Opponents of Prop 200 sue to prohibit counting of votes

A hearing is set for Wednesday in a suit that tries to stop officials from counting votes for Proposition 200.  A lawsuit filed in Maricopa County Superior Court argues that most of the signatures gathered to put Proposition 200 on the ballot shouldn't have counted. The lawsuit alleges that many signature petitions were attached to a version of the initiative that was different from the measure that ended up on the November 2nd ballot. The lawsuit could create chaos for state and county election officials because early voting has been under way since Sept. 30 and tens of thousands of Arizonans already have cast ballots on the initiative and other issues.  State law requires initiative petitions to include an accurate copy of the proposal so voters can read it for themselves before signing. But Steve Roman, campaign chairman for No on 200, said a last-minute review revealed most of the copies voters signed didn't match the official version filed July 7, 2003, to launch the initiative campaign. Proposition 200 would require people to produce proof of citizenship when registering to vote and proof of immigration status when obtaining government services. Backers say the measure is aimed at curtailing fraud perpetrated by illegal immigrants who come into the state each year. Gov. Janet Napolitano said Saturday that the measure isn't the way to address illegal immigration. Napolitano says the more people learn about Proposition 200, the less they like it. Opponents of the measure say it will cost taxpayers more and affect the convenience of everyone, not just the Hispanic community.  [more ] and [more ] and [more ]

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