The 2022 Midterm election on November 8, 2022 is critical to our democracy. The decisions voters make on candidates for federal, state, and local office will determine the future of our nation for the next several years. In addition, many states or localities also have important ballot measures to be decided by voters in the November election. These measures present the opportunity to vote directly on significant policy matters.
Wherever you live, MALDEF encourages all eligible voters to vote in this election, and MALDEF urges all voters to complete the full ballot, including making informed decisions on any ballot measures or propositions. While MALDEF cannot legally recommend any decisions on candidates for office, we can and do take positions on ballot measures.
ARIZONA
On their November 8, 2022 ballots, Arizona voters are asked to vote on ten propositions, each dealing with important issues of public policy. Based on its civil rights expertise, MALDEF has adopted recommendations on four of those measures. Those recommended votes and a brief explanation for them are provided below. Whatever position you ultimately choose on any of the measures, MALDEF encourages all eligible voters to cast a ballot and have their votes counted.
NO ON ARIZONA PROPOSITION 132:
Proposition 132 would increase the percentage of votes required to pass future ballot initiatives that would approve taxes. Supermajority requirements for voter enactments are anti-democratic by placing a heavy thumb on the scale for past policies even when current voters think they should be changed. A supermajority requirement is particularly pernicious when it is proposed just as the Arizona electorate is beginning to change to include growing numbers of Latino voters. MALDEF urges a “NO” vote on Arizona Proposition 132.
YES ON ARIZONA PROPOSITION 211:
Proposition 211 would require the disclosure of major donors to all significant campaigns seeking to influence elections. The influence of anonymous big-money donors denies voters the opportunity to identify potential corruption and bias in election campaigns. Transparency gives all voters the opportunity to understand who and what is really behind significant election campaigns, enabling voters to cast a more informed ballot. MALDEF urges a “YES” vote on Arizona Proposition 211.
YES ON ARIZONA PROPOSITION 308:
Proposition 308 would allow all Arizona students, including certain immigrant students now excluded, to access affordable tuition at Arizona public colleges and universities. Arizona will benefit enormously when all kids educated in Arizona schools have the ability to pursue their education dreams and to contribute with their full ability to the state’s future. Minor children do not choose their immigration status, and they still feel as connected to their home in Arizona as any student. The state should stop limiting the full advancement of certain Arizonans when they are children. MALDEF urges a “YES” vote on Arizona Proposition 308.
NO ON ARIZONA PROPOSITION 309:
Proposition 309 would further restrict the ability of registered voters to cast a ballot by mail or in person, preventing an unknown number of eligible Arizona electors from voting in the future. This measure is intended to bolster confidence in election integrity, but does so at the cost of the precious right to vote. There is absolutely no evidence of voter fraud of any significance in Arizona. Where lack of confidence rests on mythology, you should counter the falsehoods, not restrict further the ability to vote. MALDEF urges a “NO” vote on Arizona Proposition 309.
ARKANSAS
On November 8, 2022, voters in Arkansas will vote on four statewide ballot measures, which address important issues of public policy. Based on its civil rights expertise, MALDEF has adopted a recommendation on two of these proposed amendments. The recommendations and brief explanations are provided below. Whatever positions you ultimately choose on the measures, MALDEF encourages every eligible voter to cast a ballot and have your vote counted.
NO ON ARKANSAS ISSUE NO. 2 – CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT AND BALLOT INITIATIVE REFORM AMENDMENT:
Arkansas Issue No. 2 – “Constitutional Amendment and Ballot Initiative Reform Amendment” would increase to 60 percent the votes required to enact future state constitutional amendment and ballot initiatives. Supermajority requirements for voter enactments are anti-democratic by placing a heavy thumb on the scale to preserve past policies even when current voters think they should be changed. A supermajority requirement is particularly pernicious when it is proposed just as the Arkansas population is beginning to change to include growing numbers of Latinos. (Last decade, Latinos accounted for nearly three-quarters of the population growth in Arkansas.) MALDEF urges a “NO” vote on Arkansas Issue No. 2 – “Constitutional Amendment and Ballot Initiative Reform Amendment.”
NO ON ARKANSAS ISSUE NO. 3 – ARKANSAS RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AMENDMENT:
Arkansas Issue No. 3 – “Arkansas Religious Freedom Amendment” would amend the state constitution to require any law of general application to satisfy strict scrutiny if it “burdens” freedom of religion. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution adequately protects free exercise of religion. Too often, religious freedom is used to justify institutions in discriminating on the basis of gender or sexual orientation, or in ignoring laws that protect public health and safety. The risk of this proposal is too high. MALDEF urges a “NO” vote on Arkansas Issue No. 3 – “Arkansas Religious Freedom Amendment.”
CONNECTICUT
On November 8, 2022, voters in Connecticut will vote on one ballot measure, which would amend the state constitution to address an important issue of public policy. Based on its civil rights expertise, MALDEF has adopted a recommendation on this ballot question. The recommendation and a brief explanation is provided below. Whatever position you ultimately choose on the measure, MALDEF encourages every eligible voter to cast a ballot and have your vote counted.
