The Initiative Process Under Pressure
Washington's early experience with the popular initiative leads to court battles as signatures are scrutinized for irregularities.
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The state's first experience with the popular initiative seems certain to result in extended court proceedings to test the validity of the petitions being conducted by Secretary of State I. M. Howell. The test centers on the 'Seven Sisters' bills, supported by a coalition of labor unions, farmers' unions, the state grange, and the Direct Legislation League. Both proponents and opponents are watching the count, as many bills appear to be winning or losing their place on the ballot by extremely narrow margins, with significant concerns regarding duplicate signatures and irregularities in filling out forms.
“In no case as much as 4 per cent of surplus for probable shrinkage caused by duplicates and irregularities.”
Washington's initiative system was forged in this era of populist ferment. The struggle to get measures on the ballot through signature verification remains a central and highly contested pillar of Washington civic life today.
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