Heller: Ruling makes signature gathering for ballot measures easier

Sunday, Jan. 23, 2000 | 2:35 a.m.

Heller's Friday ruling stems from a U.S. Supreme Court case that was supposed to make the signature collection process easier, but actually made it more difficult in Nevada.

Groups circulating petitions for ballot questions on tax hikes and gay marriages complained the new regulations would have a chilling effect on gathering signatures.

"I believe this interpretation will assist persons wishing to use the initiative or referendum procedures to do so with a minimum of confusion," Heller said.

The Supreme Court ruled in a Colorado case that people circulating petitions for ballot measures do not have to be registered voters, making it easier for groups nationwide to gather signatures.

But the Nevada Constitution effectively nullified the ruling with its separate requirement that an affidavit must be submitted from a registered voter for each page of signatures gathered by a circulator.

Under Heller's ruling, a 30-page petition now will need an affidavit from only one registered voter, not 30 registered voters as before.

At the same time, his ruling reaffirms that people circulating petitions do not have to be registered voters.

Heller said he checked with election officials in Washoe and Clark counties and they agreed with his interpretation.

Don Reis, chief deputy secretary of state, said the ruling is aimed at making the process as simple as possible for groups.

"Within the limitations of the state constitution, I think we've done as good as we can do," he said.