Ballot measure lawsuit news

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News headlines from around the country on ballot law news.


Eyman privacy case awaits Referendum 71 ruling

OLYMPIA, Washington: Thurston County Superior Court Judge Richard Hicks announced on Friday that he will wait for the United States Supreme Court ruling on the Referendum 71 privacy case before moving forward with Tim Eyman's lawsuit to block the release of petition signatures. “Let’s find out what the U.S. Supreme Court is going to do. Then this can go forward,” Hicks said from the bench. “I’m very much in favor of openness, but I also believe in privacy and constitutional rights...I want to do the right thing. I don’t want to do a lot of work for nothing that turns out to be superseded by what a higher court does," said Judge Hicks.[1]

Tim Eyman filed his lawsuit after debate began regarding to the release of R-71's petition signatures. The lawsuit requests blocking the release of petition signatures relating to approximately 11 initiatives (including this years I-1033).[2]

The 11 initiatives mentioned in the lawsuit include:[3]


Georgia ballot access lawsuit continues in 11th Circuit Court

Atlanta, Georgia: Coffield v Handel, a ballot access lawsuit, is currently being debated in the 11th Circuit Court. The case challenges the petition requirement for independent and minor party candidates for the U.S. House in Georgia. Faye Coffield filed her rebuttal brief on November 19. Currently the law stipulates that 5% of the number of registered voters is required for petitions of independent party and minor party candidates to be placed on the ballot. The state argues that the 5% petition requirement has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1971.[4]


Hearing date set for Idaho ballot access lawsuit

BOISE, Idaho: Daien v Ysursa now has a hearing date set for Monday, December 14, 2009.[5]

The case challenges the ban on out-of-state circulators for independent presidential candidates. The case was filed on April 7, 2009. The lawsuit was filed by Donald N. Daien, a resident of Arizona, because he wanted to help Ralph Nader to appear on the Idaho ballot last year. He stated that he wanted to help other candidates appear on ballot in the future, giving him reason to file the lawsuit on January 16, 2009.[6]


Oregon Supreme Court makes minor changes to tax ballot titles

SALEM, Oregon: On Friday, the Oregon Supreme Court slightly modified the ballot title wording of two 2010 tax hike referendum measures - Measure 66 and Measure 67.[7] The main point of argument surrounded a sentence included in both ballot titles: "Maintains funds currently budgeted for education, health care, public safety, other services." Tax opponents argued that the sentence was pure "speculation" and should be omitteded from the title, however, the court ruled instead to replace the word "maintains" with "provides."[8] Additionally, the court changed the wording of the "no vote" description to read: "Leaves amount currently budgeted for education, health care, public safety, other services underfunded." Previously, it had read, "Reduces funding currently budgeted for education, health care, public safety, other services by estimated $472 million."[9]


Updated ballot titles may be read here.


Ohio representative proposes new initiative law

Columbus, Ohio: This week Ohio Rep. Jennifer Garrison revealed the "Ballot Integrity Act" - proposed legislation that would amend the state's initiative process. On Thursday, Garrison said, "I am here to improve our initiative process for the future and protect Ohio’s Constitution. Over the past several years, Ohio has seen a sharp increase in ballot initiatives and if this continues, we’ll become the California of the Midwest." One of the problems with the state's initiative process, she said, is that some people simply are not following the laws, however, she noted that some the laws need to be revised.[10]

The legislation, if approved, would:

  • require petition firms to get licenses
  • give the secretary of state the power to deny licenses to petition firms that previously violated petition laws in Ohio or other states
  • require the registration of petition circulators
  • require the development of training programs for petition circulators

Maryland court to rule on petition signature validation process

HOWARD COUNTY, Maryland: The Howard County, Maryland, Circuit Court will hear a case on November 13, 2009 pertaining to whether or not petition signatures in the state are invalid if the signature doesn’t exactly match the name of the registered voter in records.

Norman v Howard County, 13C-09-76855 began in Howard County when a petition for referendum on zoning surfaced. The Howard County Board of Elections eliminated two-thirds of the signatures when it was reviewed for a second time. The signatures were reviewed twice due to another case in Montgomery County that stated that referendum signatures are to be deemed invalid if they do not exactly match the name in registration records.[11]


Maine anti-tax group takes secretary of state to court

AUGUSTA, Maine: This week a Maine anti-tax group - Still Fed Up With Taxes - filed a lawsuit with the Kennebec County Superior Court requesting that the court order Secretary of State Matt Dunlap to finish reviewing signatures for the Maine tax code referendum (2010).[12] The proposed measure, which was filed through the People's Veto provision, calls for the repeal of an enacted tax code overhaul. The overhaul includes an income tax rate cut, a broadening of the state sales tax to more items and an increase in the state meals and lodging tax. The overhaul passed the Maine Legislature and was signed into law by Democratic Gov. John Baldacci in 2009.[13]

