Scripts

In case you'd like to read through the phonebanking scripts before going live on the system, we've provided them here for your reference.

North Dakota

Resources

Summary

Measure 3 was designed to do the following:

Legalize the recreational use of marijuana in the state of North Dakota for people 21 years of age or older;
Create penalties for the possession or distribution to or by any individuals under 21 years of age;
Create an automatic expungement process for individuals with convictions for a controlled substance that has been legalized; and
Eliminate the state of North Dakota's immunity from damages resulting from expungement lawsuits.

FAQ

What will measure 3 do?

End the arrest of responsible adults for marijuana, a substance objectively safer than currently legal alcohol and tobacco. Arresting adults for possessing marijuana infringes on personal freedoms and is a waste of taxpayer dollars and law enforcement resources that can be better spent combating violent crime.
Create a new job and revenue generating industry for North Dakota's farmers and entrepreneurs. Marijuana would provide a new profit generating crop for North Dakota family farms and the tax revenue generated from the industry could support important state programs such as education and infrastructure development.
Help combat the opioid crisis. States that have legalized marijuana have seen significant reductions in opioid abuse and overdose fatalities. Thousands of North Dakotans are suffering and legalizing marijuana could help prevent some of the counteless deaths beign caused by this epidemic.

What won't measure 3 do?

Change current penalties for driving under the influence. Driving under the influence of marijuana would remain illegal with current penalties in place.
Legalize possession or sale to minors. Under Measure 3, it will remain illegal to sell or distribute marijuana to minors, it only legalizes activities for those over the age of 21.
Allow marijuana consumption in public, everywhere. Current public anti-smoking laws will still apply if Measure 3 is approved.

Live Script

1. Hi, is this (voter)?

My name is (caller), and I'm a volunteer with Students for Sensible Drug Policy. In this election, you’ll have the chance to vote on Measure 3, which would make marijuana legal for people 21 and older.

[Yes] – [proceed to #2]

[No] – Are you a North Dakota resident eligible to vote?

[No] – If you’ve been a resident of your precinct since October 6 and have a North Dakota driver's license or ID card, you can vote! Marijuana prohibition is an unjust policy that criminalizes people who use marijuana, wastes taxpayer dollars on incarceration, and does nothing to keep marijuana out of the hands of people under 21. I hope you’ll consider it, and thanks for your time. [end conversation]

[Yes] - Great! [proceed to #2]

2. Do you plan to vote for Measure 3?

[Plan to vote against/undecided] - OK. I hope you’ll consider that marijuana prohibition is an unjust policy that criminalizes people who use marijuana, wastes taxpayer dollars on incarceration, and does nothing to keep marijuana out of the hands of people under 21. Thanks for your time. [end conversation]

[Plans to vote for M3] – Great! Thank you for the support. Do you plan to vote in person or with an absentee ballot?

[Already voted] - Terrific, thanks for being an active citizen who votes! Please be sure to let all your friends know that ending marijuana prohibition will restore justice and improve the economy in North Dakota. [end conversation]

[Voting in person] - Great! Many counties have early voting. Do you have a plan to vote and a time of day when you’re going to head to the polls?

Do you know the location of your polling station?

(Help create a plan. Go to vote.org to find the polling location.)

Be sure to bring your ID (requirements), get there by 8pm sharp, and let all your friends know that ending marijuana prohibition will restore justice and improve the economy in North Dakota [end conversation]

[Voting by mail] - Have you sent your ballot in yet?

[No] - If you haven’t mailed your ballot yet, you should consider mailing it as soon as possible. It has to arrive at the county clerk’s office by election day. [end conversation]

[Yes] - Terrific, thanks for being an active citizen who votes! Please be sure to let all your friends know that ending marijuana prohibition will restore justice and improve the economy in North Dakota. [end conversation]

Voicemail script

Hi! My name is (caller), and I'm a volunteer with Students for Sensible Drug Policy. In this election, you will be voting on Measure 3, which will make marijuana legal in North Dakota. Marijuana prohibition is an unjust policy that criminalizes people who use marijuana, wastes taxpayer dollars on incarceration, and does nothing to keep marijuana out of the hands of people under 21.

