State and Local Limitations on Ballot Measure Contributions

This Note’s thesis is that ballot measure limitations unconstitutionally infringe upon the rights of free speech and association. Part I analyzes Buckley and concludes that the CARC court misapplied its distinction between contributions and direct expenditures. Part II tests ballot measure limitations against Buckley‘s “exacting scrutiny” standard. It identifies the state interests asserted in defense of ballot measure limitations – lessening abuse by narrow interest groups, reducing apathy, and equalizing political expression – and concludes that ballot measure limitations do not permissibly further these governmental interests.