Rippie

Washington Revised Code § 42.17.090(l)(g) (1993) requires the disclosure of the names and addresses of persons paid to collect signatures on initiative petitions “to the people,” and the amounts paid to them. We conclude these requirements chill political speech protected by the First Amendment, and do not significantly advance any substantial state interest. Accordingly, we hold the statute, and the regulations promulgated under it, are unconstitutional.

I.

The State of Washington allows its citizens to make laws directly through an initiative process. See Wash. Const. Art. II, § 1. There are two kinds of initiatives in Washington: “initiatives to the people,” and “initiatives to the legislature.” Id. A successful petition for an initiative to the people results in the measure being placed on the ballot at the next general election. Id. A successful petition for an initiative to the legislature certifies the proposed law to the legislature for further action. Id.

To qualify an initiative, one or more voters may draft a proposed law, file it with the Secretary of State, and then circulate petitions to collect signatures. See id. If an initiative sponsor pays circula-tors to…