Sample Ballot: Statewide measures

By Evan Smith

Here are statewide measures that will appear on our ballots for the Nov. 5, 2013 general election. Measures appear as they will appear on the ballot.

The two initiatives to the legislature are on the ballot because the Legislature did not act on them. 

Initiatives to the Legislature

Initiative Measure No. 517

Initiative Measure No. 517 concerns initiative and referendum measures. This measure would set penalties for interfering with or retaliating against signature gatherers and petition-signers; require that all measures receiving sufficient signatures appear on the ballot; and extend time for gathering initiative petition signatures. Should this measure be enacted into law?

YES __

NO ___

Initiative Measure No. 522

Initiative Measure No. 522 concerns labeling of genetically-engineered foods. This measure would require most raw agricultural commodities, processed foods, and seeds and seed stocks, if produced using genetic engineering, as defined, to be labeled as genetically engineered when offered for retail sale. Should this measure be enacted into law?

YES __

NO ___

Advisory Votes

Advisory Vote No. 3 Substitute Senate Bill 5444

The legislature eliminated, without a vote of the people, a leasehold excise tax credit for taxpayers who lease publicly-owned property, costing approximately $2,000,000 in the first ten years, for government spending. This tax increase should be:

REPEALED ____

MAINTAINED __

Advisory Vote No. 4 Senate Bill 5627

The legislature imposed, without a vote of the people, an aircraft excise tax on commuter air carriers in lieu of property tax, costing approximately $500,000 in its first ten years, for government spending. This tax increase should be:

REPEALED _____

MAINTAINED __

Advisory Vote No. 5 Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1846

The legislature extended, without a vote of the people, the insurance premium tax to some insurance for pediatric oral services, costing an amount that cannot currently be estimated, for government spending. This tax increase should be:

REPEALED _____

MAINTAINED __

Advisory Vote No. 6 Second Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1971

The legislature eliminated, without a vote of the people, a retail sales tax exemption for certain telephone and telecommunications services, costing approximately $397,000,000 in the first ten years, for government spending. This tax increase should be:

REPEALED _____

MAINTAINED __

Advisory Vote No. 7 Engrossed House Bill 2075

The legislature extended, without a vote of the people, estate tax on certain property transfers and increased rates for estates over $4,000,000, costing approximately $478,000,000 in the first ten years, for government spending. This tax increase should be:

REPEALED ____

MAINTAINED __