Local Measures

Local ballot measures in counties, cities and other political subdivisions make up the overwhelming bulk of ballot measures across the county.  They cover a wide range of topics, including taxes, gaming, land use and bonding.  They can be submitted to voters by initiative petition, referendum petition or legislative referendum.
Whether contemplating a “yes” campaign or faced with fighting a “no” campaign, Ballot Measure Group can bring strategic legal counsel to a local ballot measure effort.

"Yes" Campaigns

For “Yes” campaigns, we assist clients with a full range of services, including:

• Conducting a Ballot Measure Group Feasibility Study on the political, policy and legal feasibility of crafting, qualifying and passing a local ballot measure
• Drafting the ballot measure
• Preparing a fiscal analysis of the ballot proposition
• Securing approval of the format, ballot title and fiscal summary for the measure
• Coordinating defense of ballot measure litigation, recounts and challenges
• Setting up ballot measure campaign committees and coordinating campaign finance and not-for-profit compliance
• Counseling on petition legal issues, including signature gathering and turn-in compliance.
• Combating competing measures, whether originating in the local governing body or by initiative petition

"No" Campaigns

For “No” campaigns, we provided clients comprehensive services, including:

• Conducting a Ballot Measure Group Feasibility Study on the political, policy and legal prognosis of defeating a local ballot measure
• Conceptualizing and drafting competing measures
• Coordinating  ballot measure litigation, recounts and challenges
• Setting up ballot measure campaign committees and coordinating campaign finance and not-for-profit compliance
• Preparing a fiscal impact analysis of the ballot measure
• Contesting the measure’s format, ballot title and fiscal summary with local governments and in the courts