Opinion ID: 2382879
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Integrity of the initiative process

Text: Amendment 7's reservation to the people of the initiative power lies at the heart of our democratic institutions. A ballot title must, as we have stated, convey an intelligible idea of the scope and significance of a proposed change in the law. See Bradley v. Hall, supra . Amendment 4's ballot title does not. Therefore, it cannot stand. In order to uphold the integrity of the initiative process, we must declare the proposed amendment ineligible for consideration at the general election on November 8, 1994. See Arkansas Women's Political Caucus v. Riviere, supra . The Secretary of State is hereby enjoined from canvassing and certifying any returns on the measure. See Ark.Code Ann. § 7-9-119(c) (Repl.1993). Petition granted, and the mandate is ordered issued within five days unless a petition for rehearing is filed. If a petition for rehearing is filed, briefing will be on an expedited basis to be set by the clerk. DUDLEY, HAYS and GLAZE, JJ., dissent.