WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a victory for Governor Brad Little, Reclaim Idaho will no longer be able to collect electronic signatures in their quest to hike corporate taxes and individual tax rates in Idaho, which could be a huge blow to getting their initiative on the ballot in November.
The case stems from Reclaim Idaho’s “Invest in Idaho Intiative.” The organization’s goal is to produce up to $200 million a year for K-12 state education by increasing corporate taxes, as well as increasing income taxes for Idaho residents making more than $250,000, or a couple making over $500,00 per year.
In documents released Thursday, the Supreme Court of the United States called the previous decison from the Ninth Circuit Court – which had allowed for Reclaim Idaho to collect signatures electronically instead of in person due to COVID-19 concerns – “intrusive.” The court further stated that “Nothing in the U.S. Constitution requires Idaho or any other state to provide for ballot initiatives.” The Supreme Court’s decision also says that Idaho has proved each of three standards necessary for a stay, including one that indicates a “likelihood that irreparable harm will result from the denial of a stay.”
The Court’s opinion can be found here: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/relatingtoorders/19
Governor Little had this to say in a statement: “I am pleased that the Supreme Court upheld Idaho’s sovereignty over its election and initiative processes. It is important that initiatives follow the laws set by the Idaho Legislature so we can ensure those initiatives that get on the ballot are legitimate and have significant support throughout Idaho. This is a challenging time, and I am grateful for the work of our election officials who are preparing to conduct free and safe elections this fall in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.”