Arizona Effort Launched to Protect Secret Ballots in State Constitution

SOS Ballot Save Our Secret Ballot -- Kicks off in Arizona and four other states PHOENIX, AZ With Congress poised to act to end the secret ballot rights of employees choosing representation, a national movement to protect the secret ballot in state constitutions was launched in Arizona and in four other states. Entitled SOS Ballot Save Our Secret Ballot the new group announced its efforts to place before voters a secret ballot constitutional amendment in Arizona, Arkansas, Missouri, Nevada and Utah, with the expectation that additional states will be announced in the coming weeks. The Arizona effort which began with the announcement of initiative language to be filed with the Arizona Secretary of State and the forming of a campaign committee co-chaired by Sydney Hay of Munds Park, Roy Miller of Phoenix, Roy Tyler of Yuma, Joy Staveley of Flagstaff and other small business owners throughout the state. The 47-word amendment says: The right of individuals to vote by secret ballot is fundamental. Where state or federal law requires elections for public office or public votes on initiatives or referenda, or designations or authorizations of employee representation, the right of individuals to vote by secret ballot shall be guaranteed. The initiative language was written by noted attorney and constitutional scholar Clint Bolick, director of the Goldwater Institutes Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation. The Goldwater Institute has pledged its efforts for legal defense of the language if challenged. The group will need to collect 230,047 valid voter signatures in order to qualify for the November, 2010 ballot. Said Arizona Co-Chairman Joy Staveley of Flagstaff said, I cant imagine a more fundamental right of citizenship than the right to vote without intimidation. Thats why Im pleased to help lead this effort in Arizona. Sydney Hay, who filed the necessary paperwork with the Secretary of State added, It is such an enduring principle in our country, we find it hard to believe this right is under serious threat, but it is. A bill to erode the right of Americans to a secret ballot is hanging by just a few votes in the U.S. Senate. We need a state constitutional amendment to make it clear that, here in Arizona, we will not allow a fundamental right of citizenship to be eroded. The S.O.S. Ballot initiative gives us that opportunity.