Number: RL30067
Title: STATE REGULATION OF THE INITIATIVE PROCESS: BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS OF ISSUES IN BUCKLEY V. AMERICAN CONSITUTIONAL LAW FOUNDATION, INC., ET AL.
Authors: T.J. Halstead, American Law Division 
Abstract: This report discusses Buckley v. American Constitutional Law Foundation, Inc., et al., where the Supreme Court considered the constitutionality of various restrictions imposed by Colorado on the petition process for ballot initiatives. The Court struck down regulations requiring that circulators be registered voters and that all circulators wear identification badges, as well as provisions requiring the disclosure of paid circulators and amounts disbursed to each. In reading this decision, the Court noted that other permissible regulations served Colorado's interest in protecting the integrity of the initiative process. As such, the Court determined that the aforementioned provisions could not be justified in light of their violation of the right to anonymous political expression and subsequent chilling effect on free speech.
Pages: 18
Date: Updated February 16, 1999