According found guilty
|
|
- Wendy Gardner
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 California is known throughout the world as a leader in the use of citizen initiative and referendum. Polls consistently show that Californians overwhelmingly support their right to petition state laws, constitutional amendments, and acts of the Legislature onto the ballot. However, citizens from across the political spectrum believe the process could be reformedd to better serve the people. On July 15, 2011, the California Assembly passed Senate Bill 168 and sent it to Governor Jerry Brown s desk. According to the bill summary prepared by the California Legislative Counsel, the bill would provide that it is a misdemeanor for a person to pay or to receive money or any other thing of value based on the number of signaturess obtained on a state or local initiative,, referendum, or recall petition and would prescribe penalties for doing so. By creating a new crime, the bill would impose a statemandatedd local program. According to the Legislative Counsel a new crime is created by the bill, with fines as high as $25,000 and imprisonment of up to one year in a county jail or both for those found guilty of paying by the signature. Anyone found guilty of accepting per signature payment would be subject to a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment of up to six months in a county jail or both. Supporters of SB 168 argue that the bill is aimed at preventing fraud, and that payment based on the productivity of petition circulators encourages fraudulent conduct. Opponents counter that theree is no evidence indicating that payment to people circulating petitions based on the number of signatures obtained increases or contributes to fraudulent behavior and they pointt to a federal court decision in Colorado recently blocking enforcement of a similar, though less severe law, on constitutional grounds. Legislators relied on testimony from Secretary of State Debra Bowen and her office that efforts of the state Elections Fraud Investigation Unit (EFIU) had resultedd in 33 convictions for falsifying petitions between 1994 and For months Citizens in Charge Foundation has been seeking more detailed information on these convictions from the Secretary of State under California s Public Records Act. So far, the documents obtained indicate that the conviction data provided by the Secretary of State may not be accurate. Less Than 33 Fact Checking California s Secretary of State: An Analysis of the Evidence Presented for Senate Bill 168 Through documents obtained from Bowen s office thus far,, it appears that a significant percentage of the people counted in the 33 alleged petition fraud convictions were found guilty of offenses not related to initiative, referendum or recall petitions. On May 23, 2011, in responsee to our request for information on the 33 cited convictions, the Secretary of State provided copies of 21 pages of press releases containing informationn about a total of 19 individuals. The Secretary indicated that the press releases
2 were used in counting 33 cases of falsifying petitions, meaning that presumably the records covered 19 of the 33 cases. On May 27, 2011 the Secretary s office provided additional information, writing: Of those 33 cases, 18 case records have been destroyed because they are over ten years old, in accordance with our retention policy. Of the 15 remaining case files, only five contain court documents that identify convictions. Two of the individuals already identified from the press releases were included in the five additional documents. One of these two individuals was a person convicted of a non initiative petition related crime. A further analysis of the press releases provided by the Secretary of State s office shows that five of the nineteen cases weren t actually related to falsifying petitions: Two people were convicted of forgery on nominating petitions, which are governed by a different section of the Elections Code and not addressed by SB 168 at all. One person was convicted of casting two ballots during the 1996 general election something not related to petitioning of any kind. One person was convicted of voter registration fraud again unrelated to petitioning and not covered by SB 168. One individual was convicted of misusing petition information after he used a petition signer s information to ask her for a date. No falsification or fraud was alleged. Adding It Up In testifying before the Legislature, California Secretary of State Debra Bowen and her office cited 33 convictions for falsifying petitions over a 16 year period as justification for passage of Senate Bill 168, which regulates the circulating of petitions for initiative, referendum, and recall campaigns. To date, the Secretary s office has provided documentation that appears to cover 22 of the 33 alleged convictions. The records provided show that at least five of those 22 convictions were for crimes not addressed by Senate Bill 168 because its provisions don t affect people circulating petitions to nominate candidates for the legislature or other elected positions. The resulting error rate among the 22 documented cases is 23 percent. In other words, roughly one quarter of the documented cases were of crimes completely unrelated to the legislation they were cited to support. If cases for which some record is available (in the form of press releases) were counted incorrectly, it draws into serious question whether the 11 cases, for which there appear to be no records, were in fact related to initiative, referendum or recall petitions and, therefore, relevant to Senate Bill 168. Even if all of the 11 remaining cases, for which no documents have been provided, were related to initiative and referendum petitions, the resulting rate of fraud is still surprisingly low. Assuming that no more than five cases were unrelated, that leaves a fraud rate of 1.75 cases per year ( ). Put in perspective, the Secretary s office has indicated that state officials verified at least 26,541,044 signatures just over 4.4 million per year between 2003 and 2008 alone. Taking into account the rate
3 of 1.75 cases of fraud per year, approximately 2.3 million signatures are collected for every one instance of fraud. In terms of crime rate statistics, the fraud rate since 1994 is just over per 100,000. Fraud Drops Sharply All of the fraud convictions are the work of the Election Fraud Investigation Unit, which began its operation in According to the Secretary of State, the bulk of the 33 alleged convictions were prosecuted in the early years of the state s new investigation and prosecution program. In fact, in the seven years from 1994 to 2000, there were 23 convictions for fraud in petitions for initiatives, referendums and recalls: an average of 3.3 convictions a year. In the decade that followed, from 2001 to 2010, there were only five total convictions related to fraud in initiative, referendum and recall petitioning, or one conviction every two years. Over time, the rate of convictions has declined quite significantly. For the last decade, the yearly rate of convictions dropped by a whopping 85 percent from what it measured from 1994 to Assuming the Secretary of State s office has exercised a relatively consistent level of diligence in investigating and prosecuting petition related offenses since 1994, it suggests that the decline in convictions for fraud is a result of the success of earlier prosecutions and convictions. The enforcement of longstanding petition laws appears to have already provided significant and effective deterrence against breaking petition rules. Investigation Ongoing Citizens in Charge Foundation is now working to obtain additional records from Secretary of State Bowen s office but, based on what has been released so far, the actual number of fraud prosecutions in California is significantly lower than the number presented to the legislature by the Secretary of State in support of SB 168: lower by 23 percent. Additionally, the statistics released by Secretary Bowen s office concerning fraud convictions involving initiative, referendum and recall petitions strongly suggest that a new law is simply not needed, because prosecutions and convictions won in the 1990s may be responsible for a dramatic 85 percent reduction in instances of verified fraud.
