Constitution; signatures from any congressional district cannot exceed fractional portion of number of signatures required for initiative petition.
Impact
The proposed amendment would significantly impact the electoral process by changing how initiative petitions are qualified for the ballot. This could lead to a reduction in the number of measures that qualify, as districts would now have a cap on the amount of signatures they can contribute. Advocates of the amendment argue that it will foster greater balance in the representation of all districts in the initiative process, thereby enhancing democratic engagement. Critics, however, may contend that such restrictions could hinder grassroots movements, particularly in districts with smaller populations.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 13 is a proposed amendment to Section 273 of the Mississippi Constitution of 1890. Its primary aim is to modify the signature requirements for qualifying initiative petitions for placement on the ballot. The amendment stipulates that signatures collected from any congressional district must not exceed a fractional portion of the total number of required signatures, specifically limiting it to one-fourth (1/4) of the state-wide total. This measure intends to ensure a more equitable representation of signatures across different regions of the state, thereby preventing any single district from disproportionately influencing ballot initiatives.