MA: Constitutional Amendment – definition of election (Debating)

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

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After watching the drama unfold in the Northeast over whether or not a constitutional amendment vote is an “election”, I think we ought to make it clear that in the Mideast, it is an election.
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Sponsor: TJ in Cleve

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

I don't see the need for this...

Our constitution isn't worded the same as the Northeast's.

[ZuWo]

I don't see the need for this...

Our constitution isn't worded the same as the Northeast's.

So do you think the current wording of the Constitution is explicit enough and clause 3 of said section refers to all kinds of elections in the Mideast (including votes on constitutional amendments)?

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

A ballot is a ballot, so I would say yes.

[ZuWo]

A ballot is a ballot, so I would say yes.

I see your point and I agree that the current wording of the constitution is fairly obvious. But does really everyone else agree with that point of view?

Indeed, I think the clarification TJ proposes makes sense; if we ever have a situation where a vote in an amendment is tied and someone changes their ballot, this text will allow us to have an even more unambigous base on which we can ground the decision whether the vote editing was lawful or not.

[TJ in Oregon]

I agree that an amendment should be regarded as an election. But, I also think it should be explicitly stated rather than implied because such that a lawsuit won't be brought over it. The dispute in the northeast is ridiculous. In essence this proposed amendment is an effort to pre-empt a bad interpretation.

[tmthforu94]

I think ballot covers it enough - whether it be an amendment, referendum, or an election, the vote you make is your "ballot", and under the Constitution, editing it after 20 minutes invalidates it.

I'm not a legal expert, but I'm fairly certain the current wording is fine. I'm going to message Junkie, though, just in case.

[tmthforu94]

My proposal would be adding an amendment which clarifies what a ballot is. That would probably be sufficient.

Thoughts?

[ZuWo]

My proposal would be adding an amendment which clarifies what a ballot is. That would probably be sufficient.

Thoughts?

I think if we're adding an amendment anyway, it may as well be the amendment TJ proposed ...

[TJ in Oregon]

My proposal would be adding an amendment which clarifies what a ballot is. That would probably be sufficient.

Thoughts?

Sure, put it into words and if it's better than this one, I'll support it instead.

[Queen Mum Inks.LWC]

My proposal would be adding an amendment which clarifies what a ballot is. That would probably be sufficient.

Thoughts?

Sure, put it into words and if it's better than this one, I'll support it instead.

Do we have wording for this?