{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f1\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0604020202020204}Arial;}{\f2\fmodern\fcharset0\fprq1{\*\panose 02070309020205020404}Courier New;}{\f37\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f38\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f40\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f41\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f42\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f43\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f44\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f45\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f47\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Arial CE;}{\f48\fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Arial Cyr;}{\f50\fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Arial Greek;}{\f51\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Arial Tur;}
{\f52\fswiss\fcharset177\fprq2 Arial (Hebrew);}{\f53\fswiss\fcharset178\fprq2 Arial (Arabic);}{\f54\fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Arial Baltic;}{\f55\fswiss\fcharset163\fprq2 Arial (Vietnamese);}{\f57\fmodern\fcharset238\fprq1 Courier New CE;}
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\tx0\tqc\tx4320\tqr\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext35 header;}{\*\cs36 \additive \ul\cf2 \sbasedon10 Hyperlink;}{\*\cs37 \additive \super Footnote Ref;}{\*
\cs38 \additive bestsection;}{\*\cs39 \additive searchterm;}{\s40\qj \fi-360\li2520\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx2520\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin2520\itap0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext40 Outline002_1;}{\s41\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 
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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext42 Definition L;}{\*\cs43 \additive \i Definition;}{\s44\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar
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\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \b\fs28\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext46 H3;}{\s47\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar
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\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin4320\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext64 _12;}{\s65\qj \li5040\ri0\nowidctlpar
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\additive \i CITE;}{\*\cs81 \additive \f2\fs20 CODE;}{\*\cs82 \additive \i \sbasedon10 Emphasis;}{\*\cs83 \additive \ul\cf12 FollowedHype;}{\*\cs84 \additive \b\f2\fs20 Keyboard;}{\s85\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar
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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF GUAM}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
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\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
\par Petitioners,
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4719007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
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\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
\par Respondents,
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4719007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
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\par E.J. CALVO, and CARLO J.N. BRANCH,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
\par Intervenors-Respondents.
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\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Cite as:}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 2008 Guam 1}{
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\par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4719007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
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\par Joaquin C. Arriola, }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Esq.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
\par Leevin T. Camacho, }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Esq.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
\par Arriola, Cowan & Arriola
\par C & A Building
\par 259 Martyr Street, Suite 201
\par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, GU 96910
\par 
\par \cell }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Appearing for Respondents:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
\par Cesar C. Cabot, }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Esq.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
\par John V.R. Aguon, }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Esq.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
\par Edge Building, Second Floor
\par 929 South Marine Corps Drive
\par Tamuning, GU 96913
\par 
\par 
\par }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Appearing for Intervenors-Respondents:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
\par Richard A. Pipes, }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Esq}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 .
\par Law Offices of Richard A. Pipes
\par Orlean Pacific Plaza, Suite 201
\par 865 South Marine Corps Drive
\par Tamuning, GU 96913\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow 
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\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 BEFORE: F. PHILIP CARBULLIDO, Chief Justice; ROBERT J. TORRES, JR., Associate Justice; RICHARD H. BENSON, Justice }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Pro Tempore}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 .
