Senators who walked out can’t run next year - Lemmy.world

Republican senators who walked away from this year’s legislative session will be barred from running for reelection next year, Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade announced Tuesday. The conclusion, announced after months of speculation, might not be a surprise to voters who overwhelmingly voted last year to create consequences for legislative walkouts via Measure 113. “We believe the plain language of Measure 113 allows for members to run again in 2024 elections,” Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp, one of the 10 senators who walked, said in a statement. Under language the measure inserted into the state constitution, any lawmakers with at least 10 unexcused absences cannot hold office “For the term following the election after the member’s current term is completed.” Citing advice from the state DOJ, she’s directed her elections officials to implement an administrative rule clarifying how Measure 113 works in a manual for candidates. While a statement from the secretary acknowledges there is a dispute over wording, she says courts have found that “The text of adopted ballot measures must be interpreted in a way that is consistent with the voters’ intent.” Advice from DOJ attorneys to the secretary determined the wording being disputed by Republicans was included in the ballot measure to clarify that lawmakers who accrue more than 10 unexcused absences “May complete their current term, even though the election occurs before it is over.” (summary by SMMRY)