Initiative 517 would give initiative sponsors an additional six months to collect signatures, make it illegal for anyone to maintain “an intimidating presence within twenty-five feet” of a signature gatherer, and prohibit local government from blocking votes on ballot measures.
Opponents say the initiative also contains language that would vastly expand where signature gatherers could go, including inside stadiums where the Seahawks and Mariners games are held. A coalition of groups and individuals, including the Seahawks, the Northwest Grocery Association and former state Attorney General Rob McKenna, oppose I-517, arguing it takes away the right of private businesses to decide when and where signature gathering can occur on their property.
Supporters say the measure would not change where signature gatherers can go, citing a 2007 state Attorney General’s opinion that says case law lets stores “place reasonable time, place and manner restrictions on the activity.”
Supporters say the main purpose of I-517 is to prevent local governments from blocking a vote on measures that qualify for the ballot. They argue that in Vancouver and Spokane, and elsewhere, court challenges too often have prevented a vote.