YES ON CONNECTICUT BALLOT QUESTION TO PERMIT EARLY VOTING:
The proposed Connecticut constitutional amendment, which is the only statewide question on the November 8, 2022 Connecticut ballot, would allow the legislature to adopt laws to permit early voting, which is barred under the current state constitution. Early voting, which is already allowed by the overwhelming majority of states, would increase the opportunity for all registered Connecticut voters to participate in elections. Requiring all voters to cast ballots on a single weekday does not make sense in 21st century America. There is no greater risk of fraud in early voting than in single-day voting; the amendment would permit Connecticut to facilitate greater participation by eligible voters. MALDEF urges a “YES” vote on the Connecticut ballot question to permit early voting.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
On November 8, 2022, voters in Washington, D.C. will vote on one ballot measure, which addresses an important issue of public policy. Based on its civil rights expertise, MALDEF has adopted a recommendation on this initiative. The recommendation and a brief explanation is provided below. Whatever position you ultimately choose on the measure, MALDEF encourages all eligible voters to cast a ballot and have their votes counted.
YES ON INITIATIVE 82
Initiative 82 would gradually raise the minimum wage currently established for tipped workers to match the minimum wage of other workers. Reducing, based on tips, an employer’s obligation to pay an established minimum wage essentially transfers the tips earned by workers to their employers. Tips voluntarily provided by customers should go to the workers who earned them as a bonus above a fair minimum hourly wage. MALDEF urges a “YES” vote on Washington D.C. Initiative 82.
ILLINOIS
On November 8, 2022, voters in Illinois will vote on one statewide ballot measure, which would amend the state constitution to address an important issue of public policy. Based on its civil rights expertise, MALDEF has adopted a recommendation on this proposed amendment. The recommendation and a brief explanation is provided below. Whatever position you ultimately choose on the measure, MALDEF encourages every eligible voter to cast a ballot and have your
YES ON PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE 1970 ILLINOIS CONSTITUTION:
The Proposed Amendment to the 1970 Illinois Constitution, commonly referred to as the Illinois Workers’ Rights Amendment, which is the only statewide question on the November 8, 2022 Illinois ballot, would protect the right to unionize and bargain collectively for all Illinois employees by placing the right in the state constitution. This is an important step in light of current and recent efforts in other states to restrict some workers’ ability to organize. The measure could also protect some of the workers who have for too long been left out of federal protections for collective bargaining. Unionization and collective bargaining are important protections for workers who face employers who fail to protect the interest of members of their workforce. MALDEF urges a “YES” vote on Proposed Amendment to the 1970 Illinois Constitution.
IOWA
On November 8, 2022, voters in Iowa will vote on one statewide ballot measure, which would amend the state constitution to address an important issue of public policy. Based on its civil rights expertise, MALDEF has adopted a recommendation on this proposed amendment. The recommendation and a brief explanation is provided below. Whatever position you ultimately choose on the measure, MALDEF encourages every eligible voter to cast a ballot and have your vote counted.
NO ON IOWA AMENDMENT TO INCREASE GUN ACCESS:
The proposed Iowa Constitutional Amendment to increase access to guns, which is the only statewide question on the November 8, 2022 Iowa ballot, would place a recklessly-worded right to keep and own firearms in the state constitution. With a United States Supreme Court already interpreting the Second Amendment to limit reasonable gun control, this measure is totally unnecessary. Moreover, the constitutional amendment is worded so broadly that it could prevent reasonable laws to keep the most dangerous individuals from accessing guns. With Latinos having been the overwhelming majority of victims in three mass shootings in recent years (Orlando, El Paso, and Uvalde), the ease of taking weapons across state lines means that measures in any state that could permit a violent racist or other dangerous individual to access guns are a danger to people everywhere. MALDEF urges a “NO” vote on the Iowa Constitutional Amendment to increase access to guns.
KANSAS
On November 8, 2022, voters in Kansas will vote on two statewide ballot measures, which would amend the state constitution to address important issues of public policy. Based on its civil rights expertise, MALDEF has adopted a recommendation on one of these proposed amendments. The recommendation and a brief explanation is provided below. Whatever position you ultimately choose on the measure, MALDEF encourages every eligible voter to cast a ballot and have your vote counted.
NO ON KANSAS QUESTION 2:
Kansas Question 2 — Sheriff Election Amendment would place a requirement of electing sheriffs in the state constitution. Too often, popular election of sheriffs prevents the professionalization of law enforcement, advantaging electoral candidates who are willing to engage in dangerous rhetoric and in punitive and counterproductive policies in order to appeal to certain voters. Often these practices alienate the Latino and other communities by focusing on some invented “immigrant” threat to public safety; this then leads to a lack of community cooperation with law enforcement, with negative effects on investigating and reducing crime as criminals get away with their crimes because witnesses and victims are afraid to speak with sheriff’s deputies. MALDEF urges a “NO” vote on Kansas Question 2—Sheriff Election Amendment.
