News

Wisconsin: Panel Considers Bill Limiting Local Recalls

A group of municipal officials pressed Wisconsin lawmakers Tuesday to make it harder to initiate recall elections at the local level, saying it’s currently too easy and that such campaigns often divide communities. Town of Garfield board chairman Steve Dickinsen told the Assembly Committee on Campaigns and Elections that a recall is usually the best…

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Missouri: Legislature passes initiative petition reforms

Missouri could start holding public hearings on proposed ballot measures next year under legislation heading to Gov. Jay Nixon for approval. The state Legislature passed several initiative petition reforms in a bill before the session ended last week. In addition to the creation of public meetings on the proposals, the legislation sets up requirements so…

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Washington: Shoreline Residents Spearhead Bag Ban Referendum Petition

A group of local residents, led by Tom Jamieson and Ginny Scantlebury, have joined forces with the bag ban activist group Save Our Choice to seek repeal of Shoreline’s new plastic bag ban. Ordinance No. 653, which regulates the distribution of plastic and paper carryout bags by Shoreline retail establishments was adopted by the Shoreline…

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Arkansas: Referendum petition closer to vote

A referendum petition regarding a zoning ordinance that would allow construction of a Walmart Neighborhood Market is one step closer to appearing on a ballot. Russellville City Clerk Kathy Collins confirmed Thursday she verified 917 of the petition’s signatures; 878 signatures were required. The petition called for a special election on Aug. 13 to allow…

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Arizona: Substance, not form, at heart of petition rights

When our nation’s founders wrote the language in the First Amendment guaranteeing the right to “petition the government for a redress of grievances,” there were no words describing the form of that petition. Obviously the intent was to make sure the content of your complaints to your government would never land you in jail or…

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Arizona: Joe Arpaio Recall Suspends Paid Signature Gathering Campaign for Second Time

The roller-coaster campaign to recall Sheriff Joe Arpaio took another dive today. With just two weeks left before the recall’s May 30 deadline, the on-again, off-again paid effort to gather signatures is off again. This afternoon, I was forwarded a text message sent out to paid canvassers by Sign Here Petitions, informing them that the…

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