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Californians approved an historic ballot measure to halt the inhumane confinement of animals on factory farms. © The HSUS |
Voters spoke loud and clear on November 4 for animals through ballot measures across the nation.
Californians Approve Proposition 2
Proposition 2 passed with more than 60% of voters taking a stand against the mistreatment of farm animals. This measure ends the practice of confining veal calves, egg-laying hens and breeding pigs in crates and cages so small the animals can barely move over the course of their entire lives. Prop 2 goes into effect in January of 2015, giving factory farms six years to shift to different housing systems. The Yes! on Prop 2 campaign received donations from 25,000 individual contributors across the country, and thousands of volunteers worked to collect signatures, distribute campaign literature, and rally for this historic measure. Click here to read more about this tremendous victory in Wayne's blog.
Massachusetts Votes Yes to Protect Greyhounds
57 percent of voters in Massachusetts approved Question 3 to end greyhound racing in the state by 2010. Racing dogs are housed in cages barely large enough for them to stand up or turn around, and since 2002, there have been 841 reported injuries at the two Massachusetts tracks, with 80 percent of those injuries being broken legs. Click here to read more.
Arizona Voters Protect Their Voting Rights
Arizona voters prevailed against Proposition 105 by a vote of 66% to 34%. This measure would have required that future ballot initiatives need more than just a majority of votes cast in order to win, but instead would need a majority based on all registered voters—regardless of whether people show up to the polls or not. People who chose not to vote or simply didn't make it to the polls would have been considered automatic “No” votes. This measure was a de facto ban on the ballot initiative process, and we are thankful voters protected this form of citizen action.
Oregon Protects Public Employee Voluntary Payroll Deductions
Oregon voters successfully defeated Measure 64, a measure which would have damaged the ability of nonprofits to raise funds and speak out on important issues. This measure aimed to prohibit public employees from using voluntary payroll deductions to donate to organizations that use a portion of that money for a political purpose.
More Work Ahead
In August 2008, Alaskans had the opportunity to vote for a third time to ban the aerial killing of wolves. This inhumane and unsporting practice involves shooting wolves from the air or chasing them down to the point of exhaustion and landing to shoot them point blank. Unfortunately, the measure was defeated by a vote of 44 to 56 percent due to deceptive propaganda and an unlawful state-funded campaign. Now more than ever, it is critical for Congress to pass the Protect America's Wildlife (PAW) Act to prevent the shooting of wolves and other wildlife nationwide.
In North Dakota, HSUS members and supporters helped to gather signatures to place a measure on the ballot to halt the captive shooting of wildlife behind escape proof fences. Unfortunately the measure was not approved, but we will continue working to end the egregious practice of captive hunting.
Disappointingly, Oklahomans supported State Question 742, which aims to prohibit future ballot measures related to wildlife issues by doubling the signature requirement for citizens who wish to bring a state question to the voters of Oklahoma. It also designates hunting, fishing and trapping as the preferred means of managing certain wildlife, potentially derailing useful and groundbreaking management tools before they even get place on the table. This measure was a cynical and underhanded power grab by the legislature to take away the rights of Oklahoma citizens.
Updated on November 5, 2008
