Side Bars – R.L. Dabney on Secular Conservatives – Rethinking Public Schools – The Bible and Private Property – The Bible and Possession Laws – Deuteronomy 4:5-9 – Lord Acton Quote – The Bible and Gambling – Closing Exhortation – Our Obligations – The Purpose of Civil Government

Ballot Recommendations Summary Measure 54 Measure 55 Measure 56 Measure 57 Measure 58 Measure 59 Measure 60 Measure 61 Measure 62 Measure 63 Measure 64 Measure 65 Measure 66 Measure 67

PEAPAC Information Help Us Expand Get a Political Tax Credit

Measure #62
Amends Constitution: Requires Campaign Finance Disclosures; Regulates Signature Gathering; Guarantees Contribution Methods

Result of “Yes” vote:
"Yes" vote requires additional campaign finance disclosures; regulates signature gathering; guarantees certain contribution methods.

Result of “No” vote:
"No" vote rejects requiring additional campaign finance disclosures, regulating signature gathering, guaranteeing certain contribution methods.

PEAPAC Explanation:
This Measure would put new limitations and governmental control on various aspects of political campaign finances. Among other things, it is intended to reduce the number of initiative petitions that successfully reach the ballot. We strongly oppose this Measure, and urge a No vote.

PEAPAC Commentary and Recommendation

First, we question whether some of the details in the Measure are practical, or, even worse, will have the effect of reducing private contributions to campaigns. For instance, during certain periods of time, contributions of $500 or more would have to be reported within two business days. This Measure is another example of why the initiative process is problematic when it comes to complicated matters such as campaign financing (see Psalm 131). Such matters can better be addressed through the Legislative process.

Second, there are individual items within this Measure which we strongly oppose. For instance, according to the extended explanation found at the Secretary of State’s web site, this Measure “would prohibit enactment of laws or regulations after November 1, 1998, restricting the right of individuals to make campaign contributions through methods such as payroll deduction by public [emphasis added] or private employers.” We would oppose this language, based on the l ine of reasoning we lay out in dealing with Ballot Measure 59. Also this Measure would require organizers of signature-gathering campaigns to get a license from the State, adding another layer of bureaucracy.

Finally, we question whether mandatory disclosure of those who give to political campaigns is a good idea in general. The Biblical principle of private property involves the ability to make use of that property in a way that seems fit to the steward of it, as long as the use is not prohibited by clear Scriptural teaching. But mandatory disclosure of campaign contributions can be dangerous. A person using his resources to, for instance, stand against abortion or homosexuality, can be vulnerable to negative consequences.

This voters' guide produced by Parents Education Association, PAC.