The signature verification process for the initiative petition, "Repeals City of Portland publicly funded campaign system, prohibits expenditures," has been completed.

 

On February 16, 2006 the Auditor received a certification from John Kaufman, Director of Elections for Multnomah County indicating that the results of the random sample of signatures show that the petition does not contain the required 26,691 valid signatures to qualify for placement on the ballot.

 

Certification of Signature Verification Process Completion (PDF document, 53kb)

 

 

 

Chief Petitioner David Chown submitted 40,988 signatures on January 17, 2006, the filing deadline set by City Code.  The petition is sponsored by Chief Petitioners Mark A. Long, David Chown and Eva Kripalani and is intended for the May 16, 2006 Primary Election Ballot.

 

City Code sets the signature requirement for initiative petitions at 9 percent of the number of electors registered in the city on the date of the primary municipal election immediately preceding the date the prospective petition is filed. Until May 2006, this number is 26,691 (9% of City voters registered as of the May 2004 election).

 

The Auditor is required by City Code to complete the signature verification process within 30 days after receipt of the signatures, or February 16, 2006.  City Code also requires that the Auditor arrange for verification of the validity of the signatures by the County Elections Office.  The City does not maintain voter registration files, decide on voter qualifications, or maintain any voter lists.  ORS 247.550 assigns the CountyClerk this authority.  Voter registration files are necessary to conduct the signature verification process.  City Code also provides that verification be performed by random sampling in a manner approved by the Secretary of State.  The Auditor forwarded the signature sheets to the County for verification on January 23.

 

The Auditor is required by City Code to notify the petitioners of the results.  No further action is required for petitions that do not qualify for the ballot.