‘Marsy’s Law’ Proponents Explain Ballot Question [AUDIO]

When hitting the polling place in November, Illinois voters will find a number of questions at the end of the ballot. There are, of course, non-binding initiatives on birth control and the minimum wage but there also will be at least one question that could make a big difference.

Riley & I were joined in studio this week by Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins, director of Marsy's Law for Illinois. This initiative was placed on the upcoming ballot by a unanimous vote in the state Senate and with only two "no" votes in the state House. The effort's website describes it thusly:

Marsy’s Law for Illinois is a constitutional amendment that would guarantee a comprehensive set of enforceable victims’ rights. Illinois is currently the only state in the
country that actually bars the enforcement of victims’ rights.

The law seeks to protect victims of violent crimes who have been battered, raped, abused, molested, and whose family members have been murdered.

The law is named for Marsy Nicholas, as student at UCSB who was stalked and murdered by and ex-boyfriend in 1983. A week after her funeral, her family was confronted by the murderer in a local store. The family had not been notified that he had been released after posting bail. The suspect was later tried and found guilty of the crime.

The proposed amendment would take effect if approved by either three-fifths of those voting on the measure or a majority of those voting in the election.

Here's our full interview with Jennifer Bishop-Jenkins: