An ethics question on both ballots asked whether to limit lobbyist gifts to lawmakers. Both Republicans and Democrats overwhelmingly supported a cap on gifts.

Jennette Gayer voted in favor of the gift cap. As a lobbyist for a non-profit company, Environment Georgia, she says it will level the playing field with other
lobbyists who have deeper pockets:

“Clearly I can’t afford to make large contributions or play expensive rounds of golf with state Reps, so I think it’s important to limit gifts to representatives.”

The most controversial question was on the GOP ballot, asking if Georgia should “have casino gambling with funds going to education.” Republicans were split narrowly down the middle.

The majority of Republican voters also backed a question on whether the constitution should be amended to provide a right to life for embryos, effectively banning abortion.

Democrats voted that they were unwilling to let the state overrule local school boards to create charter schools in local districts. Democrats also voted to create a tax credit for home energy costs and Georgia-made products.

Tags: ethics, Georgia voters, Ballot Questions, 2012 elections