If you are voting in person, you can find your polling location by going to vote.org. Once again, you can find your polling location by going to v - o - t - e - dot - o - r - g. If you’re voting by mail, don’t forget that you need to put stamps on your ballot and send it in early so it arrives by election day.

Thanks for your time and please make sure you make it to the polls on or before election day to vote on Measure 3.

Michigan

Resources

Summary

The initiative proposes a sensible alternative to Michigan’s failed policy of marijuana prohibition. It positions Michigan as a national leader in the adoption of smart adult-use marijuana laws by allowing adults 21 and older to possess and grow certain amounts of marijuana. It will create a state-regulated system of licensed marijuana businesses that will cultivate, process, test, and sell marijuana and marijuana-infused products to adults 21 and older. The proposal also enacts an excise tax on marijuana at the retail level in addition to the standard state sales tax.

Talking Points

What should I consider when deciding whether to vote yes or no on Proposal 1? Tax dollars are wasted on prohibition

Stops wasting our tax dollars by ending the 20,000 unnecessary arrests that happen for marijuana each year.
Allows law enforcement to redirect their time to more important issues like stopping the opioid epidemic and fighting violent crime.

Legalizes cannabis and industrial hemp

Allows adults 21 and older to grow up to 12 total marijuana plants in a single residence and possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana outside of their home.
Positions Michigan as a leader in industrial hemp production.

Regulates and taxes the adult use of marijuana

Licenses marijuana businesses similar to the state’s 2016 medical marijuana law.
Licenses will be available for cultivators, processors, testing facilities, secure transporters and retailers.

Raises millions for Michigan’s critical needs

10 percent tax on marijuana sales will generate hundreds of millions each year.
New revenue will support roads, schools and local governments

Live Script

Hi, is this (voter)?

[Yes] – My name is (caller), and I'm a volunteer with Students for Sensible Drug Policy. In this election, you’ll have the chance to vote on Proposal 1 to tax & regulate marijuana in Michigan. [proceed to #2]

[No] – My name is (caller), and I'm a volunteer with Students for Sensible Drug Policy. In this election, you’ll have the chance to vote on Proposal 1 to tax & regulate marijuana in Michigan. [proceed to #1a]

1a. [If No] Are you a registered voter in Michigan?

[No] – OK. It's too late to register at this point, but please tell all of your friends and family that Proposal 1 will brings jobs and tax revenue to Michigan while allowing law enforcement to focus on serious crime. Thanks for your time. [end conversation]

[Yes] - Great! [proceed to #2]

2. Do you plan to vote for Proposal 1?

[Plan to vote against/undecided] - OK. I hope you’ll consider that Proposal 1 will bring much-needed jobs and tax revenue to Michigan and will help police focus on serious crime. Do you think you’ll vote yes on Proposal 1?

[At this point, you are encouraged to reference some of the provided resources for details about Proposal 1, common myths vs. facts , FAQs, and talking points.]

[Still plans to vote against /undecided] - OK. Proposal 1 is expected to bring in nearly $300 Million in annual tax revenue which will go to roads, education, and local governments. I hope you’ll consider voting yes for Proposal 1. Thank you for your time [end conversation].

[Yes] - Proceed to 2a

2a. [Plans to vote for P1] – Great! Thank you for the support. Do you plan to vote in person or by mail?

[Already voted] - Terrific, thanks for being an active citizen who votes! Please be sure to let all your friends know that Proposal 1 will bring jobs and tax revenue to Michigan while allowing law enforcement to focus on more serious crimes. [end conversation]

[Voting in person] - Great! Do you have a plan to vote and a time of day when you’re going to head to the polls? Do you know the location of your polling station?

[Help create a plan. Go to vote.org to find their polling location]

Be sure to bring your ID, get there by 8pm sharp, and let all your friends know that Proposal 1 will bring jobs and tax revenue to Michigan while allowing law enforcement to focus on more serious crimes. [end conversation]

[Voting by mail] - Have you sent your ballot in yet?

