Washington: Date set for Supreme Court hearing of Referendum 71 case
The U.S. Supreme Court has set April 28 as the date it will hear arguments over whether those who sign petitions for ballot measures can keep their identities confidential — a case stemming from the Referendum 71 battle last year. The High Court had decided in January to hear the case — referred to as Doe v. Reed. At issue is whether signing a ballot petition is a form of political speech protected by the First Amendment. And if so, whether a portion of the state’s Public Records Act violates the signers’ First Amendment rights.