There are four initiatives on the ballot this November. Here is a brief summary of each, our recommended position, and links on where to find more information.
HJR4 – Grant Legislature Exclusive Authority and Prohibit Citizen-Initiated Measures on Marijuana, Narcotics, and Psychoactive Substances Amendment
NPC Dems recommendation: Vote NO on HJR4.
This initiative would amend the Idaho state constitution to prevent citizens from using the initiative process to change state laws about marijuana and other psychoactive substances.
Only the state legislature could authorize such changes.
There are two ways to create or change state law in Idaho: through the state legislature or by citizens using the initiative process. HJR4 would eliminate one method for changing marijuana laws, and would open the door to future limits on the initiative process.
Our opinion: If the legislature can eliminate our right to decide on marijuana, they can take away our right to decide on any other issue—whether it be education policy, healthcare policy, or anything else.
Proposition 1 – The Reproductive Freedom and Privacy Act Initiative
NPC Dems recommendation: Vote YES on Proposition 1.
Proposition 1 restores the right to keep private medical decisions about reproductive health care between you and your doctor, not the government. It returns Idaho to the standard of regulated abortion access we had for nearly 50 years and ensures exceptions in medical emergencies and after a fatal fetal diagnosis. Additionally, Proposition defends current access to birth control, Plan B, and fertility treatments like IVF. If passed by a simple majority of Idahoans, Prop 1 would end Idaho’s total abortion ban and become law in January of the coming year.
Learn more about Proposition 1
HJR6 – English as Official State Language Amendment
NPC Dems recommendation: Vote No on HJR6.
HJR6 would amend the Idaho constitution to designate English as the official language of Idaho. But English has, by law, been the official state language since 2007. The amendment was introduced as a copy-cat measure after President Trump signed an executive order designating English as the official language of the United States.
Official State Gun Question
NPC Dems have no recommendation on this initiative.
This is a non-binding advisory initiative that asks voters to select a state gun from a list of 6 options.
The Sample Ballot
Here is a copy of page 2 of the sample ballot from voteidaho.gov that shows the four initiatives.
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