Mississippi
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2010
Signature Deadline in 2010: October 5, 2009
Number of Signatures Needed to Qualify: 89,285 (constitutional amendment)
Gubernatorial Election in 2010: n/a
US Senate Election in 2010: n/a
In Mississippi, seven initiatives were certified to collect signatures for the 2010 ballot. None of the proponents submitted signatures by the October 5, 2009 deadline. Petitions have a full year to circulate from the date they are approved, so these initiatives can still qualify for the 2011 ballot. For more information on the petitions and their specific due dates, please refer to the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office.
The Mississippi GOP is running a campaign to place a “Voter ID” initiative on the ballot (Initiative Measure Number 27.) Opponents have said such documentation could lead to intimidation at the polls, and discourage the elderly and others who may not have valid ID from casting ballots. They also contend voter ID is reminiscent of the poll taxes and literacy tests used to keep black people from voting during the Jim Crow era.
Another measure that has been certified to collect signatures would amend the Mississippi Constitution to require a new tax to be levied on cigarettes equal to forty percent (40%) of the National Cigarette State-Tax Average rate. Ninety- eight percent (98%) of the proceeds of the new cigarette tax would be distributed to the state Division of Medicaid and the remaining two percent (2%) used for administrative purposes.
Additionally, two conservative groups have filed competing versions of the dangerous “personhood” amendment, which would declare fetuses to be people, banning abortion and many forms of contraception, even when the health of prospective mothers is in danger. The “personhood” measures would also act as a preemptive ban on “Death with Dignity” programs. In 2008, a “personhood” initiative was soundly defeated in Colorado and Washington state passed a “Death with Dignity” measure.
Other initiatives circulating include:
- An initiative to prohibit properties taken through eminent domain from being conveyed to private entities, with certain exceptions;
- An effort to create term limits for all state officials; and
- A state sovereignty amendment.
2008
There were no legislative referenda on the 2008 ballot.
For additional information please check with the Mississippi Secretary of State: http://www.sos.state.ms.us/
