Other Issues

Constitutional Conventions

Voters in Connecticut, Hawaii, and Illinois will see a question on the ballot asking whether the state should hold a Constitutional Convention. At least every twenty years, states are required by law to put a constitutional convention question on the ballot. A commission, appointed by the state's legislature, has the ability to revise any section of the state's constitution, and then place those revisions on the ballot for the voters to approve or disapprove. Constitutional Conventions are generally thought to be expensive and unpredictable in outcome.

Animal Rights

Although animal rights measures have been overshadowed by the sea of ballot initiatives in their states (California) and weightier issues facing voters (Massachusetts), they represent a pair of niche amendments that seek to improve standards and conditions for commercial interest animals.  In California, Proposition 2 will ask voters to consider whether or not confinement standards for farm animals should be a constitutional matter.  Question 3 in Massachusetts addresses the issue of dog racing and aims to prohibit placing bets and wagers on the outcome of such races. 

Gambling

Voters in six states will vote on ballot measures this election cycle dealing with gambling and gaming. In Arkansas, Colorado, Missouri, and Maryland, the initiatives would use gaming revenue to fund education. The initiatives in Ohio and Maine are asking voters to expand gambling with the building of new casinos.