§ 11-15-105. Ballot title.

A.  The parties submitting a petition for either initiative or referendum shall also prepare and file a ballot title for the measure.  The ballot title may be filed with the clerk prior to circulating the petition, but it must be submitted no later than the time that the signed copies of the petition are filed with the clerk. The ballot title shall contain the gist of the proposition couched in language that may be readily understood by persons not engaged in the practice of law.  The ballot title shall contain language which clearly states that a "yes" vote is a vote in favor of the proposition, and a "no" vote is a vote against the proposition.  The ballot title may not:

1.  Exceed one hundred fifty (150) words;

2.  Reflect partiality in its composition or contain any argument for or against the measure; or

3.  Contain language whereby a "yes" vote is, in fact, a vote against the proposition and a "no" vote is, in fact, a vote in favor of the proposition.

B.  The clerk shall immediately forward a copy of the proposition and ballot title to the municipal attorney.  Within three (3) days after the filing of the ballot title, the attorney shall notify the clerk in writing whether or not the proposed ballot title is in legal form and in harmony with the law.  If the ballot title is not in proper form, in the opinion of the attorney, he shall prepare and file a ballot title which does conform to the law within the three-day period.

Laws 1977, c. 256, § 15-105, eff. July 1, 1978.