get yer sample ballots, get yer sample ballots!

[Bill McBlueState]

http://wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.php

Enter your home address and find out what you'll be voting on. I was caught off guard by a couple of ballot questions on mine that have received *zero* publicity, so it was worth taking a look.

[JuniorPlankton]

1. Thanks!

I have found a couple of surprising things too!

:kick:

[sidpleasant]

2. Thank you

I find that my ballot has a question about whether the state rep should be directed to vote to move redistricting out of the legislature to an independent commission. Hmm ... I'll have to think about that one. Right now my inclination would be "No, until the day MA gets a GOP legislature."

[TaleWgnDg]

3. my thoughts both initially and finally are a very strong "no" . . .

on

"Question 3: (THIS QUESTION IS NOT BINDING) Shall the state representative from this district be instructed to vote in favor of a constitutional amendment that would remove the authority to create congressional and legislative districts from the state Legislature and instead place that responsibility in the hands of an independent commission, subject to strict guidelines for public participation, non-partisanship, retaining the integrity of existing communities, and respecting the voting rights of minorities?"

Answer: "NO" Why? Because this non-binding question removes your vote, totally and absolutely. Yup. One cannot vote for this so-called "independent commission;" however, you can vote for the legislature who drafts the congressional (federal) districts and the state (house/senate) districts. So why would anyone vote (here) so as to remove their own vote as you would do if you voted "yes?" And, this is a request to change the Massachusetts constitution!! ouch! No, no way!

edited to add: and welcome to DU, sidpleasant.