AMERICANS are not just picking politicians to represent them on November 4th. Voters in various states must also approve or reject 146 ballot initiatives, according to the Initiative and Referendum Institute, a think-tank that is part of the University of South California. That may sound a lot but is 17% fewer than in 2012, and more than a third down since 1998.Voters in Colorado and Oregon will ponder whether to require labels on foods with genetically modified ingredients. The Food and Drug Administration deems this unnecessary; the food industry warns that it will be costly. Organic farmers hope it will scare shoppers and boost their profits.California will mull reducing prison sentences for some non-violent crimes. Alaska and Oregon will vote on legalising marijuana. Washington state will decide whether to introduce background checks for all gun sales. The National Rifle Association thinks this would lead to “universal handgun registration”, making it easier for the state to grab your guns.In Colorado, evangelicals are supporting a “personhood amendment” which would enshrine in the state constitution the idea that life begins at conception. That would ban all abortions and—in theory—some contraceptives. It has no chance of passing and would be struck down by the Supreme Court if it did. But it could affect the election in Colorado, since it gives pro-choice voters a...
from The Economist: United States http://ift.tt/1tTvkle
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