Political Crossfire Forums

Ek0nomik · Joined: 17 Jul 2005 Posts: 2065 Location: La Fleur

Wisconsin has an amendment on marriage on November 7th. I know exactly how I'll be voting, because I have a strong stance on this issue.

My question is, how does one get a state constitutional amendment on a ballot? Secondly, let's say the amendment passes (which I am sure it will), what happens next? Does it require voting to put it into action?

Thanks for taking a peek. :-D

LostSoul3412 · Joined: 11 Feb 2005 Posts: 7633 Location: Milwaukee, WI

Ek0nomik wrote: let's say the amendment passes (which I am sure it will)

God, I hope not... I have to live in Wisconsin for the next four years...

LostSoul3412 · Joined: 11 Feb 2005 Posts: 7633 Location: Milwaukee, WI

Ek0nomik wrote: Wisconsin has an amendment on marriage on November 7th. I know exactly how I'll be voting, because I have a strong stance on this issue.

My question is, how does one get a state constitutional amendment on a ballot? Secondly, let's say the amendment passes (which I am sure it will), what happens next? Does it require voting to put it into action?

Thanks for taking a peek. :-D

Basically, the whole purpose is to cement that only one man, and only one woman can be recognized as "married" in Wisconsin. There are already two laws banning gay marriage, so this amendment has nothing to do with homosexuals...

Medius · Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 3323 Location: Kansas

Ek0nomik wrote: Wisconsin has an amendment on marriage on November 7th. I know exactly how I'll be voting, because I have a strong stance on this issue.

My question is, how does one get a state constitutional amendment on a ballot? Secondly, let's say the amendment passes (which I am sure it will), what happens next? Does it require voting to put it into action?

Thanks for taking a peek. :-D

It depends on your state constitution. Here is the section in your constitution:

Quote: Constitutional amendments.

SECTION 1. Any amendment or amendments to this constitution may be proposed in either house of the legislature, and if the same shall be agreed to by a majority of the members elected to each of the two houses, such proposed amendment or amendments shall be entered on their journals, with the yeas and nays taken thereon, and referred to the legislature to be chosen at the next general election, and shall be published for three months previous to the time of holding such election; and if, in the legislature so next chosen, such proposed amendment or amendments shall be agreed to by a majority of all the members elected to each house, then it shall be the duty of the legislature to submit such proposed amendment or amendments to the people in such manner and at such time as the legislature shall prescribe; and if the people shall
approve and ratify such amendment or amendments by a majority of the electors voting thereon, such amendment or amendments shall become part of the constitution; provided, that if more than one amendment be submitted, they shall be submitted in such manner that the people may vote for or against such amendments separately.

Constitutional conventions.

SECTION 2. If at any time a majority of the senate and assembly shall deem it necessary to call a convention to revise or change this constitution, they shall recommend to the electors to vote for or against a convention at the next election for members of the legislature. And if it shall appear that a majority of the electors voting thereon have voted
for a convention, the legislature shall, at its next session, provide for calling such convention.

http://www.legis.state.wi.us/rsb/unannotated_wisconst.pdf

perdidochas · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 14019 Location: Florida

Ek0nomik wrote: Wisconsin has an amendment on marriage on November 7th. I know exactly how I'll be voting, because I have a strong stance on this issue.

My question is, how does one get a state constitutional amendment on a ballot? Secondly, let's say the amendment passes (which I am sure it will), what happens next? Does it require voting to put it into action?

Thanks for taking a peek. :-D

Each state is different. You need to look at your state constitution to determine how it is amended.

In FL, a petition with a certain percentage of the population has to be signed. Then it goes up for a referendum to vote on. In FL, currently, it takes 50%+1 votes to pass. There is a Amendment up for vote that would require 60%+1 votes to pass them. I think that's a better idea. Constitutions should be hard to amend.

Ek0nomik · Joined: 17 Jul 2005 Posts: 2065 Location: La Fleur

LostSoul3412 wrote: God, I hope not... I have to live in Wisconsin for the next four years...

I'm voting No. I have "a fair wisconsin votes no" button on my bag that I wear to my lectures everyday.

LostSoul3412 wrote: Basically, the whole purpose is to cement that only one man, and only one woman can be recognized as "married" in Wisconsin. There are already two laws banning gay marriage, so this amendment has nothing to do with homosexuals...

What two laws have been passed already? How doesn't this deal with homosexuals? It defines marriage between one man and one woman.

Ek0nomik · Joined: 17 Jul 2005 Posts: 2065 Location: La Fleur

So, if I read what Medius quoted correctly, the Wisconsin State Senate and Wisconsin State Assembly have already voted on the marriage amendment? It passed, thus it is on the general election ballot come November 7th? If it passes, than it is amended to the Wisconsin Constitution?

Ek0nomik · Joined: 17 Jul 2005 Posts: 2065 Location: La Fleur

Bump. :-D

Medius · Joined: 10 May 2006 Posts: 3323 Location: Kansas

Ek0nomik wrote: Bump. :-D

That would be my interpretation yes. It would be silly to have the people vote on something that hasn't gone through your congress, it would create unnecessary complication on your ballots. I also don't see any other way to put forth an amendment other than passing it through both houses.