4 Appendices A. Copy of the enrolled version of Senate Bill 168 as sent to Governor Jerry Brown B. Copy of the final floor analysis for Senate Bill 168 C. The documents produced by Secretary of State Debra Bowen s office in support of the claim indicated in the legislative analysis that there were 33 convictions for falsifying petitions between 1994 and 2010.
5 Senate Bill No. 168 Passed the Senate May 9, 2011 Secretary of the Senate Passed the Assembly July 14, 2011 Chief Clerk of the Assembly This bill was received by the Governor this day of, 2011, at o clock m. Private Secretary of the Governor
6 SB CHAPTER An act to add Section to the Elections Code, relating to petitions. legislative counsel s digest SB 168, Corbett. Petitions: compensation for signatures. Under existing law, a person who is a voter or is qualified to register to vote in this state may circulate an initiative or referendum petition, and a person who is a voter may circulate a recall petition. This bill would provide that it is a misdemeanor for a person to pay or to receive money or any other thing of value based on the number of signatures obtained on a state or local initiative, referendum, or recall petition and would prescribe penalties for doing so. By creating a new crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason. The people of the State of California do enact as follows: SECTION 1. Section is added to the Elections Code, to read: (a) It shall be unlawful for a person to pay or to receive money or any other thing of value based on the number of signatures obtained on a state or local initiative, referendum, or recall petition. (b) Violation of this section shall be a misdemeanor, as follows: (1) A person or organization who pays a person based on the number of signatures obtained on a state or local initiative, referendum, or recall petition shall be punished by a fine not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000), or by imprisonment 98
7 3 SB 168 in a county jail not to exceed one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment. (2) A person who is paid based on the number of signatures obtained on a state or local initiative, referendum, or recall petition shall be punished by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed six months, or by both that fine and imprisonment. (c) Nothing in this section prohibits the payment for signature gathering not based, either directly or indirectly, on the number of signatures obtained on a state or local initiative, referendum, or recall petition. SEC. 2. No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution. 98
8 Approved, 2011 Governor
9 BILL ANALYSIS SB 168 Page 1 SENATE THIRD READING SB 168 (Corbett) As Introduced February 3, 2011 Majority vote SENATE VOTE :23-15 ELECTIONS 5-2 APPROPRIATIONS Ayes: Fong, Bonilla, Hall, Ayes: Fuentes, Bradford, Mendoza, Swanson Charles Calderon, Campos, Gatto, Hall, Hill, Lara, Mitchell, Solorio Nays: Logue, Valadao Nays: Harkey, Donnelly, Nielsen, Norby, Wagner SUMMARY : Prohibits a person from paying another person or being paid based on the number of signatures obtained on an initiative, referendum, or recall petition. Specifically, this bill : 1)Makes it unlawful for a person to pay or to receive money or any other thing of value based on the number of signatures obtained on a state or local initiative, referendum, or recall petition. 2)Provides that a violation of this bill is a misdemeanor subject to the following penalties: a) For a person or organization that pays someone based on the number of signatures collected, a fine of up to $25,000 and/or imprisonment in a county jail for up to one year; and, b) For a person paid based on the number of signatures collected, a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment in a county jail for up to six months. 3)Provides that nothing in this bill prohibits the payment for signature gathering that is not based, either directly or SB 168 Page 2 indirectly, on the number of signatures collected on a petition. FISCAL EFFECT : According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, unknown, likely minor non-reimbursable costs to cities and counties for prosecution and incarceration, offset to some extent by fine revenues. COMMENTS : According to the author, "Some signature gathering firms compensate circulators based on the number of signatures they collect. Some circulators reach the deadline to qualify initiatives by illegally misinforming voters and forging names. Others have forged signatures onto their petitions by copying names they chose from a phonebook. Lastly, some have inserted carbon paper and a second petition behind the original one in order to collect signatures." In 1999, the United States Supreme Court examined a Colorado law that imposed a number of restrictions on the signature collection process for ballot initiatives. In that case the court ruled that there must be a compelling state interest to justify any restrictions on initiative petition circulation. Buckley v. American Constitutional Law Foundation (1999), 525 U.S Although the United States Supreme Court has not ruled on the constitutionality of prohibiting payment for signature
