On June 6, the California Senate passed SB 924. It directs the Secretary of State to put an advisory question on the February 2008 presidential primary ballot, on whether the President should end the U.S. occupation of Iraq. As far as is known, no state’s statewide ballot has ever carried a question of this type. The vote was 23-11. No Democrat opposed it, and no Republican supported it.
Ballot Access News
Edited By Richard Winger
The question is faulty. It should ask the Congress to end the occupation of Iraq. As the question is structured, it is merely a partisan popularity poll. I would hope that thoughtful voters, independents and other party voters would cast blank ballots on this question, if they can. Or, is the balloting limited to only Democrats or Republicans?
This will be interesting… will this lead to asking more important questions on ballots, with no action tied to the results? Forgive me for my cynicism, but why don’t we ask people if gas prices should be lower? Mr. Robinson is correct, this is just a party popularity poll with no real call to action.
Two thoughtful reviews. Historical reference includes that a century ago California Governor [and 1912 Progressive Bull Moose Vice Presidential ticket mate] Hiram W. Johnson was THE guru for direct democracy efforts such as proposition[s], initiative[s], and [sucessful 2003 Grey Davis] recall[s]!