The wrangling over two referendum questions that might amend the state constitution has reached a point that is beyond ridiculous, pointing out once again how far separated St. Paul politicians are from the realities of daily life in Minnesota.

It’s time for both political parties to lay the ballot questions to rest until November.

Controlled by Republicans, the Legislature placed a question on the November ballot that asks whether the state constitution should be amended with language that defines marriage as a pact only between one man and one woman. A second amendment would require, among other things, that voters present photo identification at the polls. Not to be outdone, Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, a Democrat, has used his office’s authority to arrange the amendments’ titles — what voters will see on the ballot — more to his party’s liking. Both sides believe the amendments’ titles could sway some votes, so the matter has of course generated several lawsuits that must be decided before ballots can be printed.

The biggest issue for Minnesotans is not how the state Supreme Court will rule, but rather on why anyone from either party is willing to go to such extraordinary lengths. The answer is not flattering. In both cases, we suspect, strident defense of a position on these issues has much more to do with pleasing core voting groups and winning elected office than with substantially affecting public policy. Whipping up excitement about these ballot issues is as effective a means as any for motivating voters, something each party hopes it can do better than the other.

As with so many other election-related disputes, voters would do well to look well beyond the surface and instead ask themselves what the actions of their elected leaders — on both sides — are doing to improve life in Minnesota.