State voters approve all four ballot initiatives

State voters approve all four ballot initiatives

Measures over county officials, powers of the governor, economic development, medical marijuana pass

ralphhardin@gmail.com It was yes, yes, yes and yes for four ballot issues Arkansas voters had an opportunity to weigh in on last night. Of the seven ballot issues originally on the ballot, three were ultimately struck down before Election Day by the Arkansas Supreme Court.

The four remaining measures were approved at the polls, three by wide margins.

Issue 1, the “Terms, Elections and Eligibility of County Officials Amendment” increases the terms for certain county officers to four years. Most notably, offices such as County Judge, Justice of the Peace and Sheriff. The measure also provides that certain officers cannot change to a civil office during their terms. Lastly, the item clearly defines what “infamous crimes” would disqualify a candidate’s eligibility to hold office.

The measure passed by a 71-to-29 percent margin.

Issue 2, the “Gubernatorial Powers Amendment” will allow the governor to retain his or her powers and duties when absent from the state. Under current law, the Lieutenant Governor becomes “acting governor” when the governor leaves Arkansas for official or personal business. The measure was initiated with the idea that thanks to the advanced methods of travel and communication now available, the governor would be able to govern even while traveling out of state. The measure passed by a 73-to-26 percent margin.

Issue 3, was an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution to encourage job creation, job expansion, and economic development. The measure will effectively remove the cap on bonds that can be issued to attract large economic development projects. It also authorizes a city, county, town, or other municipal corporation to obtain or appropriate money for any corporation, association, institution, or individual to finance economic development projects and to provide economic development services. Ostensibly the new law will increase the opportunity and potential for cities, counties and school districts to negotiate for economic development projects. The measure passed by a 63-to-37 percent

margin.

Perhaps the most hotlycontested

issue on the ballot was Issue 6, the Medical Marijuana Amendment.

The laws offer legal protection against arrest or prosecution for Medical Marijuana cardholders, caregivers, doctors and employees of dispensaries and testing labs. However, individuals can still be arrested and prosecuted if they don’t have the proper identification and licenses or do not follow the laws and regulations that would be established for growing, distributing, selling, possessing or using marijuana.

Campaigning on both sides of the issue was strong throughout the election season, but ultimately, the measure passed by a narrow 52-to-48 percent margin.

By Ralph Hardin