STATE BALLOT MEASURE

EXPLANATION:

Bolded is the proposed text and below it is the explanation.
(f) Prior to voting on any bill, each member of the Legislature who intends to vote shall execute a writing containing the following statement:

"I hereby certify under penalty of perjury that I have not committed any act in violation of section 9 and 10 of Article IV of the North Dakota Constitution, in connection with [INSERT BILL NUMBER AND TITLE]. I further certify under penalty of perjury that, to the best of my knowledge, my vote on [INSERT BILL NUMBER AND TITLE] has not been influenced by any act taken by myself or any person in violation of Criminal Code chapter 12.1-12."

A vote shall not be counted unless it is determined that the member casting such vote has executed this writing. This certification requirement shall not apply to committee votes.

Blatant, extremely obvious viloations concerning bribery, extortion, scratching of backs and blackmail are frowned upon by politicians in general.

However:
A legislator voting in favor of a bill when the legislator is sleeping with the lobbyist....
Members of an Administration taking members of Congress behind closed doors, pounding their fists, threatening financial armegeddon and outright lying....
Senior legislators or Party members telling a legislator that it is best if the legislator votes for a particular bill, if he or she ever expects to get his or her pet bill passed or get on a committee....
Implying that a favor is owed to the legislator if the legislator votes a certain way....

These and a thousand other more subtle methods are used to improperly influence our legislators. Most of these are felonies, but other than the blatant ones or when something catches the eye of the media, the rest are considered standard operating procedure and are just part and parcel to being a politician.

It's time our politicians became a little more familiar with the law and were reminded of their obligations.

 

NOTE:

The full findings, declarations, etc., can be seen here.

Further explanation of the measure can be found here.

There are advantages and perceived disadvantages to this measure, and they are disclosed to you.

There is a plan to make this law a reality and to also change the way government works. If we don't do it, it will never happen. Certainly, we can't rely on government.

There are easy ways you can help out in the comfort of your own home doing things that you normally already do.

 

Contribute to the Cause We need your financial support. Please donate here.		Taking Action Here is what you can do to help.		Subscribe Get the latest updates here.