Proponents of an Arizona ballot measure to restrict ballot measures call it a financial necessity. Opponents say it would deliver a near-crippling blow to a form of direct democracy that the Grand Canyon State has used since it joined the Union.

Under the proposition on the November 4th ballot, no initiative that raises taxes or requires new spending could take effect, unless it’s approved by a majority of registered voters.

Currently, an initiative needs only to get approval from a majority of voters actually casting ballots. Under the proposed rule, no ballot initiative in the last 10 years would have passed.

A national expert on initiatives and referenda said the Arizona measure would cut down the approval rate, and probably even discourage some activists from launching initiative campaigns in the first place. “Voters get fewer choices,” said John Matsusaka, a professor of business and law at the University of Southern California.

Supporters contend a change is needed to rein in an expanding state government that is burdening the public and businesses with higher taxes and spending mandates, such as the new state minimum wage approved by voters in 2006.

Opponents say the change would handcuff citizens who need initiatives to maneuver around lawmakers who won’t tackle pressing problems, such as healthcare funding.

“It takes away a critical component of democracy,” said John Wright, president of the Arizona Education Association.

 

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