10 collection on a per-signature basis, a number of federal courts have considered challenges to such laws, with the courts reaching different conclusions. Federal appellate courts in the Second, Eighth, and Ninth Circuits upheld laws that prohibited payments for signature collection on election petitions on a per-signature basis, while the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals struck down a similar law in Ohio. Additionally, a number of federal district courts have struck down bans on per-signature payments in other states. In light of the differing opinions reached by various federal courts on the constitutionality of laws that prohibit payments on a per-signature basis for signature gathering on petitions, it is unclear whether a court challenge to this bill, if enacted, would be successful. According to the Secretary of State's Election Fraud Investigation Unit (EFIU), between 1994 and 2010, the EFIU opened 240 cases for falsifying petitions, of which 46 were sent SB 168 Page 3 to district attorneys for prosecution, resulting in 33 convictions. Since the EFIU was created in 1994, a larger number of convictions have been obtained for falsified petitions than for any other election crime except fraudulent voter registration. This bill prohibits the payment of individuals on a per-signature basis for collecting signatures on petitions. Typically, in California, individuals who are paid to circulate petitions or register voters on a per-signature or per-piece basis are independent contractors. However, to the extent that this bill forces individuals who are paid to circulate petitions or register voters to be paid an hourly wage, this bill could also result in these individuals being considered employees under California law. As such, the individual, corporation, or group paying individuals to circulate petitions may be required to pay minimum wage, provide workers' compensation insurance and unemployment insurance for its employees, and maintain a payroll system. This may result in higher costs to groups that pay individuals to circulate petitions. In addition, prohibiting payment of individuals on a per-signature basis could increase costs because it may become more difficult to measure the work product of petition circulators. Potential increased costs may be partially offset if, by reducing the incentive to submit fraudulently-obtained signatures, this legislation results in paid circulators submitting fewer such signatures. Supporters of this bill contend that paying signature gatherers on a per-signature basis encourages fraud, because a circulator who collects more signatures will earn more, and is more likely to forge signatures or misrepresent the content of a petition in order to encourage people to sign. Opponents of this bill contend that outlawing payment for signature collection on a per signature basis will "make it prohibitively expensive to do an initiative or a recall and next to impossible to do a referendum," and argue that there is little evidence that per-signature payment methods are more prone to fraud than other methods. This bill is identical to SB 34 (Corbett) of 2009, which was vetoed. In his veto message, Governor Schwarzenegger expressed concern that prohibiting per-signature payments could "make it more difficult for grassroots organizations to gather the necessary signatures and qualify measures for the ballot." SB 168 Page 4 Please see the policy committee analysis for a full discussion of this bill. Analysis Prepared by : Ethan Jones / E. & R. / (916) FN:
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47 A Truth in Governancee report from Citizens in Charge Foundation Copyright 2011, Citizens in Charge Foundationn Citizens in Charge Foundation is the only national transpartisan voter rights group dedicated to protecting and expanding the ballot initiative and referendum process. For more information visit: CitizensInChargeFoundation.org
Oregon. Score: 8.5. Restrictions on Oregon s Initiative & Referendum Rights. Oregon s Initiative & Referendum Rights
Oregon Oregon citizens enjoy the right to propose constitutional amendments and state laws by petition, and to call a People s Veto (a statewide referendum) on laws passed by the legislature. In order
More informationIs the F-Word Overused?
Is the F-Word Overused? July 2010 Is the F-word Overused? A Truth in Governance Report on Petition Signature Fraud Executive Summary In recent years, widespread allegations of petition signature fraud
More informationOf the People, By the People, For the People
January 2010 Of the People, By the People, For the People A 2010 Report Card on Statewide Voter Initiative Rights Executive Summary For over a century, the initiative and referendum process has given voters
More informationSignature Gathering in Montana: YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1 Montana Secretary of State Linda McCulloch Elections and Government Services Division sos.mt.gov soselections@mt.gov Signature Gathering in Montana: YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Welcome - 2 Congratulations
More informationChiropractors. Unprofessional Conduct.
University of California, Hastings College of the Law UC Hastings Scholarship Repository Propositions California Ballot Propositions and Initiatives 2002 Follow this and additional works at: http://repository.uchastings.edu/ca_ballot_props
More informationOhio Constitution Article II 2.01 In whom power vested 2.01a The initiative 2.01b
Ohio Constitution Article II 2.01 In whom power vested The legislative power of the state shall be vested in a general assembly consisting of a senate and house of representatives but the people reserve
More informationOklahoma. Score: 7.5. Restrictions on Oklahoma s Initiative & Referendum Rights. Oklahoma s Initiative & Referendum Rights
Oklahoma C+ Score: 7.5 Oklahoma citizens enjoy the right to propose constitutional amendments and state laws by petition, and to call a People s Veto (a statewide referendum) on laws passed by the legislature.
More informationGuide for Conducting a Vote-By-Mail Application Drive
Secretary of State Guide for Conducting a Vote-By-Mail Application Drive 2011 www.sos.ca.gov (800) 345-VOTE Preface The Secretary of State s Guide for Conducting a Vote-by-Mail Application Drive is designed
More informationThe Rules of Engagement: Lobbying in Pennsylvania. Corinna Vecsey Wilson, Esq. President, Wilson500, Inc.
