Proposed Amendment Would Require 20 Percent Voter Turnout For Tax Elections

State Sen. Bret Allain has introduced a proposed constitutional amendment that would require a 20 percent minimum voter turnout for tax propositions and similar elections.

Allain said many tax propositions are passed during off-cycle elections during which low voter turnout is the norm. In some areas, as little as five percent of registered voters have cast ballots during these elections, Allain said.

"I just think that there should be a higher standard," Allain said.

"A lot of times they're gaming the system," he added. "Instead of putting in elections where you get the most people to come and decide the issues, they're putting it where they think they have the best chance of passing it. And I just think that's wrong."

Allain also said these measures oftentimes end up as the only item on the ballot, costing local municipalities additional dollars.

A constitutional amendment would require a two-thirds vote of both houses of the legislature, as well as a majority vote of the people.

To listen to the full interview with Allain, click on the 'Play' button below.