Are you frustrated with some aspect of government, but don’t know what to do? You may have an idea for a reform, but can’t implement it.
Don’t become a paid lobbyist, like our opponents. Vote and volunteer for a petition that makes government work better.
Amendment 38, the Petition Rights amendment, is a simple, one-page guide to the Colorado petition process. It makes petition laws uniform and fair for all governments.
Among its many benefits are these sensible reforms:
Ballot titles are limited to 75 words. No more unreadable, 300-word, run- on sentences to confuse voters. Some titles are longer than the petition text.
Title and single-subject disputes will be resolved the first month. No more five-month delays to derail valid petitions, as happened this June with the illegal-immigration petition.
The state constitution is protected from excessive amendments. Citizens want petitions in the constitution to prevent their repeal by hostile politicians. Amendment 38 requires voter approval to repeal most voter-approved petitions. The constitution will be more stable.
Citizens may petition local governments. Most people are shocked to learn they cannot now petition 90 percent of Colorado governments, including counties, schools and special districts.
Citizens may challenge bad laws. We’ve had this right “on paper” since 1910, but after 1932, legislators have falsely declared 95 percent of their bills “emergencies,” to prevent possible challenge petitions. Amendment 38 limits false “emergency” declarations by requiring a three-fourths vote.
Signature verification will be reasonable. Both governments and citizens will still review signatures (see the ballot title). Amendment 38 only ends rejections on petty technicalities like signing “Bob,” not “Robert,” omitting a middle initial, the word “road,” the ZIP code or year, or not using black ink.
Ballots will be shorter. We will vote on initiated measures only in November. Ending special elections increases voter turnout while lowering election costs. In 2005, we had zero state petitions; this year, seven. Amendment 38 will even them out.
Voter guides will be more fair. No more lawsuits on wording now written by politicians. Citizen comments equal on each side, the text, ballot title, and election and financial data will be mailed to voters. More information, lower cost.
Use of tax money on petition campaigns is banned. There is now no penalty when politicians misuse public funds to tell you which way to vote. Amendment 38 imposes a fine.
The establishment despises petitions because it fears the people’s voice. Petitions allow governmental reforms, just what politicians, lobbyists and special interests fear. Petitions provide checks and balances that make government more representative. That’s good.
Special interests claim voting on ballot issues (your right) will create “chaos” and “hassles.” Their ad blitz, run by highly paid lobbyists and consultants, will spend millions to try to trick voters. They don’t care how they win; to them, ends justify means. Here are three shameful examples:
“Taxpayers will pay to print petition forms and for petitioner advertising.” Fact: Amendment 38 says governments “may charge actual costs up to one dollar per 100-entry form.” Bulk printing costs less than 20 cents per form. Amendment 38 actually saves tax money. The voter guides we receive now will cost less to produce and present both sides equally.
“Required state signatures are lowered.” Fact: The state signature formula remains the same. Actual numbers increase after this election; about 110,000 state signatures will be needed. Amendment 38 applies that same formula to each local district.
“You can petition on any trivial issue.” Fact: Petitions apply only to legislation, not administrative details.
For nine other smears, see “12 Myths” at www.pra2006.com.
Petitions change nothing. Petitions merely give you the right to vote on proposed reforms.
Proponent Dennis Polhill serves as a board member of the Initiative and Referendum Institute.
