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Ballot Initiatives

Ballot Initiatives. CCSC Constitutional Review. A ballot initiative is a policy proposal decided by plebiscite once a petition is signed by a minimum number of voters Direct: goes straight to the ballot Indirect: goes to the council; if not passed, then moves to the ballot

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Ballot Initiatives

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  1. Ballot Initiatives CCSC Constitutional Review

  2. A ballot initiative is a policy proposal decided by plebiscite once a petition is signed by a minimum number of voters • Direct: goes straight to the ballot • Indirect: goes to the council; if not passed, then moves to the ballot • A referendum is a policy proposal that originates in the council and is decided by voters once the council decides to put the initiative to a public vote WHAT?

  3. WHERE?

  4. WHERE?

  5. Direct democracy can serve an important role in voting on issues such as: • Signaling Support • Divestment • Labor Disputes • Space Usage • Prioritizing Projects • Social Justice Center FOR WHAT?

  6. CCSC, despite being a representative body, is self-selective and cannot possibly represent students well on every issue. • CCSC is often reluctant to act on controversial issues, because it doesn’t know how to best represent constituent interests. WHY?

  7. Process • Something to be said for the process of ironing out details and setting up a sound framework • Majority rule • Possible fixes: 2/3 to pass, 2/3 overrule by student council • Wedge issues • Ballot initiatives can drive polarized voting blocs to the polls (or, you know, LionLink) DRAWBACKS

  8. DRAWBACKS

  9. Upon the presentation to CCSC of a petition signed by at least 10% of the Columbia College student body, or by a majority vote of CCSC, any questions can be put to a vote by CC students. Voting on the question shall occur during the next election period. • Concurrence of a simple majority of those students voting for or against shall be necessary to pass such questions. Upon passage, such matters may be amended or repealed by a subsequent majority vote by the students of Columbia College. • If two or more conflicting initiatives pass in the same voting period, all non-conflicting language shall be enacted. Among the conflicting parts, the language of the measure receiving the highest number of votes shall be enacted. DIRECT INITIATIVE

  10. Upon the presentation to CCSC of a petition signed by at least 10% of the Columbia College student body, CCSC can vote to pass the proposed resolution. If CCSC fails to vote in favor of the initiative, the question is then put to a vote by CC students. By a majority vote, CCSC can also pose a question to voters (a referendum) rather than voting on a resolution. Voting on the question shall occur during the next election period. • A simple majority shall be necessary to pass such questions. Upon passage, such matters may be amended or repealed by a subsequent majority vote. • If two or more conflicting initiatives pass in the same voting period, all non-conflicting language shall be enacted. Among the conflicting parts, the language of the measure receiving the highest number of votes shall be enacted. INDIRECT INITIATIVE

  11. Particularly pressing issues: hold special voting period? • Vacancies • CCSC currently fills in vacant position with 2/3 vote • We can hold special elections that would also allow more initiative periods • CCSC-ESC Task Force: proposes a referendum that will take place in January 2014 • We can state that referendums can take place off cycle for this specific case or for a change of council structure. TIMING CONSIDERATIONS

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