On September 3, U.S. District Court Judge Benjamin Settle heard oral arguments in Protect Marriage.com v Reed, the case over whether the U.S. Constitution demands that signatures on referendum petitions should be kept secret, if the referendum concerns a contentious issue. See this story. Judge Settle said he will decide the case by September 10.
This is a tough case, because I deplore government unfair discrimination, which includes — IMHO — gender identity and affectional orientation.
However, their is something to be said for being able to sign a petition — for ballot access or an I&R — without everyone and their neighbors dog knowing about it.
Afterall, if the State gave out the names and addresses of people who supported a gay rights ballot initiative or ballot access for a Socialist or a Libertarian or a Libertarian Socialist, it might just have a chilling effect on free speech.