With just two voter initiatives on the ballot for the November election the list of propositions is light compared to some years past, however, voters are addressing two important issues this election.

Proposition 205 addresses the legalization of marijuana in the state, and Proposition 206 is a minimum wage initiative.

Marijuana

Prop 205, known as the Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act, is sponsored by the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol, Sponsored by the Marijuana Policy Project.

If approved by voters with a “Yes” vote Proposition 205 would legalize marijuana for recreational use in Arizona to those age 21 and older, effective March 1, 2018.

The act would establish the Department of Marijuana Licenses and Control, which would consist of a Marijuana Commission and the Office of Director for the department. The director would be appointed by the governor.

The commission would consist of seven members, also appointed by the governor.

Existing medical marijuana retailers would be permitted to reorganize to act as a marijuana retailer under the new law. A local jurisdiction could prohibit any other marijuana retailers.

The marijuana initiative is supported by Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice as well as the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana like Alcohol.

Arizonans for Responsible Drug Policy is the leading sponsor for opposition to Proposition 205. Also the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry is an opponent.

There are also a number of parents, doctors and social workers writing in opposition, as well as the Bishops of the Arizona Catholic Conference and the Arizona Small Business Association.

A yes vote is to permit individuals 21 years of age and older to privately possess and use up to one ounce of marijuana and grow up to six marijuana plants on the property of the individual.

A no vote would have the effect of retaining existing laws regarding the sale and use of marijuana.

Minimum wage

Proposition 206 is known as the Fair Wages and Healthy Families Act and would increase the minimum wage paid by employers incrementally beginning with $10 per hour after Jan. 1, 2017.

That would increase to $10.50 as of Jan. 1, 2018; $11 on Jan. 1, 2019; to $12 as of Jan. 1, 2020.

The initiative also includes provisions to protect employees regarding paid sick time.

The minimum wage increase is opposed by Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Arizona Farm Bureau, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Americans for Prosperity.

The initiative is supported by Arizonans for Fair Wages and Healthy Families.

A yes vote would enact the increase in minimum wage as described.

A no vote would retain the current minimum wage with existing increases based on inflation.

Voters may read the initiatives in their entirety in the 2016 General Election Publicity Pamphlet, “What’s on my Ballot” which was sent to voters by mail, is also available at Town Hall and may be accessed on the web at azsos.gov/election.

The publicity pamphlet also contains information on judicial retention on the ballot.