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Category: government transparency

Doe v. Reed: Appeals Court upholds R-71 petition releases

Doe v. Reed: Appeals Court upholds R-71 petition releases

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has rejected a challenge to Washington’s policy of releasing initiative and referendum petitions, specifically the Referendum 71 signatures submitted to force a public vote on the “everything but marriage” law three years ago. Secretary of State Sam Reed said he was pleased with the decision and that it honors the state voters’ commitment to the Public Records Act and transparency in government.  Reed said he hopes the challengers will let the decision stand, now…

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R-71 petitions sealed as foes appeal

R-71 petitions sealed as foes appeal

Protect Marriage Washington, which is appealing the Doe v. Reed ruling that upheld release of Referendum 71 petitions, has filed an emergency motion with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to halt further release of the petitions while the appeal proceeds. The State Archives in the Office of Secretary of State already has released more than 30 sets of the 137,000 signatures, and has two more pending. But on advice of counsel, further releases are suspended until the court considers…

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More on Reed’s open government award

More on Reed’s open government award

As we blogged last Friday, Secretary Reed received the James Madison Award of the Washington Coalition for Open Government that morning in Seattle. The award honors Reed’s “appreciation for, and dedication to, the cause of open government since taking office,” including advocacy of accessible and accountable government, preserving and displaying public records, among other attributes. We received fresh photos on Monday: Secretary Reed is shown above during his acceptance speech before the crowd of 100. Below he is with coalition…

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Reed awarded top open-government honor

Reed awarded top open-government honor

Secretary of State Sam Reed, who has made government transparency and access to public records a signature issue during his three terms, is the 2011 winner of the James Madison Award of the Washington Coalition for Open Government. Reed, who leaves office after his term ends in early January, 2013, was honored at the non-partisan group’s annual awards event in Seattle on Friday, a day when he was also the acting governor. The award honors Reed’s “appreciation for, and dedication…

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