About Ballot Arguments

The Secretary of State’s Office does not write ballot arguments. Arguments in favor of and against ballot measures are provided by the proponents and opponents of the ballot measures. If multiple arguments are submitted for or against a measure, the law requires that first priority be given to arguments written by legislators in the case of legislative measures, and arguments written by the proponents of an initiative or referendum in the case of an initiative or referendum measure.

Subsequent priority for all measures goes to bona fide associations of citizens and then to individual voters. The submitted argument language cannot be verified for accuracy or changed in any way unless a court orders it to be changed.