Title

Article on legislative attempts to limit citizen initiative petitioning, with a

Authors

Lance Tapley

Source

Portland Phoenix

Date

3-11-2005

Pages

1, 10

Abstract

Article on legislative attempts to limit citizen initiative petitioning, with a focus on LD 374, sponsored by Sen. Kenneth Gagnon, D-Kennebec County. Gagnon's bill would require signature collectors to stand more than 25 feet from a polling-place entrance. The bill was inspired by Poland Spring's successful attempt to suppress signature collection at the presidential election. The company, which has been fighting an initiative-petition campaign for a state tax on water extraction, sent employees to polling places to "give information" on the issue. But activists like Jonathan Carter of H2O for Me, believe the company "blocked" signature gathering, costing the group 10,000 to 15,000 signatures. With a list of other bills that could be classed as restrictive on the initiative process.

Subjects

Bills, Legislative, Referendums (State), Gagnon, Kenneth

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