The Rules of Engagement: Lobbying in Pennsylvania Corinna Vecsey Wilson, Esq. President, Wilson500, Inc. Corinna Vecsey Wilson, Esq. March 1, 2017 Lobbying What it is. And what it isn t. As American as
More informationMontana Constitution
Montana Constitution Article III Section 4. Initiative. (1) The people may enact laws by initiative on all matters except appropriations of money and local or special laws. (2) Initiative petitions must
More informationPetition Circulation
Running for President in Arizona A Candidate Guide Petition Circulation Training Guide February 2016 Arizona Secretary of State s Office 1700 W. Washington St., 7th Floor Phoenix, Arizona 85007 1 2 - Section
More informationCIRCULATOR S AFFIDAVIT
County Page No. It is a class A misdemeanor punishable, notwithstanding the provisions of section 560.021, RSMo, to the contrary, for a term of imprisonment not to exceed one year in the county jail or
More informationA BILL IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
A BILL 0- IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 0 0 To amend the Board of Ethics and Government Accountability Establishment and Comprehensive Ethics Reform Amendment Act of 0 to add and amend definitions,
More informationHB-5152, As Passed House, March 27, 2014HB-5152, As Passed Senate, March 27, 2014 SENATE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 5152
HB-5152, As Passed House, March 27, 2014HB-5152, As Passed Senate, March 27, 2014 SENATE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 5152 A bill to amend 1954 PA 116, entitled "Michigan election law," by amending sections
More information-- INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM PETITIONS --
November 6, 2008 -- INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM PETITIONS -- The following provides information on launching a petition drive to amend the state constitution, initiate new legislation, amend existing legislation
More informationTitle 21-A: ELECTIONS
Title 21-A: ELECTIONS Chapter 5: NOMINATIONS Table of Contents Subchapter 1. BY POLITICAL PARTIES... 5 Article 1. PARTY QUALIFICATION... 5 Section 301. QUALIFIED PARTIES... 5 Section 302. FORMATION OF
More informationHow to Run for Office in Massachusetts
How to Run for Office in Massachusetts Published by William Francis Galvin Secretary of the Commonwealth Elections Division One Ashburton Place, Rm. 1705 Boston, MA 02108 617-727-2828 or 1-800-462-VOTE
More informationMichigan Recall Procedures -- A General Overview --
November 2008 Michigan Recall Procedures -- A General Overview -- A general overview of Michigan s recall procedures is provided below. The overview is intended as a summary of the laws and rulings which
More informationTitle 1. General Provisions
Chapters: 1.05 Reserved 1.10 Ordinances 1.15 Nominations for City Office 1.20 Initiative and Referendum 1.25 Enforcement Procedures 1.30 State Codes Adopted Title 1 General Provisions 1-1 Lyons Municipal
More informationReferred to Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections. SUMMARY Makes various changes relating to elections. (BDR )
S.B. SENATE BILL NO. COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS AND ELECTIONS MARCH, 0 Referred to Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections SUMMARY Makes various changes relating to elections. (BDR -)
More informationCITY OF BERKELEY CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT
CITY OF BERKELEY CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT 5% AND 10% INITIATIVE PETITION REQUIREMENTS & POLICIES 1. Guideline for Filing 2. Berkeley Charter Article XIII, Section 92 3. State Elections Code Provisions 4.
More informationCALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION ARTICLE 2 VOTING, INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM, AND RECALL
SECTION 1. All political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for their protection, security, and benefit, and they have the right to alter or reform it when the public good may require.
More informationASSEMBLY BILL No. 2464
california legislature 0 regular session ASSEMBLY BILL No. Introduced by Assembly Member Gatto February, 0 An act to add Title. (commencing with Section ) to Part of the Penal Code, relating to personal
More informationHancock, et al. ORGANIZATION bill analysis 8/9/2017 (Goldman) Modifying processes and penalties related to voting by mail
HOUSE SB 5 RESEARCH Hancock, et al. ORGANIZATION bill analysis 8/9/2017 (Goldman) SUBJECT: COMMITTEE: VOTE: Modifying processes and penalties related to voting by mail Elections favorable, without amendment
More informationA Bill Regular Session, 2019 HOUSE BILL 1489
Stricken language would be deleted from and underlined language would be added to present law. 0 0 0 State of Arkansas nd General Assembly As Engrossed: H// A Bill Regular Session, 0 HOUSE BILL By: Representative
More informationOklahoma Constitution
Oklahoma Constitution Article V Section V-2. Designation and definition of reserved powers - Determination of percentages. The first power reserved by the people is the initiative, and eight per centum
More informationNew Mexico D. Score: 3.5. New Mexico s Initiative & Referendum Rights. Restrictions on New Mexico s Initiative & Referendum Rights
New Mexico D New Mexico citizens enjoy the right to call a People s Veto (a statewide referendum) on some laws passed by the legislature. In order to place a people s veto on the ballot, citizens must
More information1 SB By Senator Smitherman. 4 RFD: Constitution, Ethics and Elections. 5 First Read: 25-JAN-18. Page 0
1 SB228 2 189836-2 3 By Senator Smitherman 4 RFD: Constitution, Ethics and Elections 5 First Read: 25-JAN-18 Page 0 1 189836-2:n:01/16/2018:PMG/th LSA2018-167R1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 SYNOPSIS: Under existing law,
More informationReferred to Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections. SUMMARY Creates a modified blanket primary election system.
S.B. SENATE BILL NO. COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE OPERATIONS AND ELECTIONS MARCH, 0 Referred to Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections SUMMARY Creates a modified blanket primary election system.
