Louisiana Constitutional Amendments Explained

Every election that there are amendments to Louisiana's constitution being considered I cringe. Not because of the proposed changes to our governmental framework but because the wording on most of these amendments is far to complicated for me and the average voter to understand. For  some reason those who write these amendments feel it's better to confuse and confound than come clear and fully explain what the amendment ultimately does on behalf of the citizens.

Fortunately there is a group that helps clear the fog, mist, muck, and mire of legal talk. That group is called The Public Affairs Research Council. They noticed what I noticed, most voters have no idea what most of the amendments really do. Therefore the PAR group has released their official voters guide to help you better understand these amendments.

What this guide does is explain in a more simple language the objective of the particular amendment. The guide then gives arguments for and against the amendment. The guide then goes on to explain what voting for the amendment will do and what voting against the amendment will do. Remember Louisiana  politicos are sneaky sometimes they get you to vote know when they really are looking for a yes. This guide helps clear up some of the confusion.

On the ballot in November there are 14 different amendments. Two of them deal with health care and funding. These amendments have been getting a lot of talk and discussion around the state. Another amendment, the fifth one on the ballot, has to do with mandatory retirement ages for judges. This amendment would eliminate that mandatory retirement.

Regardless of your position on a particular amendment or change to an amendment you won't  have time to read them while in the voting booth. You will need to know ahead of time and that means taking time now to familiarize yourself with each amendment and deciding which way you want your vote to count.