Still Fed Up With Taxes filed petitions supporting the referendum in September 2009 but state election officials have yet to verify the signatures. The verification deadline was October 13, 2009.[14] In order to place the referendum on the June 2010 ballot supporters are required to submit a minimum of 10% of the number of people who voted in the last governor’s election - 55,087 signatures.[13]


Oregon anti-tax group files lawsuit against ballot titles

SALEM, Oregon: Oregonians Against Job-Killing Taxes has filed lawsuits with the Marion County Circuit Court challenging the impartiality of two ballot measure titles - Measure 66 and Measure 67. The proposed measures seek to overturn $733 million in tax increases. Additionally, on October 28 the group filed four appeals with the Oregon Supreme Court. According to the group, on November 17 they plan to request an injunction in order to prevent the Oregon Secretary of State from using the ballot titles in the voter's guide.[15]

The ballot titles were written by a special panel that consisted of four Democratic members and two Republicans. However, some Oregonians said that they are worried about possible ballot title bias. Both measures are expected to appear on the January 26, 2009 statewide ballot.[16]

Ballot titles can be found here:


SCOTUS upholds R-71 ban on petition names

OLYMPIA, Washington: In an 8 to 1 vote the United States Supreme Court ruled to uphold the ban on releasing Referendum 71 petition signatures until the court decides whether it will hear an appeal in the case. Justice John Paul Stevens dissented. According to reports the injunction on the signatures, which is expected to remain until at least the November election, will remain in place unless new motions are filed.[17] On Monday Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy issued a temporary injunction.[18] Kennedy's ruling came only days after the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order to release the names on R-71 petitions. [19]


Runner files lawsuit against Jerry Brown's office over ballot title

Example of a photo ID

SACRAMENTO, California: State Senator George Runner has filed a lawsuit against the office of the California Attorney General, alleging that the ballot title written by that office for the "Photo ID to Vote" measure that would require people to show a picture ID before they could vote is misleading.[20]

Runner said that Brown's ballot title is "way over the top".

The office of the attorney general said they think the lawsuit is "without merit".

The ballot title written by Brown's office says that the "Photo ID to Vote" proposition would place "limits" on voting and "prohibits citizens from voting" unless they produce the photo ID.[20]


Supreme Court Justice temporarily blocks R-71 names

OLYMPIA, Washington: Yesterday, Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy temporarily blocked state officials from releasing any names on Referendum 71 petitions.[21] Kennedy's temporary block comes only days after the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order to release the names on R-71 petitions. [22] Kennedy's Monday ruling resulted after Protect Marriage Washington requested that the United States Supreme Court review the recent ruling by the Court of Appeals.[23]


Joe Mathews wants four changes to California's initiative system

LOS ANGELES, California: Joe Mathews, an Irvine senior fellow at the New America Foundation and author of Blockbuster Democracy has argued in a column published in the Los Angeles Times that "California's system is deeply flawed."[24]

He recommends four changes:

  • "Make initiatives subject to the same rules as legislation."[24]
  • "Extend the same flexibility to constitutional revisions as constitutional amendments."
  • Permit the Legislature more involvement with the initiative process.
  • Make it easier for voters to overturn the Legislature through a more referendum-based direct democracy.[24]

California court upholds Prop 63 tax on wealthy

LOS ANGELES, California: On October 14, the Second District Court of Appeal in Los Angeles upheld a trial court ruling against the plaintiffs in Jensen v. California Franchise Tax Board. Plaintiffs Craig and Sally Jensen had challenged the wealth tax imposed in 2004 via Proposition 63, suggesting that it violated the equal protection clause of the federal and state constitutions.[25]

Proposition 63 imposes an additional 1% tax on annual incomes over $1 million.[26]

The three-judge appellate panel wrote that the Jensens "are mistaken in thinking that taxpayers in a particular tax bracket cannot be singled out for an income tax to benefit society at large."[25]

Tennessee law professor Glenn Reynolds said that the decision is good news for Nevada and Arizona, to the extent that these states are seeking to attract the immigration of wealthy individuals from California.[27]


Alaska officials reject ballot measure settlement

JUNEAU, Alaska: Last week Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) rejected a $35,000 settlement regarding the Alaska Clean Water Act (2008). During a hearing held on that day, the attorney for the Pebble Partnership criticized the settlement, calling it a “slap on the wrist” and would not be a good message for future violators.[28] Earlier this year, the Pebble Partnership and the Resource Development Council filed a complaint with APOC claiming that Bob Gillam, an Anchorage financial manager, broke the law in hiding his contributions from voters, regarding the Clean Water measure. Gillam and three associated advocacy groups denied the claims.[29]


