On April 1, Idaho Governor Butch Otter signed SB 1108, which makes it much more difficult for statewide initiatives to get on the ballot. The old law required signatures of 6% of the registered voters, but they could be obtained anywhere. The new law says the 6% threshold standard must be met not only in the state as a whole, but in each of 18 of the 35 legislative districts. Signers will be required to record their legislative district number on the petition.
It seems more states with this process are going to legislative districts, rather then counties. Montana is one example. People have pointed out that most voters can’t tell you which district they live in, but they do know the county. This is all about power in the end.
Somebody recall this bastard from office.
The ANTI-Democracy incumbent gerrymander robot party hacks [aka EVIL Empire] strike back. See the Star Wars movies.
UNEQUAL numbers of voters in all districts.
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P.R. and nonpartisan App.V.
What evidence is there that it will make it “much more difficult” to qualify?
Under the old law you could get 30% in 7 districts and qualify. But what are the chances of even a professional solicitor getting 30% of registered voters in even a limited area, let alone over 1/5 of the State.
So maybe you could get 21% in 10 districts. Still pretty hard.
Perhaps 15% in 14 districts? Let’s say that is doable. So you only need 6% in 4 other districts.
The harder effort will be when you have widespread support, perhaps 5% almost everywhere. But it would be more difficult to get that 1% more in lots of districts.