One of the entertaining things about the American political system is the hearing it affords cranks and zealots. In about half of the states, many of them in the West, ordinary people can put measures on the ballot if they manage to gather enough signatures. This year about 60 have made the cut, while politicians have added another 70 or so. So on November 4th, the same day they choose the world's most powerful man, Californians will decide whether to grant more room to battery chickens. Residents of Missouri, 95% of whom speak English at home, will rule on whether to declare English the official state language.rnMany of the measures are mundane, allowing governments to issue bonds or subtly tweaking state constitutions. Voters in Ohio, Maine and Maryland will be able to approve or block new casinos.
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