D.C. ballot initiatives would need one subject and cost disclosures

The D.C. Board of Elections would reject proposed ballot initiatives that address more than one subject. The rule would cover ballot initiatives, which let residents propose laws by petition. Parts count as separate subjects when voters can reasonably judge each part without referring to the others.

Election officials would include a budget summary on initiative petition sheets and ballots. Cost estimates would cover the first four fiscal years the initiative is in effect. When funding is insufficient, the summary would give the extra money needed in the first year and over the four-year financial plan.

The Board of Elections would publish proposals and campaign contribution reports, accept public comments, and decide whether to accept initiatives at public meetings. The board would accept comments online as well as through other means. Public comments would stay on the board’s website for at least three years. The decision meeting would take place at least 30 days and no more than 60 days after the board receives the initiative.

Registered D.C. voters and initiative sponsors could ask D.C. Superior Court to review the election board’s acceptance or rejection decisions. Registered D.C. voters could challenge acceptance; the people who submitted an initiative could challenge rejection. Challenges could begin when the decision appears on the board’s website and would be due no more than 30 calendar days after publication in the D.C. Register.