Relating to ballot measures. Providing that upon petition by voters, a question may be placed on the ballot of a statewide election.
If passed, CACR17 would significantly alter how legislation can be proposed in New Hampshire. Currently, only the legislature or a constitutional convention can put questions on the statewide ballot. The proposed amendment will empower citizens, allowing them to have a direct say in the legislative process and potentially leading to a broader range of issues being addressed through voter-driven initiatives.
CACR17 is a proposed constitutional amendment in New Hampshire that allows 5 percent of the registered voters to petition for a question to be placed on the ballot of a statewide election. If the petition is validated, the question will be voted on in the next election, and if it passes with a majority, it will become law within one year. This amendment aims to enhance citizen participation in government decisions by providing a mechanism to propose laws directly to the electorate.
The sentiment surrounding CACR17 appears to be largely positive among advocates of direct democracy, who view it as a way to increase public engagement and responsiveness in government. They argue that this amendment would strengthen democracy by giving citizens a mechanism to influence laws directly. However, there may be opposition from those who believe this could lead to poorly considered laws being enacted if the electorate is not adequately informed or if special interest groups mobilize to influence the vote.
Notable points of contention around CACR17 could center on concerns about the potential for ballot measures to address complex issues that might require detailed legislative consideration, which could oversimplify significant policy decisions. Critics may argue that this approach could undermine the legislative process and lead to conflicts between voter initiatives and existing laws. The implication of empowering voters in this manner can also raise questions about the adequacy of the existing system to manage incoming citizen proposals effectively.