Funny How The Constitution Matters Only When They Want It Too
Posted by Andy on July 3rd, 2008
Ever notice how the left uses “Unconstitutional” whenever they have policy differences with Republicans? Well, in St. Paul the State Constitution is being treated like a road bump to a group seeking to disenfranchise voters like never before.
Under the threat of a lawsuit, the St. Paul City Council on Wednesday voted against putting a petition-driven question on the November ballot that would ask voters if they want to change the way they vote in municipal elections.
More than 5,300 people signed a petition to put instant-runoff voting, which allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference, on the ballot.
It’s a controversial method, and prevailing council members said it would probably violate the state’s constitution.
Minneapolis adopted the system but is currently involved in a lawsuit over its constitutionality.
The group pushing for the change, the Better Ballot Campaign, said it’s not the council’s role to decide what is or isn’t constitutional. Last week, the group hinted it might sue if its request was denied.
“You can’t go wrong respecting the voice of the people,” said Jay Benanav, an attorney representing the group and a former council member.
Unless it is unconstitutional and the worst plan at stealing elections since Ross Perot. 