Petitioners prompt DA warning
One such petition drive is underway in Irvine where signature gatherers are trying to qualify a measure that would essentially halt all commercial and residential growth. If successful, this measure would require costly voter approval of almost any development in the city. A large coalition of Irvine stakeholders, business owners and executives and officials warn the measure could seriously disrupt the area’s economy.
According to the DA's office, signature gatherers are setting up tables at shopping centers, outside coffee shops and anywhere pedestrian traffic is heavy. Some earn as much as $11 for each signature they secure.
Rackauckas urged residents to make sure they understand what they are signing before agreeing to add their name to the petition, saying, “Petitions often mislead the public and hide important details in the fine print that signature gathers often don’t share with signers.”
The DA's tips for residents on signature gathers:
- Avoid being manipulated or bullied by petition gatherers by declining to sign any petitions until you have had a chance to fully read the fine print.
- Review a copy of any initiative on your own time, and then decide for yourself if you want to lend your signature.
Read the Statement from the Orange County District Attorney Office.