According to an article in the Seattle Times, the State constitution allows for a referendum to be put on the ballot if 4% of the state's registered voters sign a petition. An article on Eyman quotes a figure of 179,248 valid signatures to get an issue forwarded on to the legislature. I'm not sure if this equaltes to the 4% above.

You are right that we need some legal advice on this one. My gut reaction is Skookum is write that this would have to be worded not as a catch and release measure but rather a no kill on wild fish measure. I really think that if the organization and funding logistics could be solved then the public would support it. We could count on support from various city's chambers of commerce, a good number of guides, and the environmental movement. Getting people interested east of the mountains (where it has been C & R for many years) might be tougher but we are lucky in that most voters reside in the few counties it would be easiest for us to canvas. I'm thinking signature drives at the summer fairs, the sportsman's expo, the Bite of (Seattle, Edmonds, etc.) plus pulling in support from TU and other sportsman's groups might yield the number needed.

It would not be easy though and would require time committments from a number of people plus some funding to cover printing, advertising, and possibly legal costs.

We as a group need decide if 1) this is possible and if it is, 2) is it worth the effort?

Sinktip