NJ-GOV: Sherrill says she's open to citizen-led referenda

During the Democratic primary for governor earlier this year, much debate was held over whether officials should work to amend the state Constitution to codify the right to an abortion. Several candidates, including eventual nominee Rep. Mikie Sherrill, said they supported such an effort, while some legal experts and abortion rights activists said the move would be unnecessary.

Such an amendment would have to be approved by three-fifths of both of New Jersey’s legislative chambers and then approved by voters in a referendum. Some states, though, allow their residents to bypass their respective legislators.

More than two dozen states offer residents some sort of citizen-led referendum process. Sherrill on Thursday said she’s open to implementing a public ballot initiative process, saying people should have the chance to have a more direct say on the issue.

“I think people should have the ability to weigh on this a little more directly,” the congresswoman said while visiting small businesses in Haddonfield. “And certainly I remain convinced we should have a constitutional amendment for abortion within the current mechanism, but certainly, I think having voters be able to weigh in on this to get it on the ballot would be important.”




https://newjerseyglobe.com/referendums/sherrill-says-shes-open-to-citizen-led-referenda/