Opponents of Prop 200 sue to prohibit counting of votes
/A hearing is set for Wednesday in a suit that tries to stop officials from counting votes for Proposition 200. A
lawsuit filed in Maricopa County Superior Court argues
that most of the signatures gathered to put Proposition 200 on the
ballot shouldn't have counted. The lawsuit alleges that many signature
petitions were attached to a version of the initiative that was
different from the measure that ended up on the November 2nd ballot.
The lawsuit could create chaos for state and county election officials
because early voting has been under way since Sept. 30 and tens of
thousands of Arizonans already have cast ballots on the initiative and
other issues. State law requires initiative petitions to include
an accurate copy of the proposal so voters can read it for themselves
before signing. But Steve Roman, campaign chairman for No on 200, said
a last-minute review revealed most of the copies voters signed didn't
match the official version filed July 7, 2003, to launch the initiative
campaign. Proposition
200 would require people to produce proof of citizenship when
registering to vote and proof of immigration status when obtaining
government services. Backers say the measure is aimed at curtailing
fraud perpetrated by illegal immigrants who come into the state each
year. Gov. Janet Napolitano said Saturday that the measure isn't the
way to address illegal immigration. Napolitano says the more people
learn about Proposition 200, the less they like it. Opponents of the
measure say it will cost taxpayers more and affect the convenience of
everyone, not just the Hispanic community. [more 
] and [more ] and [more ]
] and [more ] and [more ]
