Lawsuit Sparks Petition Signature Reform Bill

Oregon Public Broadcasting
By Chris Lehman
Salem, OR February 8, 2008 8:38 a.m.

Some people are calling for reform after a recent federal lawsuit over the way Oregon verifies signatures on initiative petitions. Salem correspondent Chris Lehman has more.

Opponents of a gay rights bill sued in federal court saying signatures on a petition to overturn the law were improperly rejected.

The judge threw out the suit but said it raised significant questions about Oregon’s citizen initiative process.

Backers of a reform bill want to centralize the verification of signatures. Right now it’s done at the county level. The bill would make it the Secretary of State’s job.

Sal Peralta has filed several petitions over the years. He sees the move as a good thing.

Sal Peralta: “This bill would dramatically streamline the process, improve customer service, and would allow petitioners the benefit of working with specialists who better understand the rules and regulations surrounding the handling of initiative petitions than is currently the case.”

In Washington state, signatures are verified by the Secretary of State’s office. The Oregon measure would also speed up the process of handling initiative-related complaints.