Initiative papers filed for secret union ballots

Nevadans could be voting on a ballot initiative that would guarantee the right to a secret ballot in union elections.

Nevada Secretary of State Ross Miller said the paperwork was filed late Tuesday.

Tibi Ellis, a Republican candidate for Assembly and state leader for the initiative, said the language of the Nevada version is similar to language promoted by a group pushing the issue in other states.

The group, called Save Our Secret Ballot, posted the language on its Web site at www.sosballot.org that says: "The right of individuals to vote by secret ballot is fundamental. Where state or federal law requires elections for public office or public votes on initiatives or referenda, or designations or authorizations of employee representation, the right of individuals to vote by secret ballot shall be guaranteed."

The effort is in response to the proposed Employee Free Choice Act, a bill supported by organized labor that would allow labor unions to conduct so-called card check elections without an employer's approval.

Organized labor groups say the proposed federal legislation would reduce employer interference in union organizing. Business groups say it undermines workers' rights by denying them a secret ballot.

Miller says it would take 97,002 signatures to get an initiative on the state ballot as a proposed amendment to the state constitution.

Voters would have to approve it in 2010 and again in 2012 for the amendment to be added to the constitution.

There is a 30-day period for legal challenges to the proposal, he said.

Contact reporter Benjamin Spillman at bspillman@ reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3861.