[No] - If you haven’t mailed your ballot yet, you should consider dropping it off as soon as possible -- and don’t forget it needs a stamp! It has to be in the hands of the county clerks’ office by 8 p.m. on November 6th in order to be counted. Thanks for your support! [end conversation]

[Yes] - Terrific, thanks for being an active citizen who votes! Please be sure to let all your friends know that Proposal 1 will bring jobs and tax revenue to Michigan while allowing law enforcement to focus on more serious crimes. [end conversation]

Voicemail script

Hi! My name is (caller), and I'm a volunteer with Students for Sensible Drug Policy. In this election, you will be voting on Proposal 1, a statewide initiative that will tax and regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol - and will generate thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue while allowing law enforcement to stop wasting their time arresting 20,000 people each year for marijuana and instead focus on more important issues.

If you are voting in person, you can find your polling location by going to vote.org. Once again, you can find your polling location by going to v - o - t - e - dot - o - r - g. .

This is your chance to vote on marijuana legalization and a brighter future for Michigan.

Thanks for your time and please make sure you make it to the polls on or before election day to vote on Proposal 1.

Missouri

Resources

Summary

As of 2018, Missouri has not legalized the use or possession or medical marijuana. Amendment 2 would legalize marijuana for medical purposes. The ballot initiative would allow state-licensed physicians to recommend marijuana use to patients with nine qualifying conditions and additional conditions with doctor's approval. Patients would be allowed to grow six flowering plants in their homes; purchase not less than 4 ounces of dried marijuana or equivalent in 30-day periods, and possess not less than a 60-day supply of dried marijuana or equivalent (more permitted with written certification from two independent physicians). Amendment 2 would also tax the sale of medical marijuana at 4 percent and allocate revenue from the tax toward providing healthcare services, job training, housing assistance, and other services for veterans. Amendment 2 would task the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services with overseeing and regulating the state's medical marijuana program. The ballot initiative would authorize not less than 24 dispensaries in each of the state's eight congressional districts, based on 2018 boundaries.

Talking points

Amendment 2 is:

Pro-patient: Instead of creating a short and restrictive list of qualifying conditions, this initiative puts power in the hands of a state-licensed physicians, not politicians or bureaucrats, to determine who will benefit from medical cannabis.
Robust System for Access: The initiative creates a statewide system for production and sale of medical cannabis and medical cannabis products. It also provides for limited and regulated patient cultivation.
Small Tax to Benefit Missouri Veterans: The initiative levies a four percent retail tax, and all revenue in excess of the cost of regulating the medical cannabis program will go to help Missouri’s veterans.
Public Safety: The initiative maintains the current prohibition on public use and driving under the influence. It also allows the Department of Health and Senior Services to institute a seed-to-sale tracking system to ensure that the product and money do not reach the illicit market.
Regulatory Framework: Puts Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services in charge of licensing and implementation, but also allows the department to contract with other state agencies when necessary for effective and efficient regulation.
Quick Implementation: The amendment creates deadlines to make the department move quickly to promulgate rules, issue applications, and swiftly implement and award patient cards and industry licenses.

Live Script

1. Hi, is this (voter)?

[Yes] – [proceed to #2]

[No] – Are you a registered voter in Missouri?

[No] – Ok, thanks for your time. [end conversation]

[Yes] - Great! [proceed to #2]

2. My name is (caller), and I'm a volunteer with Students for Sensible Drug Policy. In this election, you’ll have the chance to vote on several measures which would give patients access to medical marijuana. Do you know how you plan to vote?

