Pubdate: Fri, 31 Jul 2015
Source: Sun, The (Yuma, AZ)
Copyright: 2015 Associated Press
Contact: http://www.yumasun.com/sections/opinion/submit-letters/
Website: http://www.yumasun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1258

AG OPINION: OFFICIALS CAN'T USE PUBLIC CASH TO OPPOSE POT LAWS

PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich says officials 
are not allowed to use public resources to campaign for or against 
ballot measures.

The revised opinion issued Thursday replaces one issued in May but 
yanked after it was criticized. It said officials could "educate" the 
public about ballot measures but can't urge that people vote in a 
particular matter.

The original opinion was requested by Maricopa and Yavapai County 
prosecutors who oppose a marijuana legalization proposal.

Critics said officials might view the opinion as opening the door for 
them to seek to change the outcome of elections by influencing voters.

The new opinion outlines a two-part legal test to determine if 
campaigning by public officials is allowed. It is designed to balance 
their free speech rights with bans electioneering using public money.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom