We should be receiving our ballots in the mail in the next few days. Not only will we have the opportunity to vote on candidates for office, but we will also have the opportunity to have our voice heard on a variety of issues. Information about how, when, and where to vote and about everything that will be on the ballot can be found at vote.utah.gov.
Here are short explanations and quick links to where you can find the wording, explanations, and pros and cons of the amendments, propositions, bonds, and question.
Constitutional Amendment A–Currently, a member of the military who is serving out of state under federal order of active duty can claim a property tax exemption on their home only if they serve 200 continuous days or 200 days in a calendar year. If this amendment passes, a military person can qualify if they serve 200 days within a continuous 365 day period.
Constitutional Amendment B–This amendment would make it so that private property being leased by a state or local government entity would be exempt from property taxes.
Constitutional Amendment C–Among a few other things, this amendment would allow the legislature to be convened for a special session by the Speaker of the House and the Senate President. Currently, only the governor can convene a special session.
Non-Binding Opinion Question #1–If you would be willing to increase state motor and special fuel tax rates by about 10 cents per gallon to free up money for education funding, vote yes on this one.
Proposition 2–This is the medical marijuana proposition, which has generated a LOT of discussion and debate. A few weeks ago, House Speaker Greg Hughes, wanting to change the false narratives surrounding this issue, facilitated a discussion in which those opposing and those supporting Prop 2 found common ground. I will write more about this process and its results in the future, but, to make a long, interesting story short, both sides working together with some legislators have drafted legislation that they can all support. Amazing, right?! You can find a draft of the bill (there are still some tweaks to be made) on the Libertas website.
Proposition 3–Expands the state medicaid health coverage to those with incomes of up to 137% of the poverty rate. That means a family of four that earns up to $34,638 would qualify for medicaid. 90% of the funding would come from the Federal Government.
Proposition 4–A yes vote would change the way that political subdivisions–Congressional, legislative, and school board districts–are drawn up. A seven member commission would be created to recommend redistricting plans to the Legislature.
JUST FOR PROVO
Provo Fire, Police, and City Facilities bond–A yes vote will authorize Provo City to bond for $69 million to construct new facilities for the operation and administration of Provo’s police, fire, emergency dispatch, and other city departments downtown, and Fire Station 2 on Canyon Road. More information can be found on here.
JUST FOR OREM
Orem Family Fitness Center and Library Hall Bond–A yes vote will authorize Orem City to bond for $24,500,000 to rebuild and expand the Family Fitness Center and add a Library Hall. Additional information from the city can be found here.
Proposition 5–(on page 7 of this pamphlet). Orem residents are voting whether or not to keep a zone change near UVU as PD-48 Student Housing.
Remember, you can leave parts of the ballot blank if you want. You don’t have to vote on everything–vote on what you feel confident about.