Our Election Day recommendations

The Deseret News has a long-standing policy of not endorsing candidates. But we have an equally long tradition of endorsing ballot measures where you, the voter, have the final say on matters of public policy unmediated by representation or party. Here are our recommendations:

Voters face four constitutional amendments this year. We recommend "yes" votes on all.

Amendment A specifies that all elections under state or federal law, including those for employee representation in the workplace, would be by secret ballot. Amendment A would protect workers from intimidation by management or labor in workplace elections by preserving anonymity. By placing the right to a secret workplace ballot directly in the constitution, Utah would guard against federal intrusion that could allow harassment and intimidation in workplace voting. It deserves the support of Utah's voters.

Amendment B sensibly clarifies the residency requirements for state senators and representatives, including those appointed to fill a vacant legislative office. Like other recent constitutional revisions to deal with the issue of vacancy, this is long overdue. It passed both houses of the Legislature without opposition and should be approved by voters.

Amendment C would extend the state constitution's property-tax exemption for water rights and facilities to non-profit entities that provide water for purposes other than irrigation. The current property-tax exemption extends to only certain private water companies based on an archaic view of water usage. Amendment C helps promote the sensible development of water rights by allowing all non-profit water facilities to be exempt from property taxes.

Amendment D sets up a five-member ethics commission at the Legislature to review complaints of unethical behavior on the part of state lawmakers. This was prompted by a separate ethics initiative petition that was circulated by a group outside the Legislature. Many lawmakers viewed that petition as too strict and decided to draft this version. After failing to attract enough signatures, supporters of the initiative are now seeking ways to get it on the ballot next year. Meanwhile, Amendment D isn't a perfect answer, but it would provide a process far better than what currently exists. Current rules are vague, and they put members of the Legislature in charge of punishing their own for stepping out of line, which makes the process extremely political. Under Amendment D, the ethics commission, consisting of people not currently in the Legislature, would review complaints and decide whether to pass them on to the full body of the House or Senate. This is a definite step in the right direction for policing the conduct of lawmakers.