\par 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 CARBULLIDO, C.J.:}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [1]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab Petitioners Joseph T. Duenas and Lina\rquote la Sin Casino (collectively }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Petitioners}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
) request that this court exercise original jurisdiction over this matter, and issue a Writ of Mandamus ordering Respondents Guam Election Commission and Gerald Taitano (collectively }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 GEC}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
) to remove Proposal A, the Better Jobs for Guam Act, from the upcoming special election ballot, or not certify the results.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
We granted the motion to intervene in the action by Guam Greyhound, Inc., Annette M. Cruz, E.J. Calvo, and Carlo J.N. Branch (collectively }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Intervenors}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 ).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
We find that laches bars some of Petitioners\rquote  claims.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Although we find that the Guam Election Commission\rquote 
s impartial analysis was improperly biased, we are constrained by 3 GCA \'a7 17509.1, and cannot grant the relief requested.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
We therefore deny the petition for writ of mandamus.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2573887 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 I.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4719007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [2]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab On December 4, 2006, GEC accepted a submission of an initiative measure named by its proponents as the }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Better Jobs for Guam Act}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
 (hereinafter }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Proposal A}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 ).}{\cs105\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16545753 \chftn {\footnote\ftnalt \pard\plain \s104\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar
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{\fs24\insrsid16545753\charrsid11486188  Verified Petition for Writ of Mandamus (Dec. 21, 2007) (\'93Petition\'94), Ex. A (\'93Better Jobs For Guam Act,\'94 GEC date-stamped Dec. 4, 2006); GEC\rquote 
s Motion to Dismiss & Opposition to Petition for Writ of Mandamus (Dec. 29, 2007) (\'93GEC\rquote s Opposition\'94), Ex. 1 (Declaration of Gerald A. Taitano \'b6 3 (\'93Taitano Declaration\'94)).}{\fs24\insrsid15407116\charrsid11486188 
\par }}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The initiative woul
d legalize slot machine gambling at Guam Greyhound Racing Park, tax slot machine income at 10%, and would require Guam Greyhound Racing Park to make a number of annual charitable contributions for as long as they operate slot machines.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The Intervenors-Resp
ondents in this case are proponents of the initiative, Petitioners are opponents of the initiative, and Respondents are the GEC and its Executive Director, Gerald A. Taitano.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 On December 11, 2006, GEC\rquote s legal counsel, Cesar Cabot, certified that Proposal A }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 does not embrace unrelated subjects.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Petition, Ex. C (Memorandum from Cabot to GEC Chairman Horecky and GEC Executive Director Taitano, Dec. 11, 2006).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
GEC received a short title and summary for Proposal A from their legal counsel on December 13, 2006.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Petition, Ex. D (Memorandum from Cabot to Horecky and Taitano, Dec. 13, 2006); Taitano Declaration \'b6 6.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
GEC sent a letter on December 18, 2006 to the proponent of Proposal A, Intervenor Ms. Annette Cruz, which included the summary and short title for Proposal A and a sample signature petition.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Petition, Ex. E (Letter from Taitano to Cruz, Dec. 18, 2006); Taitano Declaration \'b6 7.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [3]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab 
On or about March 21, 2007, GEC certified that the proponents had collected the required number of valid signatures for Proposal A to be placed on the ballot.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Taitano Declaration \'b6 8.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
On March 30, 2007, GEC received the ballot title from their legal counsel, Taitano Declaration \'b6 9, and in April 2007, published the ballot title and summary in the newspaper for three consecutive weeks.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 
 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Taitano Declaration \'b6 10 (}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The GEC published the Ballot Title and 
\lquote 2008 Election Notice\rquote  three (3) times; April 6, 2007; April 13, 2007; and April 20, 2007.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 ); Petition, Ex. G;}{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  Cruz}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  v.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  Guam Election Comm\rquote n}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 2007 Guam 14 \'b6 7.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [4]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab On October 23, 2007, GEC\rquote s legal counsel informed Petitioners\rquote 
 counsel, Joaquin C. Arriola, Jr., that }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
[a]s you may know, a Special Election is anticipated to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Senator Antonio Unpingco. . . .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
The [GEC] has yet to determine whether Proposal A . . . shall be included in the Special Election Ballot.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Intervenors\rquote 
 Motion to Dismiss and Opposition to Writ Petition (Oct. 23, 2007) (}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Intervenors\rquote  Opposition}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 ), Ex. 3, p. 3 (faxed letter from Cabot to Arriola).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [5]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab In an uncontroverted declaration, a GEC employee stated that Petitioners\rquote 
 counsel reviewed the official GEC file regarding Proposal A on October 26, 2007, and obtained a copy of the full text of the initiative measure, among other items.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 GEC\rquote s Opposition, Ex. 2 (Declaration of Bernadette Toves \'b6 3(B)).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