More informationGuide to Qualifying San Francisco Initiative Measures. June 5, 2018, Consolidated Direct Primary Election. City Hall, Room 48, San Francisco, CA 94102
Guide to Qualifying San Francisco Initiative Measures June 5, 2018, Consolidated Direct Primary Election 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place Hall, Room 48, San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 554-4375 sfelections.org
More informationRECALL ELECTIONS. Summary. Procedures
RECALL ELECTIONS Summary Wisconsin law permits voters to recall elected officials under certain circumstances. Recall is an opportunity for voters to require elected officials to stand for election before
More information79th OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Regular Session. Senate Bill 683 SUMMARY
Sponsored by Senators DEVLIN, DEMBROW th OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY-- Regular Session Senate Bill SUMMARY The following summary is not prepared by the sponsors of the measure and is not a part of the
More informationELECTIONS 2019: A BRAVE NEW WORLD
ELECTIONS 2019: A BRAVE NEW WORLD Renee Cantin, CMC City of Truth or Consequences Gayle Jones, MMC Village of Bosque Farms Steve Ruger, CMC City of Rio Rancho Lisa Johnston, MMC retired City of Artesia
More informationSouth Dakota Constitution
South Dakota Constitution Article III 1. Legislative power -- Initiative and referendum. The legislative power of the state shall be vested in a Legislature which shall consist of a senate and house of
More informationPRESERVATION ACT CALIFORNIA BILL NUMBER: SB 1816 CHAPTERED
1-34 NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORIC RESOURCE PRESERVATION ACT CALIFORNIA BILL NUMBER: SB 1816 CHAPTERED 571 CHAPTER 1155 FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE SEPTEMBER 3, 22 APPROVED BY GOVERNOR SEPTEMBER 3, 22 PASSED
More informationBallot Integrity 2016 General Election Cycle
Ballot Integrity 2016 General Election Cycle Appointment of Election Judges and Alternate Judges in General Elections A Presiding Judge and an Alternate Presiding Judge shall be appointed for each General
More informationAlaska Constitution Article XI: Initiative, Referendum, and Recall Section 1. Section 2. Section 3. Section 4. Section 5. Section 6. Section 7.
Alaska Constitution Article XI: Initiative, Referendum, and Recall Section 1. The people may propose and enact laws by the initiative, and approve or reject acts of the legislature by the referendum. Section
More informationOrdinances & Resolutions NANCY STRICKLIN, AIC & JUSTIN RUEN, AIC
Ordinances & Resolutions NANCY STRICKLIN, AIC & JUSTIN RUEN, AIC Ordinances vs. Resolutions Ordinances are local laws that are used to regulate people or property, and for specific situations outlined
More informationSENATE SPONSORSHIP. Bill Summary. Restoration of the presidential primary election
Second Regular Session Seventieth General Assembly STATE OF COLORADO ENGROSSED This Version Includes All Amendments Adopted on Second Reading in the House of Introduction LLS NO. 1-.0 Bob Lackner x0 HOUSE
More informationSecretary of the Senate. Chief Clerk of the Assembly. Private Secretary of the Governor
Senate Bill No. 1818 Passed the Senate August 29, 2002 Secretary of the Senate Passed the Assembly August 25, 2002 Chief Clerk of the Assembly This bill was received by the Governor this day of, 2002,
More informationRecall of State Elected Officials A Proposed Minnesota Constitutional Amendment
INFORMATION BRIEF Minnesota House of Representatives Research Department 600 State Office Building St. Paul, MN 55155 REVISED: October 1996 Deborah McKnight, Legislative Analyst, 296-5056 Tom Todd, Director,
More informationUnited States Court of Appeals
United States Court of Appeals FOR THE EIGHTH CIRCUIT No. 99-3434 Initiative & Referendum Institute; * John Michael; Ralph Muecke; * Progressive Campaigns; Americans * for Sound Public Policy; US Term
More informationIllinois Constitution
Illinois Constitution Article XI Section 3. Constitutional Initiative for Legislative Article Amendments to Article IV of this Constitution may be proposed by a petition signed by a number of electors
More informationNorth Carolina s Initiative & Referendum Rights
North Carolina F Score: 1 North Carolina citizens do not have any statewide initiative and referendum rights. Some local jurisdictions do recognize initiative and referendum rights, but those rights are
More informationSecretary of State. (800) 345-VOTE
Secretary of State www.sos.ca.gov (800) 345-VOTE Statewide Initiative Guide Preface The Secretary of State has prepared this Statewide Initiative Guide, as required by Elections Code section 9018, to provide
More informationMAYOR AND COUNCIL CHAPTER 2 MAYOR AND COUNCIL
CHAPTER 2 MAYOR AND COUNCIL ARTICLE 2-1 COUNCIL 2-1-1 Elected Officers 2-1-2 Corporate Powers 2-1-3 Duties of Office 2-1-4 Vacancies in Council 2-1-5 Compensation 2-1-6 Oath of Office 2-1-7 Bond 2-1-8
More informationElection and Referendum Bylaw
Page 1 Election and Referendum Bylaw Bylaw owner: President, Chief Returning Officer Audience: Board of Directors, Candidates Approved: July 29, 2014 Last Reviewed: April 10, 2014 Review Schedule: May,
More informationHow to do a City Referendum
How to do a City Referendum A Guide to Placing a City Referendum on the Ballot PREPARED BY: THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ CITY CLERK S DIVISION Bonnie Bush, Interim City Clerk Administrator / Elections Official
More informationCAMPAIGN FINANCE AND BALLOT MEASURE GUIDE
NORTH DAKOTA CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND BALLOT MEASURE GUIDE These resources are current as of 8/7/14. We do our best to periodically update these resources and welcome any comments or questions regarding new
More informationHUU-AY-AHT FIRST NATIONS
HUU-AY-AHT FIRST NATIONS REFERENDUM AND RECALL ACT The Huu-ay-aht Legislature enacts this law to establish a fair system for conducting a referendum, recalling a Council member and petitioning for an amendment
More informationDon t just stand there...
