Today is the last day for early voting. But if you’re going to be running to go vote before the deadline, be aware that this year there are ten constitutional amendments on the ballot. That’s a lot to take in. To assist, you can find Better Louisiana’s full analysis of each amendment on our website.
To give you a quick view of what’s on the ballot we have also been publishing snapshots of the amendments. We’re finishing up our third snapshot with four amendments on diverse topics: bond for individuals convicted of crimes against minors, term limits for governors, flexibility in paying off retirement debt, and expropriation of property by foreign adversaries.
Also available are Snapshot 1 and Snapshot 2.
AMENDMENT 3 AT A GLANCE
Changes: Prohibits post-conviction bail for people convicted of certain aggravated crimes against minors.
YES means: Judges could not grant bail while those convicted pursue appeals or other post-conviction proceedings.
Main consideration: The key question is whether judges should retain discretion to consider individual circumstances in granting post-conviction bail in cases involving minors. Better Louisiana is not involved in issues surrounding bail reform.
Recommendation: ⚪ NO POSITION
AMENDMENT 4 AT A GLANCE
Changes: Limits a governor to two terms during their lifetime.
YES means: A former two-term governor could never run for governor again.
Main consideration: The debate centers on leadership turnover versus allowing voters to elect an experienced former governor. Most voters are well-versed on the issues surrounding term limits.
Recommendation: ⚪ NO POSITION
AMENDMENT 5 AT A GLANCE
Changes: Gives the Legislature more flexibility in deciding which retirement debt to pay off first.
YES means: The state could prioritize debt that produces the greatest financial benefit rather than automatically paying the oldest debt first.
Main consideration: Different retirement debts carry different costs and repayment schedules, and the Legislature has little flexibility on what debt to pay off first.
Recommendation: ✅ SUPPORT
AMENDMENT 8 AT A GLANCE
Changes: Prohibits foreign adversaries and their agents from using expropriation to acquire property.
YES means: Put the prohibition in the constitution.
Main concern: Broad language placed in the constitution could create uncertainty for projects with international financing, and similar prohibitions on property ownership are already in statute.
Recommendation: ❌ OPPOSE
Click here for our complete analysis of all the amendments.