In recent years, ballots in Nevada have grown exponentially with the proliferation of ballot initiatives, constitutional amendments and referendums. These questions – which seek to do everything from banning smoking in restaurants to attempting to legalize marijuana – circumvent the representative process of government by going directly to the voters for approval.
Proponents would argue that this is the purist form of democracy. By collecting signatures and putting the question on the ballot, the voters themselves make decisions on important issues – what could be more democratic than that?
The problem with this scenario is that the voters who are making these decisions are actually getting very little information about what the question really means and the effect it will honestly have on the future of Nevada.
Voters are asked to sign a petition presented by someone who was hired by a particular side and is being paid to get as many signatures as possible. These solicitors are obviously vague about the exact reason for the question and who is really behind the petition’s campaign.
Recent changes to Nevada law require the signature collectors to have written explanations on hand, should a potential signer ask for more information. Often, however, the initial pitch is so vague and one-sided that voters are easily confused and may sign a petition that they would normally oppose if they had more information.
If the same issue were brought before a committee in the Nevada Legislature, for instance, our elected representatives would ask numerous questions and get to the bottom of what entities are really behind the legislation. The entire issue would be completely vetted, in the open, and if it went forward, it would do so with a serious light being shined upon it.
This process is not perfect. Lobbyists with special interests will attempt to influence an outcome and can have tremendous sway with governmental bodies. However, they will be forced to answer specific questions about the legislation, its effect on the people of Nevada and any consequences its passage may have on residents.
Next year, there will undoubtedly be several ballot questions that voters will have to deal with. For example, billionaire Venetian Hotel owner Sheldon Adelson has been talking about funding an initiative to change the way transportation is funded in Southern Nevada. Is he really that interested in our roads and highways? Or is he more interested in taking room tax money away from one of his hotel’s biggest convention competitors, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor’s Authority?
In addition, the teacher’s union wants to raise gaming taxes to pay for education. Of course, they would love to see more money spent on our schools. However, they really want to see more money spent on their member’s salaries.
The safest bet is to be very careful what petition’s you sign this year. That petition seeking to help our kids or ease our road congestion might not be that simple.