KENTUCKY
On November 8, 2022, voters in Kentucky will vote on two statewide ballot measures, which would amend the state constitution to address important issues of public policy. Based on its civil rights expertise, MALDEF has adopted a recommendation on one of these proposed amendments. The recommendation and a brief explanation is provided below. Whatever position you ultimately choose on the measures, MALDEF encourages every eligible voter to cast a ballot and have your vote counted.
NO ON KENTUCKY CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT # 2:
Kentucky Constitutional Amendment # 2 would place a provision in the state constitution stating that nothing in the constitution secures or protects a right to abortion. After the United States Supreme Court overturned half a century of protection of a woman’s right to reproductive choice and complete reproductive health care, this amendment would further undermine gender equality in Kentucky by singling out the right to reproductive choice for express exclusion from the state constitution. Going backward on this long-established right will harm the poor and racial minorities who have the least access to obtaining needed services outside the state. MALDEF urges a “NO” vote on Kentucky Constitutional Amendment # 2.
MASSACHUSETTS
On November 8, 2022, voters in Massachusetts will vote on four ballot measures, which address important issues of public policy. Based on its civil rights expertise, MALDEF has adopted a recommendation on two of these ballot questions. The recommendations and brief explanations are provided below. Whatever position you ultimately choose on the measures, MALDEF encourages every eligible voter to cast a ballot and have your vote counted.
YES ON MASSACHUSETTS QUESTION 1:
Question 1 would provide additional funding for education and transportation needs in Massachusetts by increasing taxes on the portion of any individual’s income that exceeds one million dollars. Other states have enacted similar measures to provide added resources for the education of students; in Massachusetts, public school students include increasing numbers of Latino youth who aspire to achieve their American dream. The measure involves a minimal departure from the current flat tax; those residents with more than a million dollars in annual income should pay their fair share by paying a slightly higher proportion of their substantial income for schools and roads. MALDEF urges a “YES” vote on Massachusetts Question 1.
YES ON MASSACHUSETTS QUESTION 4:
Question 4 would reinstate a law enacted by the legislature that permits certain immigrants, who were previously barred, to obtain driver’s licenses. The measure would ensure that drivers in Massachusetts have been tested and are regulated by the state. By eliminating large numbers of unlicensed drivers, the measure would increase traffic safety and public security. Opponents are willing to sacrifice safety simply to express their opposition to immigrants, who are the backbone of the United States economy. MALDEF urges a “YES” vote on Massachusetts Question 4.
NEBRASKA
On November 8, 2022, voters in Nebraska will vote on three statewide ballot measures, which would each address important issues of public policy. Based on its civil rights expertise, MALDEF has adopted a recommendation on two of these proposed measures. The recommendations and brief explanations are provided below. Whatever position you ultimately choose on the measures, MALDEF encourages every eligible voter to cast a ballot and have your vote counted.
AGAINST NEBRASKA INITIATIVE MEASURE 432:
Nebraska Initiative Measure 432 would impose a new requirement to present photographic identification to cast a ballot in Nebraska. The false myth of significant voter fraud is pernicious; the fallacy is used to justify many efforts to deter eligible voters from participating by imposing new costs and obstacles to voting. Photographic voter identification requirements are unnecessary and have a disproportionate impact on voters who are poor, homeless, elderly, or racial minorities. We need to facilitate increased voter participation, not limit it through unneeded “reforms.” MALDEF urges a vote “AGAINST” Nebraska Initiative Measure 432.
FOR NEBRASKA INITIATIVE MEASURE 433:
Nebraska Initiative Measure 433 would incrementally increase the state’s required minimum hourly wage from $9 to $15. All workers are entitled to earn a wage that reflects the cost of living in the United States today. This measure would take important steps in that direction for Nebraska workers and their families. MALDEF urges a vote “FOR” Nebraska Initiative Measure 433.
NEVADA
On November 8, 2022, voters in Nevada will vote on three statewide ballot measures, which would amend the state constitution to address important issues of public policy. Based on its civil rights expertise, MALDEF has adopted a recommendation on one of these proposed amendments. The recommendation and a brief explanation is provided below. Whatever position you ultimately choose on the measures, MALDEF encourages every eligible voter to cast a ballot and have your vote counted.
NO ON NEVADA STATE QUESTION NO. 3:
Nevada State Question No. 3 would radically change the elections process in Nevada to select the top five candidates for every office in the primary and then to use ranked-choice voting to choose among the five in the general election. Unlike other uses of ranked-choice voting, this proposal would not save any money by reducing the number of elections held. Instead, it would require a massive and ongoing education campaign for voters to understand a more complicated and time-consuming voting procedure. Without massive and ongoing education of voters, the “reform” would greatly disadvantage newer and less experienced voters and the candidates they support. MALDEF urges a “NO” vote on Nevada State Question No. 3.