Group spurring referendum process in Conn.

Hartford, Conn. (WTNH) - Should Connecticut voters have the right to vote up or down on major public issues?

Half the states in the country have a referendum process, but not Connecticut and a group has been formed to change that.

Maybe it's prompted by the Tea Party' movement, or maybe it's just general voter discontent but it appears more and more people like the idea.

In 26 states voters not only vote for candidates on Election Day, they also vote on statewide binding referendum questions on public policy -- questions that get onto the ballot by groups that circulate signature petitions. It's called 'Initiative Referendum."

"If you open up the “Tool Box of Democracy,” you'll find Initiative Referendum,” explained Mike DeRosa.

Green Party candidate for Secretary of State, Mike DeRosa joined several other Republican and Independent candidates Wednesday at the State Capitol pledging to work for the idea there.

"Under a Marsh Administration we will forcefully advocate for it and we will make sure that when we implement it, it's done properly,” said Tom Marsh (Ind) for Governor.

They point to a recently concluded Connecticut survey of 500 voters showing that 65 percent favor the concept.

"All in all, these poll results are a very startling and a very strong message showing deep support by Connecticut voters for initiative and referendum rights,” stated John Woodcock, Connecticut Citizen’s for Ballot Initiative.

It would take approval by the Democrat controlled state legislature to put a statewide referendum process on the ballot. Supporters Wednesday said that no Democrat candidates responded to their requests for support, only Republicans and minor party candidates responded.

"All across every ideology, all parties, all genders, races, you name it, any demographic group; the support is very, very strong," said Paul Jacobs with Citizens Charge Foundation.

Their point is that if voters really want the referendum in Connecticut, this fall they should vote only for candidates that support it.

If you would like to see major public policy issues on the statewide ballot, add your comment below.