Calling a referendum drive misleading, a state senator has launched a campaign to keep voters from overturning extensive changes made by the Republican-controlled Legislature to voting laws. Sen. Michele Reagan, R-Scottsdale, wants to collect funds to counter the petition drive to force a public vote on the provisions of HB2305. These range from allowing election officials to stop sending early ballots to some voters to putting potential new legal hurdles in the path of people who want to propose their own state laws and constitutional amendments. Reagan said each of the sections helps ensure the integrity and fairness of elections.
The senator would not say who will fund her effort, dubbed “Protect Our Secret Ballot.” But Reagan said she has been in contact with officials of the Arizona Republican Party and local GOP organizations.
Referendum proponents — foes of Reagan’s legislation — already have a jump start.
New campaign finance reports show the United Food and Commercial Workers Union already has contributed $50,000 to help gather the signatures to put the issue on the 2014 ballot. The Arizona Education Association has added another $25,000.
If they get 86,405 valid signatures before Sept. 13, the changes approved by the Legislature are placed on hold. And voters will get the last word at the 2014 election.
Full Article: Lawmaker wants to block public vote on ballot changes.