Amendment 1Constitutional amendment · Put on the ballot by lawmakers
Lieutenant Governor Vacancy Election
Explain it like I'm 5
If the lieutenant governor leaves early, voters could choose a replacement instead of leaving the job empty. It also changes some legislative pay and travel rules.
Yes vote
Requiring an election for certain early vacancies, allowing lawmakers to set specified officers' pay by joint resolution, and changing legislative travel approval.
No vote
Keeping the current vacancy, pay, and legislative travel rules.
The question to ask yourself
Is filling an early vacancy by election worth changing other legislative rules in the same amendment?
The case for
- Voters would choose a replacement for an important statewide office.
- The office would not remain vacant for much of a term.
- The amendment clarifies legislative pay and travel procedures.
Backed by: Sen. Sam Givhan, sponsor
The case against
- It combines vacancy, pay, and travel changes in one vote.
- Lawmakers would gain more control over certain officials' pay.
- An election could create administrative costs and complexity.
Opposed by: No organized opposition found
- Money
- No direct tax effect or cost is estimated, although election administration could require spending.
- Don't be misled
- It is misleading to describe this as only a vacancy measure because it also changes legislative pay and travel provisions.