Idaho Supreme Court says new ballot initiative law violates state constitution

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The Idaho Supreme Court has rejected a new law designed to make it harder for voters to get initiatives on the ballot, saying the legislation was so restrictive it violates a fundamental state constitutional right.

The ruling issued Monday was a win for Reclaim Idaho, which sponsored the 2018 Medicaid expansion initiative and is now working to qualify an initiative that aims to boost education funding.

The new law, which passed earlier this year, required signature-gatherers to get 6% of registered voters in each of Idaho’s 35 legislative districts within a short time span.

The ruling means the previous law requiring signatures from 18 districts is in effect.

“Thousands of Idahoans are breathing sighs of relief today,” said Reclaim Idaho co-founder Luke Mayville. “In the face of an assault on the initiative process by the Idaho legislature, our Supreme Court has fulfilled its obligation to protect the rights of every Idahoan."

In a 55 page ruling, Idaho Supreme Court Justice Gregory W. Moeller said, "We conclude that the (Secretary of State) and the Legislature have failed to represent a compelling state interest for limiting that right."

You can view the ruling HERE.

You can also view a summary statement HERE.