Thursday, April 08, 2010

BISC Reforms Crack Down on Initiative Fraud

Initiative reform legislation continues to move through state legislatures across the country this year. In Maine, legislation requiring paid signature gatherers and the entities that pay signature gatherers to be registered with the state passed both chambers and now awaits action from the Governor.

In Ohio, a bill to crack down on initiative fraud passed the House on a bipartisan vote, and awaits further action from the Senate when it returns from recess. The bill is based in large part on the recommendations from BISC’s State by State Report Card.

Posted by Josh at 04:23 PM | (45) comments | Permalink

Friday, April 02, 2010

Electronic petition signature-gathering off to a shaky start

A Silicon Valley startup is looking to give the clipboard-and-paper strategy for collecting petition signatures a 21st century makeover. Verafirma is promoting technology to collect and verify signatures for initiative petitions using smart phone devices, such as iPhones and Google Droids, iPod Touches and computers.

Posted by Josh at 12:57 PM | (0) comments | Permalink

Monday, March 29, 2010

Maine initiative reform approved

Concerns about the integrity of Maine's ballot initiative process have prompted action on a bill to tighten the requirements for organizations behind petition campaigns. The House on Monday agreed with the Senate and approved a measure requiring businesses that receive compensation for circulating petitions to register with the Secretary of State.

Posted by Josh at 01:03 PM | (0) comments | Permalink

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Senate Votes to Register Paid Signature Gatherers

In an effort to address ballot fraud, the Maine Senate voted yes on Monday for legislation (LD 1730) that would require signature gatherers to register with the state and undergo more scrutiny if they are circulating petitions to put a citizen referendum on the ballot.

Posted by Josh at 02:22 PM | (0) comments | Permalink

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Gregoire signs bills about ballots, escapee notifications and more

Gov. Chris Gregoire on Friday signed a measure meant to make ballots less confusing to voters. Under the measure that was unanimously passed by both the House and Senate, ballots will have to be clearly marked to show where ballot instructions end and the spot to vote begins

Posted by Josh at 09:19 AM | (0) comments | Permalink