1. Ballot Initiatives CCSC Constitutional Review

2. WHAT?  A ballot initiative is a policy proposal decided by plebiscite once a petition is signed by a minimum number of voters  Direct: goes straight to the ballot  Indirect: goes to the council; if not passed, then moves to the ballot  A referendum is a policy proposal that originates in the council and is decided by voters once the council decides to put the initiative to a public vote

3. WHERE?

4. WHERE?

5. FOR WHAT? Direct democracy can serve an important role in voting on issues such as: - Signaling Support - Divestment - Labor Disputes - Space Usage - Prioritizing Projects - Social Justice Center

6. WHY?  CCSC, despite being a representative body, is self-selective and cannot possibly represent students well on every issue.  CCSC is often reluctant to act on controversial issues, because it doesn’t know how to best represent constituent interests.

7. DRAWBACKS  Process  Something to be said for the process of ironing out details and setting up a sound framework  Majority rule  Possible fixes: 2/3 to pass, 2/3 overrule by student council  Wedge issues  Ballot initiatives can drive polarized voting blocs to the polls (or, you know, LionLink)

8. DRAWBACKS

9. DIRECT INITIATIVE  Upon the presentation to CCSC of a petition signed by at least 10% of the Columbia College student body, or by a majority vote of CCSC, any questions can be put to a vote by CC students. Voting on the question shall occur during the next election period.  Concurrence of a simple majority of those students voting for or against shall be necessary to pass such questions. Upon passage, such matters may be amended or repealed by a subsequent majority vote by the students of Columbia College.  If two or more conflicting initiatives pass in the same voting period, all non-conflicting language shall be enacted. Among the conflicting parts, the language of the measure receiving the highest number of votes shall be enacted.

10. INDIRECT INITIATIVE  Upon the presentation to CCSC of a petition signed by at least 10% of the Columbia College student body, CCSC can vote to pass the proposed resolution. If CCSC fails to vote in favor of the initiative, the question is then put to a vote by CC students. By a majority vote, CCSC can also pose a question to voters (a referendum) rather than voting on a resolution. Voting on the question shall occur during the next election period.  A simple majority shall be necessary to pass such questions. Upon passage, such matters may be amended or repealed by a subsequent majority vote.  If two or more conflicting initiatives pass in the same voting period, all non-conflicting language shall be enacted. Among the conflicting parts, the language of the measure receiving the highest number of votes shall be enacted.

11. TIMING CONSIDERATIONS  Particularly pressing issues: hold special voting period?  Vacancies  CCSC currently fills in vacant position with 2/3 vote  We can hold special elections that would also allow more initiative periods  CCSC-ESC Task Force: proposes a referendum that will take place in January 2014  We can state that referendums can take place off cycle for this specific case or for a change of council structure.