Citizens in Charge

A group trying to force legislators to read bills before they vote to pass them has had its initiated measure approved for circulation. Honor in Office will now need to get almost 26,000 signatures before such a measure  can get on the ballot. The group’s executive director, Jerrol LeBaron, said he and a group of more than 20 volunteers will be hitting up fairs and county events as well as advertising the petition in local businesses.

After a similar measure was defeated by state lawmakers earlier this year, a proposed ballot initiative filed with the state on Thursday will seek to repeal the state’s pharmacy ownership law. The initiative was submitted to Secretary of State Al Jaeger, who will review the petition and decide whether to approve it for circulation later this month. To get on the 2010 ballot, supporters will need at least 12,844 signatures from North Dakota voters.