"Save Our Secret Ballots" Group Includes Arizona in Anti-Labor-Union Plans to Change State Constitut

[Omaha Steve]

http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/valleyfever/2008/12/save_our_secret_ballots_group.php

Mon Dec 29, 2008 at 08:40:56 PM

Arizona is poised to take center stage in the debate over a proposed national law that would ban workers from voting for or against labor unions in secret ballot elections.

A group based in Las Vegas called "Save Our Secret Ballots" is preparing to defend against the proposed law -- which is supported by Barack Obama and the mostly Democratic Congress.



The group, fronted by a Republican former Congressman from Oklahoma, is pushing for state-by-state constitutional amendments that would essentially require secret ballots to be used to form or join a union at a business. The effort is kicking off in Arizona, Arkansas, Missouri, Nevada and Utah.

Clint Bolick of the Phoenix-based Goldwater Institute, a conservative think-tank that recently thumped Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's office, is one of the board members for Save Our Secret Ballots and wrote the proposed language for the constitutional amendment. It's just two sentences -- the first, short and innocuous, and the second, a lawyer's dream:
The right of individuals to vote by secret ballot is fundamental. Where state or federal law requires elections for public office or public votes on initiatives or referenda, or designations or authorizations of employee representation, the right of individuals to vote by secret ballot shall be guaranteed.

The group is launching a citizens initiative to put the above language before Arizona voters in the 2010 election. If voters approve it, the law will become embedded in the state's constitution.


FULL story at link.