Appeals court allows release of R-71 petitions

  • Jerry Cornfield
  • Thursday, October 15, 2009 12:39pm
  • Local News

A three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled today that the state can release the names of the 138,000 people who signed petitions for Referendum 71.

Here is the order issued today:

The court, after consideration of the record and briefs of the parties, and oral

argument, has determined that the district court’s Order Granting Plaintiffs’

Motion for Preliminary Injunction (the “Preliminary Injunction Order”), filed

September 10, 2009, relies on an incorrect legal standard and, therefore, must be

reversed.

It is therefore ordered:

1. Appellants’ motion for a stay pending appeal is granted and the

Preliminary Injunction Order is hereby stayed, effective immediately, pending final

resolution of these appeals.

2. An opinion setting forth the reasons for the court’s reversal of the

Preliminary Injunction Order shall be issued expeditiously and in due course.

Here’s the reaction from the Secretary of State Sam Reed:

“I’m glad the 9th Circuit has upheld what we have been saying. These petitions are not like a secret ballot, but amount to taking part in our legislative process, which is required to be open and accountable.”

And state Elections Director Nick Handy:

“The winner here is open government.”

The Secretary of State’s Office has disks containing the names ready for distribution.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Arlington
Man steals Snohomish County deputy’s vehicle, captured moments later

Deputies say the suspect from a hit-and-run earlier Wednesday crashed into the home of a relative before attempting to escape.

Everett fire destroys home under construction, damages adjacent structures

The fire happened around 1 a.m. Wednesday. No injuries were reported.

Everett
Open house on Everett comprehensive plan coming Feb. 26

The state requires fast-growing cities like Everett to create comprehensive plans, which plan for population growth, transportation improvements and more.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Jasmine Donahue talks about being a place for people leave messages when looking for family members, friends or loved ones on the street on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett extends deadline for homeless service facing closure

Hope ‘N Wellness must now comply with city zoning laws by April 30. The organization is “grateful,” its owner said, but still hopes for a permanent solution.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

New Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce CEO CEO Wendy Poischbeg speaks at a kick off event on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Everett Rising’: Wednesday’s chamber luncheon to showcase a new era of growth.

The Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce is beginning its efforts… Continue reading

The Edmonds School District building on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds School District faces estimated $8.5 million deficit

The shortfall is lower than previous years, but the effects are “cumulative,” Superintendent Rebecca Miner said.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.