Marijuana legalization initiative, I-502, turns in 380,000 signatures

There have been other marijuana legalization initiatives that have received a good bit of notoriety, but none have made it to the ballot in the state of Washington. Primarily, not enough signatures were gathered to qualify for the ballot.

For New Approach Washington, the latest group pushing for marijuana legalization, the effort to gather signatures actually took a page from Tim Eyeman, the controversial initiative guru in the state of Washington.

Unlike the previous marijuana legalization efforts, New Approach used paid signature gatherers to get the job done.

"We knew it was important to have volunteers and paid signature gatherers. It is just a reality in Washington state," said Alison Holcomb, campaign director for I-502. "No initiative has qualified for the ballot without paid signature gatherers."

For the other two marijuana initiatives, that was part of problem, Holcomb said. It was an all volunteer effort.

In order to qualify for the ballot, the I-502 campaign was faced with gathering 241,000 signatures. The state recommended gathering 320,000 just to make sure. New Approach turned over 350,000 signatures two weeks ago.

Key to this process was the having adequate funds to pay for the signature gathering effort. Locally, Leavenworth philanthropist Harriet Bullitt donated $100,000 toward the campaign. For Holcomb, the support of Bullitt and others was more than money.

"I think what is most important about the sponsors and endorsers is that it makes marijuana reform a mainstream issue. You don't need to smoke it to see the need for change," she said. "There is a diverse group of people back this measure."

Bullitt felt like New Approach got more of a bang from the notoriety that went with her donation, than the actual dollars. But, all along, she knew he money was going to help pay for signature gathering.

"I knew that is why they were raising funds," Bullitt said. "They did not want to depend on volunteers. It is an awful lot of work. But, as it turned out, it was not hard getting volunteers. A lot of the work was done by volunteers."

The signature gatherers received $2 a signature. Bullitt said it was critical to have that work done, even though there were a lot of volunteers.

The legislature will have a change to act on the measure. The legislature could sign the measure into law, but it would seem unlikely that would happen. Holcomb is hoping for at least a public hearing. Bullitt believes there are a number of reason the legislature might very well leave it alone.

"Most in the legislature don't want to seem soft on drugs," Bullitt said. "It could also be about the drug companies that do not want the competition."

Unless the legislature approves the measure outright, I-502 will appear on the ballot this November. There should be a big turnout for the November election since it is a presidential election year, as well Governor and Attorney General here in Washington state.

Holcomb feels the big turnout should help them.

"Yes, especially among the young demographics. Younger voters tend to come out for the presidential election, and tend to be favorable toward marijuana reform," she said.

And if you were wondering, having I-502 hit the ballot in November was part of the thinking all along. But another issue arises with a big election. Advertising in all medium will be at a premium due to the demand.

"We would like to have the opportunity to connect with as many voters as possible," she said. "It will depend on the support we receive. Once voters hear the information, they tend to support it."

They want to do radio, mail, newspaper and television, but that will take more financial support. Holcomb figures it will quite expensive in 2012.

"It is really expensive during a presidential election year," she said. "To have a TV campaign costs $4-6 million."

To date, there is not organized opposition, although law enforcement typically has filled that role. But Holcomb figures that my not be the case this time, with the support of former federal prosector John McKay.

She hopes I-502 will actually serve law enforcement better than the current laws. The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs actually voted against supporting the initiative.

"It was fairly expected," she said. "They took a voice vote at a public meeting with a reporter in the room. I knew it would be a stretch to win that vote."

Even if the measures passes, it would still be contrary to federal law. The hope is, according to Holcomb, that more states would pass similar laws.

"That is what we have seen with other challenging social issues. Change begins with the states," she said. "Hopefully, that would prompt Congress to reform federal law."

Ian Dunn can be reached at 548-5286 or editor@leavenworthecho.com.