Judge orders extension for signature gathering

Reclaim Idaho’s Invest in Idaho Education initiative is back.

On Monday, U.S. District Court Judge Lynn Winmill ordered a 48-day extension to gather signatures through an online process starting July 9.

“This is a big win for all Idahoans who can safely exercise their constitutional rights to bring ballot initiatives and let voters decide on important issues,” said Luke Mayville, Reclaim Idaho co-founder.

Reclaim Idaho began gathering signatures for its latest initiative late last year, but had to stop operations in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, around 33,000 signatures had been collected. The organization filed suit earlier this year, seeking to extend the time to gather signatures while also providing an online option for those wanting to sign the petition. Winmill ruled last week in favor of Reclaim Idaho, ordering the state either certify the initiative or extend the deadline to gather signatures by 48 days and provide for online signature gathering. The state of Idaho defied that order and chose neither option. The state further asked that Winmill’s order be stayed — not be put into effect — pending an appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Winmill denied the stay.

Invest in Idaho Education would generate up to $200 million per year for Idaho K-12 public schools with no additional property taxes and no additional taxes for anyone making less than $250,000 per year.

“Investing in Idaho’s public schools is more important than ever given the deep cuts being proposed," Mayville said. "Idahoans deserve a chance to weigh in on such a vital issue that could affect families and communities all over the state."