Birth control referendum to be on Illinois ballot

[Mr. Illini]

Kind of absurd considering it has to do primarily with federal policy. Great move by the Dems, though.

http://www.wlsam.com/common/page.php?pt=Quinn+signs+measure+to+put+prescription+birth+control+on+referendum&id=105843&is_corp=0

[muon2]

Not only is it controlled by the federal ACA, but it's been state law for many years now. It's part of a move this year by the Dems in the legislature to load up the ballot with referendum questions. This is highly unusual since even with complete control they have only put two constitutional amendments and no advisory questions up in the previous 10 years. This year they added two constitutional amendments and the maximum of three advisory questions.

The unusual strategy reflects the deep concern the Dems have this year. On one hand they are hoping that these advisory questions on birth control, minimum wage, and a millionaire's tax will increase turnout in a year when forecasts are low for their base. There's no data to suggest that it will work, and they will have to spend advertising dollars to use those issues to get out the vote.

On the other hand, the Dems have had great fear that either or both citizen initiatives for redistricting reform and term limits would reach the ballot, and their is evidence that a large number of questions can create ballot confusion and reduce the chance of success for the outside amendments. However, the redistricting amendment is off the ballot for this year and the term limit amendment lost it's lower court case and must appeal to get on the ballot.

[afleitch]

Not only is it controlled by the federal ACA, but it's been state law for many years now. It's part of a move this year by teh DEms in the legislature to load up the ballot with referendum questions.

About time too. The GOP have been dovetailing ballot measures with state elections to drive up turnout in for the last decade.

[Mr. Illini]

This year they added two constutional amendments and the maximum of three advisory questions.

Do we have a third AQ? I know we have constitutional amendments on criminal rights and voting rights and advisory questions on the minimum wage and birth control. What's the third advisory?

[Oldiesfreak1854]

Did the independent redistricting amendment make it on the ballot?

[muon2]

Did the independent redistricting amendment make it on the ballot?

No. It was withdrawn after a loss in court over the constitutionality of part of the wording. It was already in real trouble since too many signatures were found to be invalid.

[muon2]

Not only is it controlled by the federal ACA, but it's been state law for many years now. It's part of a move this year by teh DEms in the legislature to load up the ballot with referendum questions.

About time too. The GOP have been dovetailing ballot measures with state elections to drive up turnout in for the last decade.

I didn't know that the GOP legislatures were loading up advisory questions (as opposed to CAs) for turnout only. If so, shame on them, too. In any case, AQ's haven't been successful at driving up turnout at local levels in IL without a significant campaign to make the voters aware of the question. We'll see if the statewide effort is any different this year.