Don t just stand there... Drawing by Ruth Meyers Laider Revised Edition, January 2014 A Candidate s Guide to the 2014 State Election Published by William Francis Galvin Secretary of the Commonwealth Elections
More informationTABLE OF CONTENTS. ARTICLE I GENERAL PROVISIONS... 1 Section 1101 Purpose... 1
TOHONO O ODHAM CODE TITLE 12 ELECTIONS CHAPTER 1 - ELECTIONS TABLE OF CONTENTS ARTICLE I GENERAL PROVISIONS... 1 Section 1101 Purpose... 1 ARTICLE II DEFINITIONS... 1 Section 1201 Definitions... 1 Section
More informationReferred to Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections. SUMMARY Revises provisions governing elections. (BDR )
* S.B. 0 SENATE BILL NO. 0 SENATOR SETTELMEYER PREFILED FEBRUARY, 0 Referred to Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections SUMMARY Revises provisions governing elections. (BDR -) FISCAL NOTE: Effect
More informationAssembly Bill No. 45 Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections
Assembly Bill No. 45 Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections CHAPTER... AN ACT relating to public office; requiring a nongovernmental entity that sends a notice relating to voter registration
More informationMunicipal Township Initiative and Referendum
Chapter 6 Municipal and Township Initiative and Referendum Ohio Ballot Questions and Issues Handbook Chapter 6: Municipal and Township Initiative and Referendum DEFINITIONS As used in this chapter, the
More information5.t%fID APR IO oo #140 REDLINE. Colorado Secretary ot State PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTIONS. Be it enacted by the People of the State of Colorado:
V 5.t%fID APR IO oo Colorado Secretary ot State PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTIONS #140 REDLINE Be it enacted by the People of the State of Colorado: SECTION 1. Declaration of the People of Colorado COLORADO
More informationJuly 21, 2017 Rep. Gary Hebl, (608) REP. HEBL CIRCULATES CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO GIVE WISCONSIN CITIZENS A DIRECT VOICE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: July, 0 Rep. Gary Hebl, (08) -8 REP. HEBL CIRCULATES CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO GIVE WISCONSIN CITIZENS A DIRECT VOICE (MADISON) Today Representative
More informationASSEMBLY BILL No. 2468
AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY MARCH 23, 2018 california legislature 2017 18 regular session ASSEMBLY BILL No. 2468 Introduced by Assembly Member Arambula February 14, 2018 An act to amend Section 29043 Sections
More informationCOUNTY AND SPECIAL DISTRICT MEASURES
SHASTA COUNTY CLERK / REGISTRAR OF VOTERS CATHY DARLING ALLEN COUNTY AND SPECIAL DISTRICT MEASURES REFERENDUMS, INITIATIVES, AND BONDS 2013 Shasta County Election Department 1643 Market Street, Redding,
More informationTake me back to the Home Page. NotaryClasses.com Sample Notary Exam 1 FINES and PENALTIES
Take me back to the Home Page NotaryClasses.com Sample Notary Exam 1 FINES and PENALTIES PLEASE READ THIS SECTION BEFORE BEGINNING THE SAMPLE EXAM Our program is designed to help you pass the notary exam
More informationLocal Government Employee Lobbyists 2010 Legislative Update
Local Government Employee Lobbyists 2010 Legislative Update Norma Houston UNC School of Government July 2010 INTRODUCTION North Carolina s State Government Ethics Act and lobbying laws 1 establish standards
More information23.2 Relationship to statutory and constitutional provisions.
Rule 23. Rules Concerning Referendum Petitions. 1-40-132, 1-1-107 (2)(a) 23.1 Applicability. This Rule 23 applies to statewide referendum petitions pursuant to Article V, section 1 (3) of the Colorado
More informationCity Referendum Process
City Referendum Process Ventura County Elections Division MARK A. LUNN Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters 800 South Victoria Avenue Ventura, CA 93009-00 (805) 654-664 venturavote.org Revised 9/5/7 Contents
More informationTOWN OF PORT DEPOSIT RESOLUTION
TOWN OF PORT DEPOSIT RESOLUTION 04-2017 A Resolution of the Mayor and Council of the Town of Port Deposit, Cecil County, Maryland titled: CHARTER AMENDMENT REVISIONS TO ARTICLE V, SECTION 503, ENFORCEMENT
More informationSC CODE OF LAWS TITLE 40, CHAPTER 3 Architects
SC CODE OF LAWS TITLE 40, CHAPTER 3 Architects SECTION 40-3-5. Applicability of professional licensing statutes. Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, Article 1, Chapter 1 applies to architects; however,
More information1 SB By Senator Brewbaker. 4 RFD: Judiciary. 5 First Read: 30-JAN-18. Page 0
1 SB251 2 190114-2 3 By Senator Brewbaker 4 RFD: Judiciary 5 First Read: 30-JAN-18 Page 0 1 190114-2:n:01/23/2018:JET/tj LSA2018-310R1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 SYNOPSIS: Under existing law, a person who possesses
More informationShort title. This act [ to NMSA 1978] may be cited as the "Noxious Weed Control Act."
