Learn facts on ballot's many propositions, advisory votes
You've seen the commercials. You've read the ads. You've heard about the candidates and issues from friends, campaign brochures or political pundits.
But what are the facts? What would the propositions, advisory votes and constitutional amendments actually do if they get enough yes votes to pass?
We encourage everyone, yes everyone, to be informed, to register and vote. With roughly three weeks before Election Day, there's plenty of time to find out the facts and decide how you feel.
The issues on the ballot include:
? Proposition 1 — An initiative to requiring the Legislature to either add 1 percent to the sales tax or develop the equivalent revenue stream for K-12 public school funding. If approved, the initiative would go into effect on July 1, 2007.
? Proposition 2 — An initiative that would amend Idaho Code to limit eminent domain when used for economic development or urban renewal and setting compensation requirements.
Information: www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/inits/06init00.htm
? Constitutional amendment — If approved, the Idaho Constitution would be amended to limit marriage to between a man and a woman.
Information: www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/inits/06amend.htm
? Advisory vote — An advisory vote on whether the state should keep the property tax relief measure adopted by the Legislature during the August special session? The legislation reduced property taxes by about $260 million by removing the education maintenance and operations levy from property taxes, and replacing that funding with a 1 percent sales tax increase as well as creation of a "rainy day" fund for education.
Information: www.sos.idaho.gov/elect/inits/06advisoryvote.htm
In addition, the Daily Bee is holding its second candidates forum tonight, and the various initiatives, amendments and propositions will be discussed. The forum will be held at Sandpoint High School; doors open at 6 p.m. and discussion begins at 6:30 p.m.
Be there and be informed.
Caroline Lobsinger is the managing editor of the Daily Bee