Tag

Constitutional Amendments

All articles tagged with #constitutional amendments

politics5 hours ago

Virginia House Sets Four Constitutional Amendments in Play Ahead of 2026 Session

The Virginia House Privileges and Elections Committee approved four proposed constitutional amendments—on abortion rights, voting rights restoration, marriage equality, and mid-decade redistricting—initiating the two-chamber, two-votes-required process that could lead to voter referenda. Democrats, who hold a strong House majority but a narrower Senate majority, face funding constraints and political risks as they pursue affordability goals. The controversial redistricting amendment has drawn GOP concerns about gerrymandering; leaders indicated maps and further steps, including dates for potential referenda and related budget adjustments, will unfold in coming weeks (with maps anticipated by Jan. 30 and candidate filing deadlines looming for June primaries).

politics8 hours ago

Wisconsin Assembly advances anti-DEI amendment and church-emergency protection

The Wisconsin Assembly advanced two constitutional amendments—one to ban government discrimination or preferential treatment in public education or employment and another to prevent closures of houses of worship during emergencies—both potentially headed to voters in November if the Senate agrees; they also moved a grooming-definition bill that would make such conduct a felony and approved a measure reacting to the Hannah Dugan case to pause a judge’s salary while suspended.

politics1 year ago

Mixed Results for Abortion Rights in Recent State Votes

In recent state elections, seven out of ten states voted to protect abortion rights, while three states maintained existing restrictions. States like Missouri, Arizona, Colorado, and Maryland passed amendments to safeguard abortion access, countering restrictive measures enacted after the Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Florida, Nebraska, and South Dakota, however, upheld their restrictive abortion laws. The results reflect a growing trend of voter support for abortion rights, despite some states' resistance.

politics1 year ago

Eight States Approve Ballot Measures Banning Noncitizen Voting

Voters in eight states, including Idaho, Iowa, and Missouri, approved Republican-backed constitutional amendments to explicitly ban noncitizens from voting in state and local elections, despite it already being illegal. These measures, passed by GOP-controlled legislatures, are seen as part of a broader strategy to emphasize unsubstantiated claims of widespread noncitizen voting. The amendments aim to modify state constitutions to specify that only U.S. citizens can vote, amid ongoing Republican efforts to address alleged voter fraud.

politics1 year ago

"Florida's Abortion and Weed Amendments Face Uncertain Future: Poll"

An exclusive USA TODAY/Ipsos poll shows that proposed constitutional amendments for recreational marijuana legalization and abortion rights in Florida are short on support, with both measures falling below the 60% threshold required for approval. The poll indicates that 50% of Floridians would vote in favor of an abortion ballot measure, while 49% would support a marijuana amendment. Campaigners for both amendments face the challenge of informing and convincing voters, as many are unfamiliar with the measures. The abortion amendment, Amendment 4, would guarantee abortion access in the state until fetal viability, while the marijuana measure, Amendment 3, would allow recreational use for those over 21. With seven months until Election Day, proponents of the amendments have significant work ahead to gain support.

politics1 year ago

"Florida Governor DeSantis Faces Backlash Over Abortion and Marijuana Ballot Amendments"

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticizes proposed constitutional amendments for abortion rights and recreational marijuana, calling them "too radical" and predicting their failure due to their extreme nature. DeSantis expressed concerns about the broadness of the recreational marijuana measure, while proponents argue it would allow state regulation. He also highlighted voter skepticism towards confusingly written amendments, despite past approval of significant constitutional changes.

politics1 year ago

"Florida's Political Landscape Shifts: DeSantis, Abortion, and Democrats' 2024 Strategy"

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis predicts that the proposed constitutional amendments to legalize recreational marijuana and guarantee abortion rights will fail once voters realize their radical nature. DeSantis expressed concerns about the impact of recreational marijuana on the state's quality of life and likened the abortion amendment to a "California abortion" policy. Proponents of the amendments argue for bodily autonomy and safety, while Democrats hope the measures will drive voter turnout. DeSantis also cited voter skepticism and confusion over the wording of constitutional amendments as reasons for potential failure, despite past approval of progressive-leaning initiatives in the state.

politics1 year ago

"Wisconsin's Election Amendments: What's Next and What We Don't Know Yet"

Wisconsin voters approved two constitutional amendments that ban election offices from accessing private grants and require only designated election officials to perform tasks in elections, raising concerns about potential impacts on election administration. In the presidential primary election, voters expressed discontent with the presumptive nominees of both parties, with some choosing "uninstructed" on their ballots to send a message of disapproval.

politics1 year ago

"Florida's November Ballot: Amendments, Abortion Rights, and Marijuana"

Floridians will vote on six proposed constitutional amendments in November, including issues related to abortion rights, recreational use of marijuana, campaign money, fishing and hunting rights, property taxes, and school board elections. These amendments cover a wide range of topics, from enshrining abortion rights and recreational marijuana use to repealing a campaign money program and adjusting property tax exemptions.

politics1 year ago

"Wisconsin Voters Ban Private Funding for Elections in Constitutional Amendments"

Wisconsin voters approved two constitutional amendments that prohibit the acceptance of private grants for election administration and restrict non-election officials from participating in election tasks. The amendments were proposed by legislative Republicans in response to Democratic strongholds receiving millions in grants from a nonprofit funded by Mark Zuckerberg. Critics argue that private funding should be allowed due to inadequate government funding, while others believe the second amendment is too vague. The amendments are expected to impact the upcoming presidential election in Wisconsin.

politics1 year ago

"Wisconsin Voters Approve Ban on Private Election Funding"

Wisconsin voters approved two constitutional amendments banning private money for elections and affirming that only election officials can administer elections, in response to grants received in 2020 funded by donations from Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. Republicans supported the amendments, claiming the funds favored Democratic strongholds, while Democrats opposed them, arguing they could hinder voter participation. The measures were brought to circumvent Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and were not subject to his approval.

politics1 year ago

"Wisconsin Voters Approve GOP-Backed Election Rule Amendments After 'Zuckerbucks' Scrutiny"

Wisconsin voters approved two referendums to change the state Constitution, prohibiting clerks from using private grants for elections and specifying that only appointed election officials can conduct election tasks. The referendums were proposed by Republicans in response to scrutiny of private grants used by clerks during the pandemic, particularly those funded by Mark Zuckerberg. Despite concerns from Democrats and liberal groups, the majority of voters supported the referendums, reflecting a trend of voter approval for constitutional changes in Wisconsin.

politics1 year ago

Wisconsin Voters Support GOP-Backed Measures to Regulate Election Funding

Wisconsin voters approved two GOP-backed constitutional amendments that ban the use of private funds in election administration and narrow the role of election workers. Critics argue that the measures stem from unfounded conspiracy theories, while supporters claim they will eliminate "dark money" from elections and streamline administration. The measures have roots in claims about the 2020 election and were referred to voters after the Democratic governor vetoed similar laws. The impact of these amendments could affect election administration and funding in the critical battleground state.