Court to hear challenge to proposed ballot measure

A Maricopa County Superior Court judge hears arguments Tuesday on whether Arizona’s general election ballot in November will include a referendum on secret ballots.

The proposed constitutional amendment would require secret ballots for elections and for workers voting on whether to organize as part of a labor union.

Supporters of the measure argue that secret ballots are necessary to prevent intimidation of workers by unions.

A labor union’s lawsuit contends that the ballot measure violates Arizona’s rule that constitutional ballot measures be limited to one question. Supporters of the lawsuit contend it doesn’t violate the “single-subject rule” and are asking to keep the measure on the ballot.