FREE SUPPORT, RESEARCH, AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR VOTERS
SMART INITIATIVES FOR WASHINGTON ALLIANCE
Welcome to SIFWA, the Smart Initiatives For Washington Alliance Website. SIFWA is an NPI division that analyzes initiatives, conducts research, and collects opinions about these proposed laws. SIFWA believes that voters want better choices- a platform advertised on NPI's Permanent Defense website. SIFWA advocates or opposes initiative measures based on merit and intentions of the sponsor.
Questions SIFWA asks while examining proposals:
1.) Is the proposal meaningful?
SIFWA supports sponsors who are either trying to actually put a good idea on the ballot, or sponsors who are floating good ideas that could catch the public's eye.
2.) Is this proposal acceptable?
Is this proposal from one person or a small group who are putting forth an idea that is costly, unconstitutional, radical, or harshly limiting?
3.) Is the proposal written well?
Does the language of the initiative or referendum clearly spell out the initiative's intentions, and could it run into constitutional trouble later on?

Voters Want Better Choices
SIFWA Political Platform on Initiatives and Referenda

1.) The initiative process is an excellent tool for voters to take action, but it should be reformed. Problems have plagued the process, and people have taken advantage and learned how to manipulate the system. SIFWA believes:
  • Paid-signature gathering should be banned from the initiative process,
  • Initiative sponsors should be forced to disclose their finances like candidates do,
  • Initiatives should be written with constitutionality in mind, and checked over by a court, commission, or panel before being allowed to be placed on the ballot. 

2.) Voters should be able to hear a clear picture of possible effects from an initiative from the sponsors. Sponsors should present concise information to voters so they know exactly what they will be creating, repealing, or changing.

3.) Voters should hold politicians and sponsors accountable to their promises. They should also hold them responsible for neglect to honor ethical standards. When voters consider a candidate or ballot measure, they should:
  • First think about either the measure's idea or the individual as a politician,
  • Second think about the sponsor or individual as a person- do they have good standards?

4.) When voters consider anti-tax measures, they should ask themselves:
  • What is the money this would repeal going to?
  • How much do I pay for what's being repealed, and would I save anything?
  • Is it really worth it? Who might suffer from these tax cuts?
  • Are the priorities I'd like to see politicians accomplish going to be hurt by this measure?

5.) When voters sign any initiative petition, they should ask: (1) what it's about, (2) if the person collecting the signature is being paid or is a volunteer, (3) if the signature gatherer has a copy of the ballot summary & text, and (4) who the sponsors are. If the answers are any of the following:
  • It's about repealing taxes that fund critical public services,
  • The signature gatherer is being paid for this effort,
  • The text and summary aren't on hand,
  • Tim Eyman and Company are sponsoring the measure,

Then DECLINE to SIGN.

6.) Voters should take full advantage of the resources offered to them to make a decision. Voters are entitled to see good and meaningful propositions from initiative sponsors and politicians. Voters should get honest and fair laws from lawmakers, and thrifty, clean, helpful, and far-reaching government benefits from elected executive leaders. Initiative sponsors should present ideas that are largely needed and a contribution to the efficiency of the government.

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DID YOU KNOW?
A major problem with ballot petitions is that many signature gatherers fail to adequately disclose what it is they are asking voters to sign. Did you know that:
  • You must be registered to vote in order to sign,
  • You may only sign a particular petition once,
  • You are in no way obliged to sign a petition,
  • You have the right to see the initiative or referendum's ballot title, summary, and text from the signature gatherer.
  • Many signature gatherers are actually paid workers. Ask!
Don't be tricked. Some signature gatherers commit fraud. Always ask questions to learn about the initiative or referendum the signature gatherer wants you to sign. If you feel in any way uneasy or the petitioner can't answer many of your questions, you have the right to politely decline to sign. Try to follow the steps outlined in What Can I Do? learn, decide, communicate- protect yourself!

WHAT CAN I DO?
As a voter, you can follow the Three I's of Consideration, a process that helps voters make smart decisions about signing initiative petitions. A informed voter is a smart voter.
  • Inquire (learn) Get information about the initiative or referendum. Information includes: ballot summary, title, text, media articles, issue resources.
  • Interpret (decide) Create your position- supporting, opposing, neutral.     Take your time. Don't rush it. Decline to sign if hesitant- only sign if you're sure!
  • Instruct (communicate) Tell others about the initiative/referendum.    Spread the word about the ballot measure- refer others to SIFWA's website.



© 2005 Smart Initiatives For Washington Alliance.
SIFWA is a division of the Northwest Progressive Institute.