[Plan to vote against/undecided] - OK. I hope you’ll consider that Amendment 2 will help seriously and terminally ill patients to legally access safe and regulated medical marijuana. It will also boost tax revenue and create jobs while keeping marijuana regulated. Thanks for your time. [end conversation]

[Plans to vote for Amendment 3 or Prop C, not Amendment 2] – I hope you’ll consider that Amendment 2 is a medical marijuana measure backed by a broad coalition of patients, physicians, veterans, and groups like the Epilepsy Foundation. It imposes a modest 4% tax on medical marijuana that would help Missouri veterans. On the other hand, Amendment 3 is only backed by personal injury attorney Brad Bradshaw. It would put him in charge of the entire medical marijuana program, and it would tax medical marijuana at 15% -- the highest rate in the country. [end conversation]

[Plans to vote for all initiatives] – Amendment 2 is a medical marijuana measure backed by a broad coalition of patients, physicians, veterans, and groups like the Epilepsy Foundation. It imposes a modest 4% tax on medical marijuana that would help Missouri veterans. On the other hand, Amendment 3 is only backed by personal injury attorney Brad Bradshaw. It would put him in charge of the entire medical marijuana program, and it would tax medical marijuana at 15% -- the highest rate in the country. If both pass, the amendment with the larger vote share will be implemented. [end conversation or move to #3]

[Plans to vote for A2] Great! [proceed to #3]

[Already voted] - Terrific, thanks for being an active citizen who votes! Please be sure to let all your friends know that Amendment 2 will provide safe, reliable access to medical marijuana for the patients who really need it! [end conversation]

3. Have you made a plan to vote? Do you know the location of your polling station?

(Help create a plan. Go to vote.org to find the polling location.)

Be sure to bring your ID or other form of identity verification like a paycheck or utility bill (requirements), get there by 7pm sharp, and let all your friends know that Amendment 2 will give seriously ill patients access to a proven and safe medicine [end conversation]

Voicemail script

Hi! My name is (caller), and I'm a volunteer with Students for Sensible Drug Policy. In this election, you will be voting on Amendment 2. Amendment 2 is a medical marijuana measure backed by a broad coalition of patients, physicians, veterans, and groups like the Epilepsy Foundation. It imposes a modest 4% tax on medical marijuana that would help Missouri veterans. On the other hand, Amendment 3 is only backed by personal injury attorney Brad Bradshaw. It would put him in charge of the entire medical marijuana program, and it would tax medical marijuana at 15% -- the highest rate in the country.

You can find your polling location by going to vote.org. Once again, you can find your polling location by going to v - o - t - e - dot - o - r - g. Thanks for your time and please make sure you make it to the polls on election day to vote on Amendment 2.

Utah

Resources

Talking Points

Why should I vote on this initiative? The legislature said they would pass it.

Think of it as a large and important opinion poll. A large percentage of “yes” votes will indicate that Utahns care about this issue and want to see the the best possible bill passed, whereas a smaller percentage of votes will suggest that it’s not important to voters -- something we know is not true.

Summary

Protect terminally and seriously ill patients with specific debilitating medical conditions from arrest and prosecution if using medical cannabis pursuant to their doctor’s recommendation.
Allow a patient who needs assistance to designate a caregiver to help the patient to obtain and administer their medication. Designated caregivers must pass a background check.
Permit medical cannabis card holders to obtain no more than two ounces of cannabis or 10 grams of cannabidiol or tetrahydrocannabinol from a licensed dispensary during any 14-day period.
Maintain prohibitions on the public use of cannabis, driving under the influence of cannabis, and smoking cannabis.
Establish an electronic verification system administered by the Department of Health and issue medical cannabis cards to qualifying patients while tracking the amount of cannabis purchased by each patient.
Provide for issuance of four types of medical cannabis business licenses:
- Cannabis cultivation facility
- Cannabis processing facility
- Independent cannabis testing laboratory
- Cannabis dispensary
Establish restrictions on the number of medical cannabis businesses, including that not more than one cannabis dispensary be licensed for every 150,000 residents in a county, rounded up to the nearest whole number.
Prohibit felons from owning or working at a medical cannabis business.
Establish restrictions on the locations of medical cannabis businesses:
- No medical cannabis business may be located within 600 feet of a school, public park or playground, church, or library
- No medical cannabis business may be located within 300 feet of an area zoned exclusively for residential use
- A medical cannabis business must be in compliance with any zoning restrictions enacted by a local government
Require medical cannabis businesses to use an inventory control system to track cannabis at every step from initial planting to sale.
Require thorough testing of medical cannabis for potency and contaminants and require that medical cannabis be appropriately labeled and securely packaged.
Create a system to evaluate competing applications for medical cannabis licenses that will select those applicants for licensure who are best qualified to operate in compliance with the law and to provide affordable medical cannabis to patients.
Allow local governments to require cannabis businesses to obtain a local license and to impose restrictions on cannabis dispensary operations.
Provide an affirmative defense for medical cannabis related charges that can be used by patients until patient ID cards become available.
Authorize the cultivation of cannabis without a license by a patient only after January 1, 2021 and only if a cannabis dispensary is not operating within 100 miles of the patient’s home, as long as any cultivation is not within 300 feet of an area zoned exclusively for residential use or within 600 feet from a community location. This cultivation must take place in an enclosed and locked space.
Exempt medical cannabis from sales tax.
Generate sufficient revenue from medical cannabis program fees to offset all expenses of establishing and maintaining the medical cannabis program.

