About this Blog
Direct democracy -- the Switzerland-inspired system of initiatives, referenda and recalls that allows voters to make and repeal laws in 24 states -- is poorly understood. It isn’t even very direct. Direct democracy has become blockbuster democracy: a half-billion-dollar international industry of signature gatherers, consultants, and election lawyers who use ballot measures less as a method of making law and more as a tool of mega-communications to boost some politicians, hurt others, and supplement lobbying campaigns.
Blockbuster democracy is a decentralized business that practices wide-open politics. This blog aims to provide a center of news, analysis and conversation for and about the industry. We will report from blockbuster democracy’s capital -- California -- but we’ll monitor ballot measures from across the country and around the globe.
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Arizona House Committee Votes To Bar Per-Signature Pay
In an 8-0 vote, a committee of the Arizona House last week approved a bill that would bar signature gatherers from being paid per signature, the Republic reports.
This is potentially a big deal. Per-signature pay is the American standard for petition circulators, whether they are circulating ballot initiatives or candidate qualification papers. It's not clear what might replace such a system in Arizona. Hourly pay is probably not cost effective.
The bill still needs approval in another house committee, not to mention the full house and senate. But the idea appears to have political momentum in the wake of widespread fraud in signature gathering last year in the state.
Signature Pay
This is a double-edged sword. Working in states with signature pay and pay per hour will have the dramatic effect of muzzling the small voices. In a way signature gatherers and coordinators brought this all upon themselves. As a signature gatherer/coordinator, I take my job as a public relations job. Meeting people and actively understanding the initiative and presenting the initiative the way it is worded. Unfortunately without oversight the "industry" has been gone to the lowest common denominator. There must be an overhaul. However, these laws have been thrown out because you really cant discriminate that one job can require pay per hour and another doesn't have to. I hope they put in background checks and some type of receipt system to track misrepresentation. Paying per hour didn't stop ACORN. In order to save their jobs, people made up names and forged out of phone books.
I am willing to see how the foes against Prop 8 will organize their campaign. I don't think they will use the traditional signature gathering groups and do a lot through networking over the internet. Which could be the way to go. I think internet organizing can lead a revolution at the ballot box. I believe all petitions should be available at the library like voter registration forms. The proponent should be able to leave forms at desk and people can pick up. It would be an easy place for people to know where to get petitions.
Receipt System and Background Checks are Good Ideas
California screamin, I tend to agree with you on the double-edged sword, the fact that paying per hour may not solve anything, and the move to the INternet. Love your idea about a receipt system. I've been looking into it and hope to address it in my writing soon. Best, Joe Joe Mathews Irvine senior fellow, New America Foundation www.newamerica.net/blog/blockbuster-democracy/
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