CUUE begins drive for ballot initiative on War in Iraq

For Immediate Release:
September 21, 2005.






Citizens United of Union-Evansville to Organize Ballot Initiative on Troop Withdrawal


Evansville - Citizens United of Union-Evansville (CUUE) wants to give the citizens of Evansville the opportunity to be heard on the issue of ending the war in Iraq. On Saturday, October 1, 2005, members of CUUE will begin circulating a petition to do just that. CUUE's goal is to place a direct initiative on the Evansville ballot for the next general election. Results of the initiative will be sent to Wisconsin's Senators and Congressmen, as well as to President Bush.
The proposed initiative reads: "Should the United States Government immediately begin an orderly and rapid withdrawal of all military personnel from Iraq, beginning with the National Guard and Reserves?" The purpose of the law allowing for the initiative is to “implement legislative powers reserved by the people.” State ex rel Althouse v. Madison, 79 Wis. 2d 97 (1977).
Similar drives are occurring throughout Wisconsin -- in Kewaunee, LaCrosse, Madison, Oshkosh, Sturgeon Bay, Ladysmith, Superior, Racine, Manitowoc, Egg Harbor, Ephraim, Sister Bay, Amery, Casco, Luxemburg, Algoma, Sawyer County -- to name a few. The City Councils of Chicago, Philadelphia and San Francisco have passed similar resolutions, and one is pending in Milwaukee. More than 50 towns in Vermont have done the same.
“A recent CNN poll revealed that 63% of Americans want to see some or all of the troops withdrawn from Iraq,” said Sheri Ferrell, CUUE member. “This will let us tell our national leaders where we stand.”
In Wisconsin, a petition for direct legislation is valid when it bears the signatures of qualified electors equal to 15 percent of the total local votes cast for Governor in the most recent election. Wis. Stat. § 9.20(1). In Evansville, that means CUUE must collect at least 206 signatures for the referenda to be on the ballot. Any Evansville resident who is eligible to vote may sign. It is not necessary to have voted in the last election or to be a registered voter. All signatures must be collected within sixty days of October 1st, 2005. Wis. Stat. § 9.20(2m).
Evansville residents who wish to sign such a petition may contact CUUE by email at: citizensunitedue@hotmail.com. A CUUE member will bring petitions to the homes of interested persons. If anyone wishes to assist CUUE by collecting signatures, they may contact CUUE by email.

Citizens United of Union-Evansville is a group of citizens committed to fostering grassroots political action and education.

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