Pigs, Dentures and King Charles II

By Heather Won Tesoriero

After booming in the '90s, the number of ballot initiatives (measures proposed by citizens) and referendums (those put on the ballot by legislators) was down this year--202 measures in 40 states, the smallest figure since 1986. In Oregon, citizens even attempted to get an initiative on the ballot to "ban frivolous initiatives." It didn't make the cut--but a lot of others did, ranging from the essential to the eccentric. Here's a Notebook rundown. --By Heather Won Tesoriero

California AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS Arnie Schwarzenegger toured the state to promote mandatory after-school programs to the tune of $550 million annually. Passed.

New Mexico A BUREAUCRAT BY ANY NAME A referendum sought to change the name of the state highway commission to the state transportation commission. Passed.

Oklahoma COCKFIGHTING Animal-rights advocates got a cockfighting ban on the ballot, a measure that had been repeatedly rejected in the state legislature. Passed.

Oregon HEALTH CARE Oregon became the first state to vote on a measure that would grant universal statewide health care. Defeated.

DENTURES The issue: Should licensed denturists (not just dentists) be allowed to install partial dentures? Passed.

MINIMUM WAGE Measure 25 sought to raise the minimum wage to $6.90, the highest in the nation. Passed.

Nevada LEGAL MARIJUANA The widely discussed measure would make it legal to possess 3 oz. of pot. Defeated.

Florida PORK PROTECTION Proposal: Pigs that are pregnant should not be caged. Passed.

CLASS SIZE Governor Jeb Bush rallied hard against a measure to limit class sizes. Passed.

Colorado CELEBRATING CESAR CHAVEZ An initiative (also on New Mexico's ballot) sought to establish a legal holiday in honor of the labor leader. Defeated.

Georgia PET CONTROL Money from animal-theme license plates would fund a program to sterilize dogs and cats. Passed.

North Dakota LOVE IT, DON'T LEAVE IT College grads would be offered a $10,000 cash incentive to stay in the state. Defeated.

Rhode Island A ROYAL SEND-OFF The question: Should references to King Charles II be deleted from the state constitution? Passed.