WRITING PROS & CONS FOR LOCAL BALLOT MEASURES

WRITING PROS & CONS FOR LOCAL BALLOT MEASURES

League Standards Information must be: Factual Understandable to most voters

What’s the Process? Research Writing Editing

Research Official statements on City or County website Analyses prepared by City Attorney or County Counsel Local press

Writing Length limit: 525 – 600 words (including headings) Use standard LWVC format: The Question The Situation The Proposal The Fiscal Effect Supporter/Opponent Arguments List of Supporters/Opponents The official number and title of the measure should be used in the heading.

The Question Write as a single question, not a series of questions. Structure so that it addresses the substance of the measure but not all its details. Write so that if the voter agrees, he/she will vote YES (i.e. no “yes means no” situations).

The Situation Describe the existing applicable law or procedure. Try to keep the explanation no longer than one paragraph.

The Proposal Summarize the main provisions of the measure – the ones with the greatest potential impact. Explain what will change in the current situation if the measure is approved.

The Fiscal Effect Shorten and clarify the information found in your source documents from the city/county. E.g., will it: Raise taxes? Increase government indebtedness? Affect only specific people?

Supporter/Opponent Arguments Use the “official” arguments, i.e. ones that the supporters/opponents themselves have put forward. Present the same number of arguments with similar word count for each side. NO arguments from your League (if you’ve taken a position on the measure).

Supporters/Opponents List supporters and opponents, making sure there is an equal number (no more than 3) for each side. Provide a single website address for each side. An email address may be used, but only in the absence of a website. Do not list the League as a supporter or opponent.

Editing Establish a process that checks for accuracy and appropriateness of language for the intended audience. Do not include the writer of the initial draft, but involve others to help ensure there is no bias. If possible, research and write additional background material for your speakers – a local In Depth.

Get the Word Out! Put the finished document on your League’s website and Vote 411. Train members of your Speakers Bureau. Send emails to local organizations advertising your P&C services. Notify any local media outlets about P&C presentations in the area.

Where To Find Examples A link to a file containing examples of previously written local Pros & Cons is in the Chat. Use the link below to see the 2022 state Pros & Cons: cavotes.org/vote/elections/ballot-measures Questions? Contact: Tom Carson [email protected] Robbie Davis [email protected] Nancy Mahr [email protected]