US Election Day 2008 Aftermath: What Passed? What Was Shot Down?

US Election Day 2008 was could be considered one of the most intense days out of 2008. That day was filled with excitement, tension, emotion, and anxiety. At the end, the new US President-elect was Democratic Presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama of Illinois. He had scored a massive landslide victory over GOP Presidential nominee Senator John McCain of Arizona. However, there were other campaign races to pay careful attention to. There were 11 governor races to pay attention to. There were the US Senate and US House races. The Democrats have scored major victories in both houses of the US Congress. Overall, we can expect a new Democratic majority come January of 2009. But there were other things to pay attention to such as the passing of several laws. One of the hottest would be Proposition 8. For those keeping track, it is California’s costliest campaign. The nutshell version of Proposition 8 is that if it passes, there will be a state constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. While the ban is still undecided due to not all of the precincts reporting in, it is highly likely that it will pass. But, there are other laws to be looked at. Here’s a look at what passed and what was shot down. Here’s a summary of what passed: In Arizona – Proposition 102 was passed. It’s the same as California’s Proposition 8. In Arkansas – Initiative 1 was passed. Under Initiative 1, only married couples are allowed to be foster parents. In California – Proposition 8 is highly likely. Again, this is the defining of marriage of a union between a man and a woman. This was the most intense campaign race for the state of California. Proposition 2, which would give humane confinement of farm animals, was passed. Proposition 4, which would give a 48 hour wait period after parental notification before minors can have abortions. A measure would combine the measures of funding children’s hospitals and at the same time help veterans buy homes was also approved. In Colorado – Amendment 46 looks highly likely. Under Amendment 46, there will be a ban on Affirmative Action. In Florida – It is highly likely that the Florida Marriage Protection Amendment will pass. This is similar to California’s Proposition 8. In Maryland – Question 2 was approved. Under Question 2, it will be authorized to use video slot machines at specific locations as a means to provide public funds. In Massachusetts – Question 2 was passed. Under Question 2, criminal penalties of possessing “Mary Jane” would be replaced by civil penalties. A ban on dog racing was approved according to what CBS Station WBZ had reported. In Michigan – A legislative measure to legalize medical marijuana has been approved. Proposal 2 which allows stem cell research has been approved. In Missouri – Proposition C, which requires electric utilities owned by investors to generate or purchase power from renewable energy sources. Amendment 1 was also passed. Under Amendment 1, English would be the language at all of the “governmental meetings.” In Nebraska – Measure 424 was passed. This is a ban on Affirmative Action. In Washington – Measure 1000 was passed. This is considered an interesting law. Under Measure 1000, doctor-assisted suicide will be allowed. What was shot down? In Arizona – Proposition 100, 202 and 200 were shot down. Under Proposition 202, the laws would have been modified in regards to employing illegal aliens. At the same time, employers that employed illegal aliens and improperly reported cash wages would be subject to fines. Proposition 200 is the Payday Loan Reform Act. Proposition 101 would dictate that no law will keep a person from picking a private health care plan of his/her choice. This is mainly projected at the moment. In California – Proposition 7 was shot down. Under Proposition 7, there would be the requirement that 20 percent of California’s power would need to come from renewable sources of energy by 2010. A measure was rejected that would keep police from arresting prostitutes. Also rejected was the attempt to rename a sewage treatment plant after current US President George W. Bush. In Colorado – Amendment 47, Amendment 48, and Amendment 51 were shot down. Under Amendment 47, there would be a mandatory union membership alone with dues. Under Amendment 51, state sales taxes would go up. The money would be used to provide funding to make sure those with developmental disabilities would get long-term care. In Massachusetts – Question 1 was shot down as a result. Under Question 1, the state personal income tax would have been reduced. In South Dakota – Measure 11 was shot down by the voters. Under Measure 11, abortion would be illegal unless in special cases. Also rejected was the call for term limits for legislators. Overall, this is a summary of what managed to pass through and what ended up getting shot down by the voters. Looking at what passed, the one consistency discovered would be the ban on same-sex marriage. On an interesting note, there were laws passed that would legalize medical marijuana, stem cell research, and doctor-assisted suicide.