The Michigan Board of State Canvassers is responding to an issue that could complicate two petition drives already in circulation.
A court case will decide whether petitions need to have a check box identifying signature gatherers as paid staff or volunteers.
Two board-approved petition forms already in circulation do not have such a box. That’s leading the board to file an amicus brief asking that any court decision only apply to future efforts.
Board member Tony Daunt says it wouldn’t be right to make the initiative sponsoring groups come back before the board for re-approval.
“It’s just common sense and fairness that how they were approved [would] continue to be how they are addressed moving forward. That constant legal machinations and lawsuits won’t impact people in the field.”
Though not required, efforts often have the board approve their petition forms as a way to prevent some future legal challenges.