http://ballot.org/index.php en kim@ballot.org Copyright 2010 2010-02-21T20:04:34+00:00 http://www.ballot.org/news/entry/initiative_process_needs_changes_to_protect_integrity/ http://www.ballot.org/news/entry/initiative_process_needs_changes_to_protect_integrity/#When:20:04:34Z When the initiative process was adopted in Washington in 1912, it was a tool for democracy. Times have changed, but our laws have not kept up. Washington 2010-02-21T20:04:34+00:00 http://www.ballot.org/news/entry/legal_issues_ballot_initiative_lawsuits_on_all_sides_leave_courts_jammed/ http://www.ballot.org/news/entry/legal_issues_ballot_initiative_lawsuits_on_all_sides_leave_courts_jammed/#When:19:25:53Z Of the 101 initiative petitions Secretary of State Robin Carnahan's office has received for this election cycle, 44 were approved for circulation, and 28 of those have been tied up in the courts. Missouri 2010-02-21T19:25:53+00:00 http://www.ballot.org/news/entry/as_legislature_becomes_gridlocked_ballot_initiatives_are_more_popular_for_c/ http://www.ballot.org/news/entry/as_legislature_becomes_gridlocked_ballot_initiatives_are_more_popular_for_c/#When:19:23:36Z Citizen coalitions, millionaires and out-of-state groups are increasingly trying to bypass the Missouri legislature in favor of taking constitutional amendments and changes in state law directly to voters. Missouri 2010-02-21T19:23:36+00:00 http://www.ballot.org/news/entry/corporations_using_ballot_inititives_to_gut_regulations_consumer_protection/ http://www.ballot.org/news/entry/corporations_using_ballot_inititives_to_gut_regulations_consumer_protection/#When:19:32:39Z The phenomenon of corporations buying their way onto the California election ballot is fast reaching epidemic proportions. 2010-02-20T19:32:39+00:00 http://www.ballot.org/news/entry/nj_senator_proposes_health_care_nullification_amendment/ http://www.ballot.org/news/entry/nj_senator_proposes_health_care_nullification_amendment/#When:19:45:10Z State Sen. Michael Doherty (R-Warren, Hunterdon) and Assemblywoman Alison McHose introduced proposed legislation that would nullify federal health care reform within New Jersey's borders. New Jersey, Health Care 2010-02-19T19:45:10+00:00 http://www.ballot.org/news/entry/should_legislature_meet_every_year_lawmakers_ponder_ballot_question/ http://www.ballot.org/news/entry/should_legislature_meet_every_year_lawmakers_ponder_ballot_question/#When:20:01:21Z Oregon is one of just five states that still hold biennial sessions. But a ballot measure is in the works for the November election that would amend the Oregon constitution to require the legislature to meet every year for 135 days in odd-numbered years and up to 45 days in even-numbered years Oregon 2010-02-18T20:01:21+00:00 http://www.ballot.org/news/entry/accountability_bill_for_paid_initiative_workers_hits_snag/ http://www.ballot.org/news/entry/accountability_bill_for_paid_initiative_workers_hits_snag/#When:19:36:04Z Elements of a bill that holds paid signature gatherers to higher standards in initiative campaigns have been watered down by state Rep. Sam Hunt in a bid to find common ground. Washington, Other Issues 2010-02-18T19:36:04+00:00 http://www.ballot.org/news/entry/proposal_protects_and_strengthens_a_fundamental_right_of_democracy/ http://www.ballot.org/news/entry/proposal_protects_and_strengthens_a_fundamental_right_of_democracy/#When:19:27:29Z As the Maine Legislature considers bills to modify the citizen initiative and people's veto process, it should emphasize transparency without burdening citizens' fundamental right to direct democracy. Maine, Other Issues 2010-02-18T19:27:29+00:00 http://www.ballot.org/news/entry/humane_society_gets_ok_to_collect_signatures/ http://www.ballot.org/news/entry/humane_society_gets_ok_to_collect_signatures/#When:20:07:57Z The Humane Society of the United States says it’s ready to begin collecting voter signatures in an effort to challenge a constitutional amendment Ohio voters approved last year over livestock care standards. Ohio, Other Issues 2010-02-17T20:07:57+00:00 http://www.ballot.org/news/entry/ballot_initiative_effort_targets_40b_repeal/ http://www.ballot.org/news/entry/ballot_initiative_effort_targets_40b_repeal/#When:19:55:01Z Under Massachusetts's 40B, each community is encouraged to have at least 10 percent of its housing stock defined as affordable Chapter 40B. Chelmsford-based Slow Growth Initiative wants to repeal the 41-year-old law. Massachusetts 2010-02-17T19:55:01+00:00