Relating to Referenda
All Initiatives   
Subject Matter:
Relating to Referenda   (See Comments)

Original Filing:
“This amendment would allow the citizens to call a referendum for the purpose of voting to repeal a state, county, or municipal law/ ordnance. Policy decisions of state and local public departments, agencies, boards, and districts shall also be subject to public referendum. The governing body overseeing that policy/law shall not be allowed to veto the results of said referendum. A simple majority of voters supporting said referendum would cause that governing body to take actions to repeal the offending policy, law, or ordinance within 90 days of referendum election. The process for getting an initiative on the ballot would be the same as amending the state constitution with the exception of the signatures of the petition would be gathered across the Congressional districts currently in use instead of the 2000 Congressional districts. Government officials may challenge referendums if it is a concern of public health. Costs: There will be no costs to implement this policy. Elections will be held on the next ballot. County and Municipal elections may be held at a different time, if deemed appropriate, at no costs to the state.”

Proposed Ballot Title:
Should the Constitution be amended to provide a referendum process permitting the repeal of state laws and local ordinances?

Proposed Ballot Summary:
Initiative Measure No. 44 would allow the citizens to call a referendum for the purpose of voting to repeal a state law or local ordinance. Policy decisions of state and local governments would also be subject to the referendum process. A governing body would not be allowed to veto the results of the referendum. Government officials would challenge a referendum if it is a concern of public health.

Initiative Petition:
N/A

Sponsor:
Mr. Josh Hardy
Address:
22513 Hinton Road
Lucedale, Mississippi 39452


Status:
Expired

Town Meeting Location:
N/A

Initiative Information:
The official ballot title and ballot summary for an initiative measure are prepared by the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office. Initiative measures are valid for one year. During this one-year period, a petition may be circulated to place the measure on the next statewide general election ballot to allow the voters of Mississippi to determine whether the measure should become a part of the Mississippi Constitution. According to Mississippi law, for an initiative measure to be placed on the ballot, a minimum of 106,190 certified signatures must be gathered, with at least 21,238 certified signatures from each of the five congressional districts as they existed in the year 2000. This required number of signatures represents twelve percent (12%) of the total number of votes cast for Governor in the last gubernatorial general election. Signatures must be certified by county circuit clerks as belonging to registered voters in Mississippi. A completed petition should be filed with Secretary of State, together with a filing fee of $500.00. For more information on the initiative process in Mississippi, consult the Mississippi Constitution of 1890, Section 273, and Mississippi Code Annotated §§ 23-17-1 through 23-17-61 (1972).

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