Leaders of Washington’s Voter Education Project say that not only are signature gatherers for initiatives being paid for each name they gather, but they also are misleading voters about the petitions.
The most recent example was in early May when members of the organization heard a petitioner outside Safeco Field say that Initiative 841 would “lower a federally mandated tax on health-care premiums.”
The initiative would overturn ergonomics laws and is not related to taxes or health care.
“But those are hot-button issues with voters so it’s no surprise that petitioners used them as part of a pitch,” says Jeannie Berg, executive director of the Voter Education Project.
“All they care about is the dollar that the signature is worth. Don’t be tricked by what a petitioner says.”
She adds that many of the paid signature gatherers are from out of state. They do not care about nor do they understand the needs of Washington voters, she adds.
Pat Thompson, Council 2’s Director of Legislation/Political Action says citizens would be appalled that their signatures have become a commodity bought and sold by out-of-state mercenaries.
“The initiative process has been hijacked by forgers and profiteers,” he says.
The Voter Education Project estimates that dozens of people are hiring petitioners across the state who gather signatures purely for the money. They will interpret it any way they feel will get people to sign, the organization adds.
The Voter Education Project is researching the misleading tactics of petitioners. When you see a petitioner — any petitioner — call the organization at 866-628-2500. They’ll want to know the date, time, location and which initiatives the petitioner is carrying.
For more information consult www.votereducationproject.org, the VEP Web site, or contact Patty Wentz of the Voter Education Project at 503-970-7929.
