News AP News Sometimes a ballot issue isn't really about the issue

Sometimes a ballot issue isn't really about the issue

The use of ballot initiatives is rising along with discontent over gridlocked government _ and sometimes the question has more to do with turning out voters than actually approving the question

Sometimes a ballot issue isn't really about the issue Image Source : APSometimes a ballot issue isn't really about the issue

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The outcome of one of the nation's most critical Senate races could come down to an unrelated question: how North Dakota residents feel about blocking noncitizens from voting.

It's already illegal for noncitizens to vote, but a leading Republican has put the issue on the November ballot in hopes of getting bringing out a flood of conservative voters. The idea is to help Republican Kevin Cramer to victory in his close Senate race with Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp.

The tactic is also on display in California, where Republicans hope a proposal to repeal a gas tax increase attracts the kind of voter who will help them hang on to some House seats.

In other states, marijuana legalization measures could boost turnout for Democratic candidates.

Disclaimer: This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Associated Press (AP) wire.