Live Script

1. Hi, is this (voter)?

My name is (caller), and I'm a volunteer with SSDP. In this election, you’ll have the chance to vote on Proposition 2, which would allow for medical marijuana in Utah.

[Yes] – [proceed to #2]

[No] – Are you a registered voter in Utah?

[No] – The deadline to register to vote is Oct 30, and you can even register online at vote.org. If you register today, you can vote on Prop 2, which will help seriously and terminally ill patients to legally access safe and regulated medical marijuana. It’s a proven medicine supported by 2/3rds of Utahns. Thanks for your time. [end conversation]

[Yes] - Great! [proceed to #2]

2. Do you plan to vote for Proposition 2?

[Plan to vote against/undecided] - OK. I hope you’ll consider that Prop 2 will help seriously and terminally ill patients to legally access safe and regulated medical marijuana. It’s a proven medicine supported by 2/3rds of Utahns. Thanks for your time. [end conversation]

[Plans to vote for P1] – Great! Thank you for the support. Do you plan to vote in person or by mail?

[Already voted] - Terrific, thanks for being an active citizen who votes! Please be sure to let all your friends know that Prop 2 will help seriously and terminally ill patients to legally access safe and regulated medical marijuana. It’s a proven medicine supported by 2/3rds of Utahns. [end conversation]

[Voting in person] - Great! Early voting is October 23 - November 2. Do you have a plan to vote and a time of day when you’re going to head to the polls? Do you know the location of your polling station?

(Help create a plan. Go to vote.org to find the polling location.)

Be sure to bring your ID (requirements), get there by 8pm sharp, and let all your friends know that Prop 2 will help seriously and terminally ill patients to legally access safe and regulated medical marijuana. It’s a proven medicine supported by 2/3rds of Utahns. [end conversation]

[Voting by mail] - Have you sent your ballot in yet?

[No] - If you haven’t mailed your ballot yet, you should consider dropping it off as soon as possible at any vote center, early voting location, or ballot drop box. Would you like me to help you find the nearest one? (https://vote.utah.gov/vote/menu/index) Thanks for your support! [end conversation]

[Yes] - Terrific, thanks for being an active citizen who votes! Please be sure to let all your friends know that Prop 2 will help seriously and terminally ill patients to legally access safe and regulated medical marijuana. It’s a proven medicine supported by 2/3rds of Utahns. [end conversation]

Voicemail script

Hi! My name is (caller), and I'm a volunteer with SSDP. In this election, you will be voting on Prop 2 which will help seriously and terminally ill patients to legally access safe and regulated medical marijuana. It’s a proven medicine supported by 2/3rds of Utahns.

This is your chance to vote in support of your seriously ill neighbors and allow them to legally use the medicine that’s best for them.

Thanks for your time and please make sure you make it to the polls on or before election day to vote on Proposition 2.