This Tuesday is Election Day and there are marijuana-related initiatives on the ballot in four states: California, Massachusetts, Michigan and Arkansas. 

We at SAFER strongly encourage you to:

1) vote YES on the respective initiative should you live in one of these states, and/or

2) urge everyone you know in these states to vote YES on these initiatives and spread the word to others. 

California

Proposition 5 -- also known as the Nonviolent Offender Rehabilitation Act (NORA) -- would prevent non-violent drug offenders from serving time in jail and increase the availability of treatment services in the state. It would also drop possession of small amounts of marijuana from a misdemeanor to an "infraction." This sweeping reform measure would be a gigantic positive step toward more sensible drug and criminal justice policies, and it goes without saying that SAFER supports the reduction of penalties for simple marijuana possession. This measure is being supported by the Drug Policy Alliance and the Campaign for New Drug Policies. Vote YES on Proposition 5.

Massachusetts

Question 2 would remove criminal penalties for possession of up to one ounce of marijuana and replace them with a $100 civil fine, similar to a traffic ticket. SAFER does not believe adults should be punished for using marijuana responsibly, and this measure is a big step in that direction. This measure is being supported by the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy and the Marijuana Policy Project. Vote YES on Question 2.

Michigan

Proposal 1 would make Michigan the 13th state with a law protecting medical marijuana patients from arrest and prosecution. Although SAFER generally works toward broader marijuana policy reform, we fully support this commonsense and compassionate law that will undoubtedly improve the lives of thousands of Michigan citizens. This measure is being supported by the Michigan Coalition for Compassionate Care and the Marijuana Policy Project. Vote YES on Proposal 1.

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Voters in the City of Fayetteville are considering a measure that directs the city's police and prosecutors to make private adult marijuana possession their absolute lowest priority. If adopted, it will also require the city clerk to send official letters to state and federal officials informing them of the vote and urging them to change state and federal laws to reflect the new city policy. This measure is being supported by Sensible Fayetteville.

This "lowest law enforcement priority" measure is very similar to SAFER's 2007 initiative in Denver, as well as previous measures adopted in San Francisco, Oakland, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Seattle, Missoula, Columbia (Missou.), and Eureka Springs (Ark.).