Idaho Constitutional Amendment Fails

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho voters rejected the only statewide initiative, and perhaps the most complicated ballot issue, in Tuesday's election.

The constitutional amendment would have allowed lawmakers to reject rules created by executive branch agencies. The amendment failed by a slim margin, collecting 50.3 percent opposing votes, despite it being unanimously supported by Idaho lawmakers. Idaho lawmakers already have the authority to veto rules because of an Idaho Supreme Court decision made nearly 25 years ago. This initiative wouldn't have given any more power to lawmakers. Instead it would have codified the authority into the state constitution.

Unlike statewide ballot issues of the past, this one didn't face a large organized campaign running against it. However, opponents pointed out that the amendment was unnecessary and could encroach on the executive branch's power.