In The News 
Property group calls off initiative
A group has decided not to pursue a constitutional “takings” ballot measure after all but instead will bring it up at the Legislature.
Push for Looser Marijuana Laws Gains Momentum
A push to legalize marijuana on the West Coast is picking up steam as Washington lawmakers and proponents in California and Oregon propose separate measures.
Supreme Court to Rule on Right to Privacy for Referendum Petition Signers
The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to decide whether the First Amendment requires that the names of people who sign ballot-initiative petitions be kept secret.
Vote on puppy mill act is sought
Hoping to end abuse at puppy mills, a group of animal welfare organizations is working to put a ballot initiative before Missouri voters this year.
Legislators push for openness in ballot initiatives
Newly proposed legislation by House Majority Leader Kyle Johansen of Ketchikan is attempting to put more public accountability into the ballot initiative process.
Public To Vote On South Dakota’s Smoking Ban Law
The state has decided not to appeal a judge's decision that allows South Dakota's new smoking ban law to be referred to a public vote in the 2010 election.
SD smoking ban can be referred to voters
The smoking ban passed by the South Dakota Legislature is eligible to be referred to voters, so the court system must determine whether opponents collected enough valid signatures to put it on next year's ballot, a judge ruled Thursday.
Voters may be ready for publicly financed campaigns
A poll last week found that nearly two-thirds of voters would say yes to a June 2010 ballot measure that would dip our collective toes into public financing of campaigns. In contrast, Field Poll numbers released this month show voters want to go to governance heaven but they don't want to go now.
SD measure would ease stem cell research limits
A proposed ballot issue to ease restrictions on stem cell research will strike a chord with South Dakotans because nearly everyone has had a serious disease or knows someone who has, according to former state Treasurer David Volk, himself a cancer survivor.
Proposal to open casinos leads Ohio ballot issues
For the fifth time in 20 years, voters will be asked whether they want to expand gambling in Ohio, and the campaign again centers on the economy.
