Congress suspends DC medical marijuana election

October 25, 1998 - Colorado Citizens for Compassionate Cannabis - cohip@levellers.org

Washington, DC -- In the history of the Republic, Congress have never suspended an election. Even in wartime, this nation adheres to the democratic process and principles it promotes and defends throughout the world. Yet an amendment included on the FY 1999 D.C. budget prohibits the certification of election results conducted in the District of Columbia on a citizens' initiative which protects the sick and dying, Initiative 59. (see text of the Barr amendment to the DC Appropriations bill at http://www.levellers.org/dcbarr.htm)

It took two signature drives, three lawsuits, and the death of the original sponsor Steve Michael, to place Initiative 59 before the voters of the District of Columbia. The Measure proposes to protect patients with serious and terminal illnesses, such persons with cancer, and advanced AIDS, when they are instructed by their doctors to use marijuana as a medication of last resort.

The amendment, introduced by Republican Bob Barr (GA), reads: "Sec. 171. None of the funds contained in this act may be used to conduct any ballot initiative which seeks to legalize or otherwise reduce penalties associated with the possession, use, or distribution of any schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802) or any tetrahydrocannabinols derivative."

According to the DC Board of Elections and Ethics, the Congressional amendment does have limited impact on the election. The ballots for Initiative 59 are already printed, and will be distributed to polling places on election day.

District voters will have the opportunity to vote Yes on 59 on Tuesday, November 3. The votes will be automatically counted, and tabulated, by the Board. The total will be announced.

The Board may be prohibited from officially certifying the results, a process which requires minimal staff work. The Board may also be prohibited from publishing the Initiative 59 legislative text, or from publishing the 'sample ballot' in a newspaper of record.

The Yes on 59 Campaign is assembling a legal team, including attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU-Nation Capitol Area). "Congress has struck at the heart of Democracy. Too many people have sacrificed their lives fighting for the right to vote." states I-59 sponsor, activist Wayne Turner.

"Let the people decide," states home rule activist Anise Jenkins. "We have no vote in Congress, our elected officials have been stripped of power, and now they're trying to stop an election. They're destroying democracy in the capitol of the United States of America. It's a disgrace! It's tyranny and we won't let this stand!"

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