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Editorial: Murky disclosure forms

Friday, Sept. 19, 2003 | 4:35 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION: Sept. 21, 2003

Nevada was far from alone last week when it received the grade of D on its campaign finance disclosure form. This is the form candidates for public office must file before the primary and general elections and again by Jan. 15. Altogether, 30 states received a grade of no higher than D-plus and 17 states received an F. The grading was done by the California Voter Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes effective use of technology in campaigns and elections.

Although Nevada had lots of company in receiving a low grade, that's no excuse for continuing with forms that are clearly insufficient. Secretary of State Dean Heller recommended several improvements to the 2003 Legislature, but none was approved. Heller had particularly emphasized the need for better electronic filing, to provide voters with up-to-the-minute information. This was an area cited by the foundation as woefully deficient. But the legislators, who must abide by any new rules when they are candidates, showed no interest. When legislators begin coming around again as candidates, voters should ask them why they want to continually report their campaign finances on forms that do more to confuse and confound than to inform.

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