By now, Minnesota election results are completed and the (mostly) good news and bit of bad news (Bachmann re-elected) are no longer the freshest items on the feed. Republican majorities in the state house and senate tried and failed to do an end run around the legislative process with the stupid marriage amendment question.
But it wasn't the only act of legislative douche baggery to come out of the out-going state house, and I am a little disappointed with the lack of coverage; it's actually a lot more important to our political and little-d democratic future.
I had one sign outside my house this year: VOTE NO ON BOTH AMENDMENTS.
There were actually two this year. The other amendment related to voter ID at the polls. As was discussed more extensively in PA, it was an attempt to back door a new Poll Tax and attempt to disenfranchise the elderly, the young and residentially unsettled (read: college students, less affluent/renters), and poorer individuals who might not have a picture ID/driver's license because they can't afford a car/gas.
It was another ALEC-esque attempt at voter suppression. And it failed.
The better news is that the Republican majorities in the state house and senate that put it on the ballot no longer exist. The state senate has returned to Democratic hands after 2 years of Republican control. DFLer's controlled the senate for about forty years before that. It looks as though the dems will take the house as well.
So that's the good news. At least two years' respite from another attempt at constitutionally sanctioned voter suppression and discrimination.
If it's possible I'm hoping that the election will allow for a change in the way constitutional amendments are passed, but I'm not hopeful. Will talk to my local legislators, however.