JURIST - Paper Chase: Ballot issues ~ AK won't legalize pot, CA voters say no to 3 strikes limits, yes to DNA samples, stem cell research

[JURIST Election Special] Updated results are now available on several ballot initiatives followed during tonight's election coverage on JURIST's Paper Chase:

Alaska voters considered a measure legalizing marijuana. An early lead for supporters of legalization evaporated as more returns came in. With 96% of precincts reporting:

Yes - 103,440 (43%)
No - 136, 218 (57%)

Oregon voters considered Measure 35, limiting damages in medical malpractice. With 88% of precincts reporting:

Yes - 735,068 (49.95%)
No - 735,563 (50.05%)

California voters considered Proposition 66 (limits on "three strikes"), Proposition 69 (DNA sample collection) and Proposition 71 (bonds for stem cell research). With 92% of precincts reporting, it appears that the DNA sample and stem cell research measures have passed but that California will not be limiting its current three strikes law. An almost even split on the issue ultimately turned to "No" as the ballots were counted:

66 (3 Strikes Limits): Yes - 4,314,263 (46.9%); No: 4,876,217 (53.1%)
69 (DNA Samples): Yes - 5,549,821 (61.7%); No: 3,451,515 (38.3%)
71 (Stem Cell Research): Yes - 5,443,799 (59.3%); No: 3,738,259 (40.7%)

Nevada voters decided questions on penalizing lawyers involved in frivolous lawsuits and voting by "idiots or insane persons."

Question 5 (penalizing lawyers): Yes - 292,548 (36.12%); No: 494,598 (61.06%)
Question 7 (voting by "idiots"): Yes - 416,272 (52.53%); No: 349,955 (44.16%)

State constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage (and in some states, civil unions) passed in all 11 states considering the issue. Opponents to the amendments were most hopeful that the measure would be defeated in Oregon, but the latest results, with 88% of precincts reporting, show:

Yes - 862,945 (57%)
No - 655,055 (43%)

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