Noxious Weed Control Act 76-7-1. Short title. This act [76-7-1 to 76-7-22 NMSA 1978] may be cited as the "Noxious Weed Control Act." 76-7-2. Definitions. (1959) As used in the Noxious Weed Control Act
More informationIdea developed Bill drafted
Idea developed A legislator decides to sponsor a bill, sometimes at the suggestion of a constituent, interest group, public official or the Governor. The legislator may ask other legislators in either
More informationArkansas Constitution
Arkansas Constitution Amendment 7. Initiative and Referendum The legislative power of the people of this State shall be vested in a General Assembly, which shall consist of the Senate and House of Representatives,
More informationMassachusetts Constitution
Massachusetts Constitution Article XLVIII The Initiative. II. Initiative Petitions. Section 1. Contents. - An initiative petition shall set forth the full text of the constitutional amendment or law, hereinafter
More informationBOARD OF SUPERVISORS ELECTION DEADLINES CHARTER AMENDMENT SCHEDULE FOR November 5, 2019 ELECTION
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ELECTION DEADLINES CHARTER AMENDMENT SCHEDULE FOR November 5, 2019 ELECTION (PLEASE NOTE: Regular Rules Committee Meeting references are utilizing the anticipated schedule of the 1st
More informationCHAPTER 2 INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM AND LEGISLATIVE SUBMISSION
CHAPTER 2 INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM AND LEGISLATIVE SUBMISSION 2101. Purpose. 2102. Definitions. 2103. Initiative: Submission to Election Commission. 2104. Commission to Develop Registration and Disclosure
More informationJoint Sponsors: Senators Gustavson; and Goicoechea FILE NUMBER...
Assembly Joint Resolution No. 8 Assemblymen Dickman, Wheeler, Armstrong, Jones, Fiore; Paul Anderson, Edwards, Ellison, Gardner, O Neill, Oscarson, Seaman, Shelton, Silberkraus, Titus and Trowbridge Joint
More informationAchieving Universal Voter Registration Through the Massachusetts Health Care Model: Analysis and Sample Statutory Language
The Center for Voting and Democracy 6930 Carroll Ave., Suite 610 Takoma Park, MD 20912 - (301) 270-4616 (301) 270 4133 (fax) info@fairvote.org www.fairvote.org Achieving Universal Voter Registration Through
More informationSenate Amendment to Senate Bill No. 499 (BDR ) Proposed by: Senate Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections
Session (th) A SB Amendment No. Senate Amendment to Senate Bill No. (BDR -) Proposed by: Senate Committee on Legislative Operations and Elections Amends: Summary: Yes Title: Yes Preamble: No Joint Sponsorship:
More informationARTICLE 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS Application of Chapter Willful Violation of Election Laws Disqualification Complaints.
CHAPTER 8 ELECTION CAMPAIGN AND CAMPAIGN OFFENSES NOTE: Unless otherwise noted, all sections within this chapter were included in the original Government Code of Guam enacted by P.L. 1-088 (Nov. 29, 1952),
More informationSTATE OF OKLAHOMA. 1st Session of the 52nd Legislature (2009) By: Terrill AS INTRODUCED
STATE OF OKLAHOMA 1st Session of the nd Legislature (0) HOUSE BILL No. AS INTRODUCED By: Terrill An Act relating to initiative and referendum; amending O.S. 01, Sections 1,,,.1,,,.1,,, as amended by Section,
More informationSecretary of State State of Arizona November 2007
State of Arizona www.azsos.gov Secretary of State e-mail: elections@azsos.gov Arizona Constitution Article IV, Part 1 Article VIII, Part 1 Article IX, Section 23 Article XXI, Section 1 Article XXII, Section
More informationUnderstanding the Recall Process Disclaimer
Disclaimer This handbook, UNDERSTANDING THE RECALL PROCESS FOR LOCAL OFFICERS, is intended to provide general information and does not have the force and effect of law, regulation or rule. It is distributed
More informationDIGNITY NOT DETENTION
Guide to: DIGNITY NOT DETENTION #ENDDETENTION A Guide to Dignity Not Detention In Your State The Dignity Not Detention Act, passed in 2017 in California, is the first law in the country to halt immigration
More informationLOS ANGELES COUNTY REGISTRAR- RECORDER/COUNTY CLERK IMPERIAL HIGHWAY NORWALK, CALIFORNIA (562) A GUIDE TO RECALL
LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGISTRAR- RECORDER/COUNTY CLERK 12400 IMPERIAL HIGHWAY NORWALK, CALIFORNIA 90650 (562) 462-2632 www.lavote.net A GUIDE TO RECALL For County, School District, Special District and Local
More informationMunicipal Election November 5, 2013
CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO GUIDE TO QUALIFYING INITIATIVE ORDINANCES AND DECLARATIONS OF POLICY Municipal Election November 5, 2013 Revised 1/9/2013 DEPARTMENT OF ELECTIONS 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place,
More informationMatt Gehring, Legislative Analyst, Patrick McCormack, Legislative Analyst, Updated: November Legislative Ethics
INFORMATION BRIEF Research Department Minnesota House of Representatives 600 State Office Building St. Paul, MN 55155 Matt Gehring, Legislative Analyst, 651-296-5052 Patrick McCormack, Legislative Analyst,
More informationInitiatives; procedure for placement on ballot.--
1 100.371 Initiatives; procedure for placement on ballot.-- (1) Constitutional amendments proposed by initiative shall be placed on the ballot for the General election occurring in excess of 90 days from
More informationBy Bryan D. LeMoine McMahon Berger P.C.
