Chicoans Against Financial Mismanagement etc. v. City of Chico CA3

FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS

Background On August 19, 2022--the final day for submitting such arguments--Karl Ory submitted for publication in the sample ballot an argument in opposition to Chico local Measure H, which was up for vote in an election taking place on November 8, 2022. Along with the ballot argument, Ory submitted a “ballot argument signature statement” (signature statement); a form required by the Butte County Elections Office to be submitted with the ballot argument. The signature statement required the person submitting it to check a box indicating whether the ballot argument was submitted by the Board of Supervisors or any member thereof, an individual citizen eligible to vote on the measure, or a “Bona Fide Association of Citizens.” The signature statement submitted by Ory checked the box indicating that the argument was submitted by a bona fide association of citizens. In the section titled “ballot argument contact,” Ory provided his name and personal contact information. The bottom of the signature statement provided space for up to five people to print their names and “Title and Name of Organization,” and to sign and date the form. Five individuals provided their…