PHOENIX -- Arizonans will vote on several propositions Tuesday on issues ranging from payday lending to gay marriage to employer sanctions for hiring illegal immigrants. Four propositions in particular – 102, 105, 200 and 202 – have been thrust into the spotlight.

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• Proposition 102 – Should Gays Say ‘I Do’?
• Proposition 105 – Let Non-Voters Have Their Say
• Proposition 200 – Regulate Payday Lenders Or Shut Them Down Completely?
• Proposition 202 – Measure Tightens Some Employer-Sanction Loopholes, But Opens Others

Proposition 102 – Should Gays Say ‘I Do’?

Arizona, along with California and Florida, will decide who should be allowed to say “I do” after Election Day.

The state’s Proposition 102 would amend Arizona’s constitution to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

Supporters of Proposition 102 call it the “Marriage Protection Amendment” – even though same-sex marriage is already illegal in Arizona.

Lalani Hunsaker, who supports the proposition, explained why she thinks it is important for voters to pass the amendment.

“As a statute, it is easy to change, and we’ve seen examples of that recently,” Hunsaker said. “When it’s put in the constitution, it’s much more difficult for politicians or judges to go ahead and change it.”

Opponents, such as Craig Balanger, say voters already rejected the amendment in 2006.

“I believe the politicians of this state have much more to worry about – the mortgage crisis, the economy, health care,” Balanger said. “These are the issues threatening Arizona families – not marriage.”

Additionally, opponents contend the measure encourages “hate,” but supporters disagree.

“This isn’t hateful to anybody,” Hunsaker said. “It’s (defining it) in our constitution – something that is very simple, stating that marriage in Arizona is between one man and one woman.”

Balanger disagreed.

“I think the only thing that threatens the sanctity of marriage is ignorance,” he said.

Proposition 105 – Let Non-Voters Have Their Say

Arizonans who do not cast a ballot could overturn the decision of those who do vote if Proposition 105 passes on Election Day.

Proposition 105, otherwise known as “Majority Rule – Let the People Decide Act,” would require any new taxes or fees receive the approval of the majority of registered voters – not just of those who actually vote.

The current system uses the majority of ballots cast to pass measures.

County officials said there currently is no system in place to accurately count the number of people who could vote, but don’t.

Proposition 200 – Regulate Payday Lenders Or Shut Them Down Completely?

The future of payday lending in Arizona rests with voters this Election Day.

Proposition 200 will extend payday lenders’ contract with the state and tighten industry regulations; if the measure does not pass, the state’s payday lenders will close by 2010.

Stan Barnes, the chairman of the YES on 200 group, said payday loans give cash-strapped Arizonans a much-needed option, especially in the down economy.

According to Barnes, the average payday loan customer makes $30,000 per year and owns his or her own home. All customers must have a job and a bank account.

“(These people) are going to a payday loan store because it’s simpler, convenient, cheaper than most any other option to them,” Barnes said.

Proposition 200’s restrictions on the industry include lower fees, flexible plans (including eliminating loan extensions) and tougher regulations that would require Internet lenders to be licensed in the state.

“Human beings should have the ability to make their own financial decisions,” Barnes said. “They don’t need a big, bureaucratic government getting in the way of those personal decisions.”

Cynthia, who declined to give her full name, said she would struggle without the option of a payday loan.

“I would vote yes,” she said. “They do a lot of help … I’ve used them before and when you really need them, they’re here.”

Nevertheless, opponents of the measure call the campaign ads – which are funded by the payday loan industry – deceptive and the industry abusive.

Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard said the lure of quick cash the loans provide is a trap door that many people fall through.

“We find that the overwhelming majority of people who take out payday loans have 12 or more,” Goddard said. “The average payday loan of $325 costs over $500 in fees and interest to get repaid – that is a huge, huge amount.”

Another opponent of the measure, Greg Montelongo, said the payday lending industry does more harm than good.

“I really don’t get the payday loans, but my brother does, and I know they put him back a few thousand dollars, so I’m not for it,” Montelongo said.

Goddard said supporters have poured millions of dollars into the campaign for Proposition 200, the passage of which he said could mean high interest rates in the long run.

“You have to ask yourself, ‘What’s in it for them?’” Goddard said. “The answer is indefinite opportunity to charge up to 391 percent interest.”

Barnes disagreed.

“They talk about annual percentage rates in the 400-percent range,” he said. “They do that to scare voters; it’s not a real number.”

Proposition 202 – Measure Tightens Some Employer-Sanction Loophools, But Opens Others

Arizona already has an employer-sanctions law, but voters have the chance to change it on Election Day.

Those in favor of Proposition 202 say it closes loopholes in the law, but those opposed to the measure say it actually loosens them.

Small business owner Doug Quelland said he supports holding employers responsible for hiring undocumented workers, but Proposition 202 guts the existing employer-sanctions law, making it easier to hire illegal immigrants.

“If you read 202, it says the owner must knowingly have hired (an illegal immigrant),” he said. “Well, there’s a lot of major corporations here in Phoenix (where) the owner doesn’t do any hiring.”

Organizers of “Yes on 202” tried to put CBS 5 in touch with business owners who supports the proposition; however, nobody wanted to speak on camera.

Nevertheless, in a statement for the official position pamphlet published by the secretary of state’s office, McDonald’s franchisee Mac Magruder states that the proposition “institutes real penalties on business owners who are found to have illegal workers working for them while toughening the penalties for identity theft.”

The proposition would also ban anonymous tips and allow employers to use methods other than E-Verify to check the immigration status of new employees.

If voters defeat Proposition 202, the current employer-sanctions law will remain in effect as it is.