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In
our Voters Service role, we present unbiased, nonpartisan information
about elections, the voting process, and issues on the ballot.
How to Evaluate Initiatives
- Who are the real sponsors and opponents of the measure? Investigate
the names of groups with which you are not familiar.
- Does the measure deal with one issue which can easily be decided
by a "yes" or "no"? Or is it a complex issue which should be thoroughly
examined in the legislative arena?
- Is it written well? Are there conflicts in the measure that may
require court resolution or interpretation? Is it "good government"
or will it cause more problems than it will resolve?
- If the measure amends the Constitution, consider whether it really
belongs in the Constitution. Amending the Constitution is cumbersome
and costly and requires a vote of the people. Would a statute accomplish
the same purpose?
- Does the measure create its own revenue source? Does it earmark,
restrict, or obligate a specific percentage of General Fund revenues?
Consider the effect on the overall flexibility of the budget.
- Examine the measure by its merits. During the campaign, be wary
of distortion tactics and commercials that rely on image, but tell
nothing of substance about the measure.
Courtesy of Margaret Craig, League of Women Voters Orange
Coast
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