R-71 signature privacy case continues

OLYMPIA, Washington: Referendum 71 opponents announced late last week that they want the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the signature privacy case.[30] Earlier last week the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order to reverse the decision made by U.S. District Judge Ben Settle. Settle ruled that releasing the names of Referendum 71 petition signers could violate their First Amendment rights.[31]


Oregonians worried about ballot title bias

SALEM, Oregon: Oregonians are worried about possible ballot title bias regarding two tax measures scheduled to appear on the January 26, 2010 ballot.[32] Just last week the Oregon Legislature announced that they are preparing to write ballot titles for Measure 66 and Measure 67, which directly challenge two tax bills - House Bill 2649 and House Bill 3405. Gov. Ted Kulongoski signed the bills on July 20, 2009. The tax bills increase taxes in the state by $733 million through increasing the state’s corporate minimum tax, raising taxes on the state’s high-income individuals and raising income taxes on businesses.[33] However, Oregonians said that they are concerned about the appointed special panel that will be writing the ballot titles. The panel consists of four Democratic members and two Republicans. Democratic legislators have in the past spoken in favor of the tax increases and argue that they are necessary to balance the state budget. Tax critics worry that this will result in a biased ballot title. If a problem does arise once the ballot titles have been written the language can be appealed to the Oregon Supreme Court.[34] Senate President Peter Courtney said, "The committee will write a ballot title that will make it clear to voters what they are voting on."[32]


Washington Court of Appeals lifts ban on R-71 petitions

OLYMPIA, Washington: Today, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order to reverse the decision made by U.S. District Judge Ben Settle. Settle ruled that releasing the names of Referendum 71 petition signers could violate their First Amendment rights. The 9th Circuit Court began listening to arguments yesterday.[35] In response to the court ruling, state elections director Nick Handy said,"The winner here is open government."[36]

The three-member panel consists of Judges Harry Pregerson, A. Wallace Tashima, and N. Randy Smith. Washington courts have been listening to arguments since July 2009 regarding the signature privacy of R-71 petition signers.

After listening to arguments yesterday, Judge Tashima said,"Can we take judicial notice of the fact that the plaintiffs represent people who are in the majority? This isn’t a persecuted minority." However, plaintiff attorney responded by saying that the majority cannot be determined just yet. Referendum 71 is scheduled for the November 3, 2009 ballot. "You’ve won all the elections around the country so far," responded Tashima. The judge later noted that he believes the case revolves around "politics."[37]

Timeline:


Colorado Supreme Court rules on Secret Ballot title challenge

DENVER, Colorado: Earlier this week the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that the three measures (Initiatives 22-24), also known as the Colorado Save Our Secret Ballot (2010), do not violate the state's single-subject rule.[38] The challenge was filed by Philip Hayes of the AFL-CIO. According to court documents, Hayes argues that the ballot language violated the state's single-subject rule, which is a constitutional requirement that amendments address only one topic so as not to confuse voters.[39] In reaction to the news, Mark Grueskin, legal representative of Hayes said that the court fairly addressed their challenge. However, Grueskin added,"We still think people will be confused by these measures: They purport to create exceptions to federal law and guarantee certain rights that will have to be litigated in the future."[40]

The ballot title reads as follows:

Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning the right to vote by secret ballot regarding employee representation, and, in connection therewith, guaranteeing the fundamental right of individuals to vote by secret ballot where state or federal law requires or permits elections or designations or authorizations of employee representation?[38]

Eyman petitions to stay private for now

OLYMPIA, Washington: Yesterday, Judge Richard Hicks of the Thurston County Superior Court granted a temporary restraining order blocking the release of petition signatures relating to approximately 11 initiatives (including this years I-1033), most of which were filed by Tim Eyman.[41] Eyman filed the lawsuit earlier this week citing that signers' identities are protected by the freedom of speech, however state officials argue that an injunction will threaten open government and impact campaign disclosure laws.[42] Judge Hicks said on Wednesday that he wants to wait for the ruling by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Referendum 71. Earlier this year, R-71 signatures were also temporary blocked.[41]


Oregon legislature prepares to write tax measure ballot titles

SALEM, Oregon: Next week the Oregon Legislature will be writing the ballot titles for ballot measures scheduled to appear on the January 26, 2010 ballot. The Oregon Tax Hike Referendum (2010) directly challenges House Bill 2649 and House Bill 3405. The referendum is scheduled to appear as two separate measures - Measure 66 and Measure 67 - on the January ballot.[43]

Gov. Ted Kulongoski signed both HB 2649 and 3405 into law on July 20, 2009. The tax bills increase taxes in the state by $733 million through increasing the state’s corporate minimum tax, raising taxes on the state’s high-income individuals and raising income taxes on businesses.[44] In reaction to the news, tax activists in the state geared up to use the veto referendum process in the state to try to stop the hikes.[45]

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