State Ballot Propositions

* I am enthusiastically behind Wallace Good’s suggestion (Commentary, Nov. 6) to make the initiative and referendum advisory actions only. Let’s do it! This November ballot was difficult and confusing. I never felt I had enough information to make a really informed decision and I didn’t have the time to do all the research necessary.

I think most of the propositions could have benefited by a little shaping and molding by the opposing side, as most of them went too far. Perhaps the Legislature might even enjoy doing that.

RUTH SILVEIRA

Los Angeles

* We have all heard the expression, “frivolous lawsuits.” How about a new expression, “frivolous state propositions”? After trying to interpret and understand the 15 state propositions and becoming thoroughly frustrated, it was obvious the real value and meaning of the initiative system has been lost.

The Times and our elected state officials should work to bring back the real benefits of having meaningful state propositions.

DON ELMORE

Huntington Beach

* To end the despicable practice of paying solicitors to collect the signatures that allow the abuse of our initiative process, simply draft an initiative outlawing this special-interest tool, have volunteers get voters to put it on the ballot and beat the scumbags at their own game.

ROBERT HUGHES

San Diego

* Now that the recent election is over, I have the following comment:

The truth-in-advertising law helps keep the industry/business world doing the right thing in the sale of their products. Why can’t the same law be applied to political groups and politicians in their advertising and campaigning?

BRUCE MONKMAN

Reseda

* Re “Outcome Hinges on Absentee Ballots,” Nov. 7:

So it’s going to take a week or more to count the absentee ballots? That’s unacceptable in a day when almost a quarter of the registered voters in Los Angeles County are voting absentee. Why the delay? Signatures must be verified at the polls as well as in absentee ballots. And the punch card is identical.

What’s going on?

MICHAEL DANIELS

Marina del Rey

* When voting last Tuesday I noted that the voters roll at my precinct includes the name of a person who moved from my house in November 1979 and also includes the name of my late wife, who died in December 1988.

If names of the “departed” remain forever on the voting rolls, doesn’t it follow that voter turnout percentages will continue to decline and eventually will approach zero?

TED MACKIE

Pacific Palisades