EDITORIAL: Ballot initiatives deserve attention

At first glance, the front side of this year’s election ballot appears to have all the excitement. Prominently placed are the presidential choices, followed by races for the governor’s office, U.S. House and some compelling statewide elections.

It’d be easy to get distracted in the emotion of marking your choices in those races and overlook the back of the ballot that includes four measures with potentially far-reaching impacts.

Take time to consider these measures and maybe even do a little homework in advance. The Daily Inter Lake has covered the pros and cons of each of these measures (those articles can be found online at http://www.dailyinterlake.com/news/local_elections) but here’s a quick recap to help in filling out your ballot.

— Initiative 116, known as Marsy’s Law, aims to adopt a specific bill of rights for crime victims. Backers say Marsy’s Law would give victims equal constitutional rights as those accused of the crime, including to be notified of major developments in a case and to be notified of changes to the offender’s custodial status. At face value, the law seems well-intended and appropriate, but opponents have argued the measure is unnecessary. They say current Montana laws go far enough to protect victims and also raise concerns about the burden Marsy’s Law could place on the courts.

— Initiative 182 revisits a long-running and contentious debate about Montana’s laws on medical marijuana. The measure would roll back restrictions set out in 2011, allowing marijuana dispensaries to reopen and repealing the state’s limit of three patients per provider. It also hopes to classify post-traumatic stress disorder as a qualifying condition to use medical marijuana. Opponents, for which there are many according to recent polls, point to the potential for abuse of the system. They say Montana’s current laws are well considered and should stand without change.

— Initiative 177 has drawn broad interest regionally, with letters to the editor coming in daily, if not hourly. The measure would enact a law banning trapping on public lands in the state, save for a few exceptions. Backers have an eye on protecting pets and wildlife from being harmed by a trap or snare. Opponents say shutting a historic user group out of public lands goes against Montana values. There’s also debate about whether the proposed law is unconstitutional.

— With approval of Initiative 181, a panel could award $200 million in grants over the next decade to fund research on brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and mental illnesses like post-traumatic stress disorder. Opponents say the intent is noble, but take issue with the funding mechanism. They also say the measure would take critical funds away from other important public programs and projects.

The final countdown is on — thank goodness — only a few more days until Election Day. But don’t rush to the finish line. Take time to familiarize yourself with not only the candidates on the ballot but the important initiatives that follow.