City Charter Amendment On Initiatives Falling Behind

Thu., Nov. 12, 1998

A city of Spokane charter amendment that would change the way local initiative campaigns are conducted inched toward failure this week.

The first round of absentee ballots counted after the Nov. 3 election left City Proposition 3 with a 30-vote deficit. The charter change was slightly ahead on election night.

The proposal would add new restrictions to the city’s initiative process. If it passes, initiatives would be strictly advisory if supporters gather signatures from fewer than 15 percent of the number of voters who cast ballots in the past general election.

The proposal also limits the gathering of signatures to 180 days. Currently, there is no time limit.

More absentee ballots will be counted in the next week.

No other Spokane County races were affected by the latest count of absentee ballots. State Sen. Jim West and County Assessor Charlene Cooney kept their slim leads over opponents, as did Democratic auditor candidate Vicky Dalton.

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