National

LeafOne of the greatest strengths of the initiative process is that it allows citizens to deal with issues or present positions that politician are unlikely to every tackle. Among those issues is drug policy reform, and the legalization/decriminalization of marijuana in particular.

RecallWhile Citizens in Charge works primarily on the rights of initiative and referendum, there is a third process that is important in ensuring citizen control of government. Citizens in eighteen states have the power of recall, whereby elected official can be removed from office before the expiration of their term. When citizens are dissatisfied with their elected officials, they can petition to have a recall election put on the ballot. Removal can be for malfeasance or in many jurisdictions for any action the recall language specifies.

The National Taxpayers Union recently released their 2010 Ballot Guide that evaluates state and local measures on the ballot all across the country this November. Make sure to check it out.

Where Does Your State Stand?

Tue, Oct 5 2010 by Staff

This summer Citizens in Charge and Citizens in Charge Foundation commissioned a poll in each state to determine voter support for statewide initiative & referendum.

In each state, voters supported initiative & referendum by a 2:1 ratio or greater.

Check out your state’s page to see the results in your state.

The Boston Globe had an editorial yesterday supporting the initiative & referendum process:

NPR’s Alan Greenblatt put out a piece today talking about what’s on the ballot this November. Citizens in Charge President Paul Jacob talked with Alan about the initiative process and gave his comments on the topic.

Make sure to check out the article here.

 

In Washington, they’re arguing about taxing rich people. Much like the debate in Congress about extending the so-called Bush tax cuts, a ballot initiative in Washington state comes down to the question of whether top earners should pay more in taxes. The initiative would create the state’s first personal income tax since the 1930s. It would apply only to individuals who make more than $200,000 a year, or couples making at least $400,000.

Citizens in Charge President Paul Jacob’s Townhall column yesterday talks about what’s on the ballot around the country this November:

U.S. Conference on I&R - An Overview

Fri, Sep 24 by Anonymous

I just posted a new video on our YouTube Channel; it’s a quick overview of some of the panels and topics discussed at the U.S. Conference on I&R out in San Francisco in July and August.

Check it out here.

The James Madison Center for Free Speech in Terre Haute, Indiana issued the following press release today about a very important case that could potentially come before the U.S. Supreme Court in the near future:

It's Constitution Day

Fri, Sep 17 2010 by Staff

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances…

New Research from BallotPedia

Fri, Sep 10 2010 by Staff

BallotPedia has come out with a bunch of new research on local school bond and tax elections around the country. Citizens in Charge and Citizens in Charge Foundation primarily deal with initiative & referendum at the state level, so this more in depth look at local school bond and tax issues is interesting.

Bang for Your Buck

Wed, Sep 1 2010 by Staff

Apparently a new record was set for spending on an initiative in Washington State recently. The American Beverage Association has plopped down over $14 million to try and overturn a soda tax passed by the State Legislature.