Laserfiche WebLink
Purported benefits of <br />Initiative and Referendum: <br />Provides a quick method for action <br />BUT: Unintended consequences are often <br />the result when there is no chance to negotiate <br />compromises, study implications, or consider other <br />sources of information. <br />Provides for direct wishes of voters <br />BUT: Studies show that voters can be misled by wording <br />or publicity. Anywhere from 10 to 20 percent mistakenly <br />cast their votes the wrong way. <br />Concerns of minority groups can be brushed aside. <br />Acts as a curb to power of representatives <br />BUT: Representatives are encouraged to sidestep difficult <br />issues, reputations erode even further, and the quality of <br />governance is degraded. <br />Power goes instead to unelected groups or individuals with <br />deep pockets. <br />Encourages broader participation <br />BUT: except in very special cases, voter participation is well <br />below that of candidate elections, even when these are held at <br />the same time. (Look at turnout for school bond elections.) <br />