By Bryan D. LeMoine McMahon Berger P.C. lemoine@mcmahonberger.com In our glorious fight for civil rights, we must guard against being fooled by false slogans, such as right to work. It is a law to rob
More informationGENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA SESSION 1999 SESSION LAW SENATE BILL 881 AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE CAMPAIGN REFORM ACT OF 1999.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA SESSION 1999 SESSION LAW 1999-453 SENATE BILL 881 AN ACT TO ESTABLISH THE CAMPAIGN REFORM ACT OF 1999. The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts: Section 1. This
More informationDon t just stand there...
Don t just stand there... Drawing by Ruth Meyers Laider Revised Edition, January 2018 A Candidate s Guide to the 2018 State Election Published by William Francis Galvin Secretary of the Commonwealth Elections
More informationA.B of An Attempt at Modest Reform of California's Initiative Process
California Western Law Review Volume 47 Number 2 More Deliberation? Perspectives on the California Initiative Process and the Problems and Promise of its Reform Article 5 2011 A.B. 1245 of 2003--An Attempt
More informationORDINANCE NO AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCATA AMENDING THE ADMINISTRATION CITATION PROCEDURE OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE
ORDINANCE NO. 1498 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCATA AMENDING THE ADMINISTRATION CITATION PROCEDURE OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE The City Council of the City of Arcata does ordain as follows:
More informationLegislative Process THE LEGISLATURE
Legislative Process THE LEGISLATURE The California State Legislature is a bicameral (two-house) body composed of an Assembly, whose 80 members are elected to two-year terms, and a Senate, whose 40 members
More informationSession of SENATE BILL No. 49. By Senator Faust-Goudeau 1-20
Session of 0 SENATE BILL No. By Senator Faust-Goudeau -0 0 0 0 AN ACT concerning elections; relating to voter registration; allowing voter registration on election days; amending K.S.A. 0 Supp. -, -c and
More informationSENATE, No STATE OF NEW JERSEY. 218th LEGISLATURE INTRODUCED NOVEMBER 26, 2018
SENATE, No. STATE OF NEW JERSEY th LEGISLATURE INTRODUCED NOVEMBER, 0 Sponsored by: Senator SAMUEL D. THOMPSON District (Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean) Senator CHRIS A. BROWN District (Atlantic)
More informationOrder. May 15, & (19)(22) PROTECTING MICHIGAN TAXPAYERS, JEFFREY WIGGINS, TONY DAUNT, and JEFFREY RAZET, Plaintiffs-Appellees, v
Order May 15, 2018 157761 & (19)(22) PROTECTING MICHIGAN TAXPAYERS, JEFFREY WIGGINS, TONY DAUNT, and JEFFREY RAZET, Plaintiffs-Appellees, v BOARD OF STATE CANVASSERS, DIRECTOR OF ELECTIONS, and SECRETARY
More informationTitle 21-A: ELECTIONS
Title 21-A: ELECTIONS Chapter 7: ELECTION OFFICIALS Table of Contents Section 501. WARDENS AND WARD CLERKS... 3 Section 502. DUTIES AND VACANCIES -- WARDEN AND WARD CLERK... 3 Section 503. ELECTION CLERKS...
More informationTABLE OF CONTENTS. Introduction. The Citizen Initiative Process
April 2011 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction The Citizen Initiative Process What is a Citizen Initiative? Who Can Use the Citizen Initiative Process? Beginning the Process: The Notice of Intent Petition Forms
More informationThe 2013 Florida Statutes
Page 1 of 11 Select Year: 2013 6 Go The 2013 Florida Statutes Title IX ELECTORS AND ELECTIONS Chapter 104 ELECTION CODE: VIOLATIONS; PENALTIES CHAPTER 104 ELECTION CODE: VIOLATIONS; PENALTIES View Entire
More informationState Ballot Question Petitions
Secretary of the Commonwealth State Ballot Question Petitions Contents: A Guide for Circulating Petitions 2 Initiative Petition for a Law 3 Initiative Petition for a Constitutional Amendment 7 Published
More informationGUIDE TO QUALIFYING INITIATIVE CHARTER AMENDMENTS FOR THE SAN FRANCISCO BALLOT
GUIDE TO QUALIFYING INITIATIVE CHARTER AMENDMENTS FOR THE SAN FRANCISCO BALLOT Consolidated General Election November 2, 2010 DEPARTMENT OF ELECTIONS 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 48 San Francisco,
More informationRUNNING FOR LOCAL OFFICE A Candidate s Short Guide to City Elections
What elected offices can I run for? RUNNING FOR LOCAL OFFICE A Candidate s Short Guide to City Elections City of Morro Bay s elected officials include the Mayor and four (4) Councilmembers. Elections are
More informationSUMMARY. The Dept. of Economic Security must verify the immigration status of applicants for child welfare services and certain other public benefits.
NATIONAL IMMIGRATION LAW CENTER 2005 State Legislation Restricting Benefits for Immigrants or Promoting State and Local Enforcement of Immigration Laws December 14, 2005 AL HB 452 Would amend the state
More information