October 25, 1998

Votes for Initiative 59 will be counted, but Congress bars certification of election results

Let the people decide!

Contact Wayne Turner or Anise Jenkins at (202) 547-9404

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."

(Marijuananews note: Barr makes his priorities obvious. He has even introduced legislation that would prohibit Federal funding of research on the medical use of marijuana. Stopping medical marijuana is more important than democracy, science, or any other values. He is a former federal prosecutor and understands the stakes.)

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.

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!"

Protect the Patients!

Yes on 59
409 H Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
Phone (202) 547-9404
Fax (202) 547-9458

Email: dcsign59@aol.com

Web: www.actupdc.org

1) Contact the president and your representatives and senators and tell them you are appalled that they passed the DC appropriations bill with the Barr amendment that prohibits the election results of Initiative 59 from being certified. Tell them that what they are doing is worse than any foreign dictatorship that prevents fair and democratic elections.

President Bill Clinton

(202) 456-1111

U.S. House of Representatives

(202) 225-3121

U.S. Senate

(202) 224-3121

2) Write a letter to the following newspapers:

a) Washington Times

3600 New York Ave., NE

Washington, D.C. 20002

Phone: (202) 636-3000

Fax: (202) 269-3419

Web: http://www.washtimes.com

Feedback: letter@twtmail.com

b) Washington Post The Post only accepts letters through their webform at: http://washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/edit/letters/letterform.htm Or by snail mail:

Letters to the Editor

Washington Post

1150 15^th St. NW

Washington, D.C. 20071

c) Since the Post and the Times are surely inundated with letters to the editor from locals this close to the election, send a copy of your letter regarding the DC election to your local papers:

Just put the name of a newspaper in the Keyword(s) box, and do the search.

3) Make a donation to the campaign:

Yes on 59 Campaign
409 H Street N.E. - Suite #1
Washington, D.C. 20002-4335

4) VOTE on NOVEMBER 3 AGAINST REPUBLICANS!!!

It is the Republican Congress that is trying to ban the election process and silence the voice of the People in the District of Columbia. Let’s send a resounding message to Congress that this abuse of democracy will not be tolerated. Oust a Republican on Nov. 3!!!

From the Media Awareness Project:

ADDITIONAL INFO to help you in your letter writing efforts

3 Tips for Letter Writers
http://www.mapinc.org/3tips.htm

Letter Writers Style Guide
http://www.mapinc.org/style.htm

Send a copy of your letter to the Yes on 59 Campaign and the Media Awareness Project, who issued an action alert (#85) on this issue:

<dcsign59@aol.com>

<mgreer@mapinc.org>

For more information, to make a donation, or to volunteer for the campaign contact: