“Judge blocks top-two initiative from ballot”
Arizona judge tosses measure on single subject grounds.
Category Archives: direct democracy
Complex, Fractured Michigan Supreme Court Decision Includes Fight Over Font Size and Substantial Compliance
You can read the opinion here in all of its technical glory (including pictures).
More on what the opinion means for Michigan here.
On the surface, this is a fight about the meaning of 14-point font. But the concurring… Continue reading
“U.S. judge strikes down Va. law on ballot petitions”
“State ballot measures — the name game”
Bill McGeveran and Myron Orfield have written this oped in the Star-Tribune.
Breaking News: CA Appellate Court Rejects New Challenge to Prop. 13 in Unpublished Opinion
The rejected claim was that part of Prop. 13 “changed the fundamental structure and foundational powers of the legislative and executive branches of government” and therefore was really a revision of the CA constitution and not a permissible amendment. The… Continue reading
Ballot Argument of the Day
California Republicans abandon Prop 40’s attempt to overturn CA Redistricting Commission
“Minnesota Supreme Court vigorously questions Photo ID supporters and opponents — but doesn’t tip hand”
MinnPost reports.
What’s the Point?
Michigan State Supreme Court wants to delve into the meaning of “point” and “typeface” in deciding whether to kick referendum off ballot for using slightly smaller typeface in heading than prescribed 14 point type.
Looks like a good case to… Continue reading
“Judge’s decision points Gov. Brown’s tax initiative toward top spot”
LA Times: “A Sacramento Superior Court judge Monday dismissed a challenge from initiative proponent Molly Munger, who had sought to ensure her tax measure appeared before one backed by Gov. Jerry Brown on the November ballot. Judge Michael Kenny… Continue reading
Political Science Grad Students, Start Your Engines
News of a very intriguing change in California’s election law, “to elevate any initiative with a constitutional impact to a more prominent spot on the ballot, right beneath bond measures.” I smell a call for empirical experimentation…
“Kasich’s signing of election law ‘repeal’ doesn’t end debate”
Cincinnati Enquirer: “The gambit, apparently the first time that Ohio legislators have ever effectively killed a referendum destined for voters, sets up a possible lawsuit over a question that could impact this fall’s election: May state legislators repeal a… Continue reading
“DeWine defends allowing ballot petition on same-sex marriage”
the Columbus Dispatchreports.
Federal District Court Rejects Argument that Corporations Have the First Amendment Right to Be Ballot Measure Proponents and that Proponents Have the Right to Remain Anonymous
The federal district court opinion in Chula Vista Citizens for Jobs and Fair Competition v. Norris begins:
This case presents two questions of first impression. It asks whether the First Amendment grants a corporation or association the right to serve… Continue reading
“Thanks, Kamala! A New Time Standard for Ballot Initiative Review!”
Joe Matthews offers another reason why the CA Attorney General should not play a role in the ballot measure review process.