[EL] Effect of full text of ballot measure in voter guide

[Bill Sherman]

The City of Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission (of which I am a member)
is considering cutting costs by recommending that the City eliminate the
requirement that the voter guide pamphlet include the full text of ballot
measures (the pamphlet would still list the ballot title, and explanatory
statement, and arguments for and against).  The full text would be available
online.

I am well aware of the policy arguments for and against this proposal, but
I'm not familiar with much empirical data about the effect of full text
publication.  Let me know if you are aware of any research that would help
inform this decision.

Bill Sherman


The Sherman Law Firm, PLLC
bill at billsherman.org
www.billsherman.org
1111 Third Ave., Suite 2230
Seattle, WA 98101
phone: 206.552.9607
fax: 206.426.5414