Ferrara V. Belanger

This case arises out of a controversy over the proper interpretation and application of various provisions of the Elections Code pertaining to the filing of "pro" and "con" ballot arguments in municipal initiative elections. Elections Code section 5013*fn1 provides generally that prior to municipal elections involving a ballot proposition the city clerk shall establish a deadline for the filing of ballot arguments "[based] on the time reasonably necessary to prepare and print the arguments and sample ballots for that particular election." Section 5012 provides, in turn, that "[the] legislative body . . . or any individual voter or bona fide association of citizens . . . may file a written argument for or against any city measure" prior to such deadline.