to the ballot by the city council.  …

  • Texas voters will decide constitutional amendment prohibiting income tax

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    In November, voters in Texas will decide a constitutional amendment to prohibit the state from levying an income tax on individuals. Legislative Republicans supported the amendment but did not have the two-thirds majorities required in each legislative chamber to pass the amendment without support from some Democrats. In the Texas State House, 100 votes were…

  • Voters in Missouri will decide constitutional amendment to limit state executive officials to two terms

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    Voters in Missouri will decide a constitutional amendment to limit state executive officials to two terms in office. The constitutional amendment will be on the ballot for November 3, 2020, unless the governor calls a special election for an earlier date.   As of 2019, the state constitution limited the governor and state treasurer to…

  • Presidential hopefuls Harris, Buttigieg endorse Los Angeles schools Measure EE

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    On June 4, voters in the Los Angeles Unified School District will vote on Measure EE, a proposal to enact a special property tax to fund local schools. Approval of the measure would authorize a $0.16-per-square foot parcel tax for twelve years to fund educational improvements, instruction, and programs. School district officials have estimated that…

  • Voter-approved pay parity initiative in Houston ruled unconstitutional

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    On May 15, Judge Tanya Garrison of Texas District Court 157 ruled Proposition B (2018) unconstitutional. Proposition B was an initiative granting pay parity with city police to Houston firefighters.   Proposition B was placed on the 2018 general election ballot in Houston through a citizen initiative campaign led by the Houston Professional Fire Fighters…

  • Voters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, will vote on four charter amendments on May 21, 2019

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    On May 21, 2019, voters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, will vote in the city’s primary election for mayor, city council, and other city offices. Voters will also decide on four amendments to the city’s charter. The four amendments were all referred to the ballot by the city council.   Question 1 would change gender-specific references, such…