In Pennsylvania, a referendum demonstrates the challenges that ballot initiatives can face from those in power.
when people are doubled up two to a cell with little time out, like in Eli Spindler’s unit.
The groups collected 13,665 signatures in support of the referendum — far exceeding the required 8,396, a threshold representing almost 10 percent of the total county voter turnout from the most recent gubernatorial election. NEPA Stands Up disagrees, and is fighting back. Its lead organizer, Holly VanWert, is suing Lackawanna County, asking the court to compel the election board to approve the referendum and place it on the May 2023 primary ballot.
“So, these are the same people wearing different hats, different times of the month,” said VanWert, referring to the commissioners.