On October 31, 2007, Cabot submitted his impartial analysis of Proposal A to GEC.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 GEC\rquote 
s Opposition, Ex. 1-B (Memorandum from Cabot to GEC Chairman Terlaje and Taitano, Oct. 31, 2007).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [6]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab On November 1, 200
7, Annette M. Cruz, E.J. Calvo, Carlo Branch, and Guam Greyhound, Inc., petitioned this Court for a writ of mandamus that would place Proposal A on the ballot for the special election scheduled for December 15, 2007, and on that same day, this Court issue
d an order requiring an expedited briefing schedule for the petition.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Cruz}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 2007 Guam 14 \'b6 10.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
This Court issued an opinion on November 16, 2007, ordering that GEC place Proposal A on the special election ballot, and that the GEC reschedule the election to January 5, 2008.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Cruz}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 2007 Guam 14 \'b6 40.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [7]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab Lina\rquote la Sin Casino submitted an argument against Proposal A to GEC for inclusion in the ballot pamphlet.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Intervenors\rquote  Opposition, p. 5; Petition, Ex. J.,
 p. 4 (Argument Against Proposal A, signed by Madeleine Z. Bordallo, Joaquin C. Arriola, and James V. Espaldon)).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
According to the Intervenors, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [t]he ballot pamphlet was available at the GEC at least as early as December 4, 2007.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Intervenors\rquote  Opposition, p. 5.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [8]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab Petitioner Duenas complained to GEC via letter on November 30, 2007 that the initiative }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 embrace[d] unrelated subjects.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Petition, Ex. H (Letter from Duenas to Terlaje, Nov. 30, 2007).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
This letter only challenged that Proposal A embraced the unrelated subjects of slot machine gambling and taxes.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Petition, Ex. H.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 GEC responded to this letter on or about December 17, 2007.2{\footnote \pard\plain 
\qj \li0\ri0\sa240\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16545753 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid11486188 }}}{\cs105\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16545753 \chftn {\footnote\ftnalt 
\pard\plain \s104\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8012922 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\cs105\fs24\super\insrsid16545753\charrsid11486188 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid16545753\charrsid11486188  Petitioners state that the reply to Duenas\rquote  letter was sent on December 17.}{\fs24\insrsid15407116\charrsid11486188  }{
\fs24\insrsid16545753\charrsid11486188 The letter from GEC is dated December 14, 2007.}{\fs24\insrsid15407116\charrsid11486188  }{\fs24\insrsid16545753\charrsid11486188 Petition, Ex. I.}{\fs24\insrsid15407116\charrsid11486188 
\par }}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Petition \'b6 22 (}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
On December 17, 2007, GEC sent a legal memorandum to Petitioner Duenas}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 ); Petition, Ex. I (Letter from Taitano to Duenas, Dec. 14, 2007).}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Petitioner Duenas received the ballot pamphlet for Proposal A which contained the impartial analysis }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [o]n or about December 11, 2007.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Petition \'b6 23.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [9]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab Early voting began on December 17, 2007.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Taitano Declaration \'b6 18 (}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 In office voting began on December 17, 2007}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 ).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
GEC began printing 52,200 ballot pamphlets on December 3, 2007, and mailed out these pamphlets by }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 about}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  December 6, 2007.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Taitano Declaration \'b6\'b6 14-15.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The special election ballots were printed between December 11 and 14, 2007.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Taitano Declaration \'b6 16.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 GEC mailed approximately 25 special election absentee ballots.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Taitano Declaration \'b6 17.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 As of December 27, 2007, GEC had received 1701 votes from in-office voters and no absentee ballot votes.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Taitano Declaration \'b6 19. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [10]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab Petitioners filed this Petition for Writ of Mandamus on December 21, 2007.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 This Court granted Intervenors\rquote  Motion to Intervene and issued an order requiring an expedited briefing schedule regarding Proposal A.
}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 GEC and Intervenors each filed a motion requesting that the Petition be dis
missed or denied and provided memoranda opposing the Petition on December 29, 2007.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Petitioners filed their reply to these motions on December 31, 2007, and oral arguments were heard}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 on January 2, 2008.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2573887 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 II.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4719007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [11]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab This court has discretion to exercise original jurisdiction over a petition for writ of mandamus.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 48 U.S.C. \'a7 1424-1(a)(1), (3) (Westlaw through P.L. 110-133, 2007); 7 GCA \'a7\'a7 3107(b), 31202 (2005).}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The Organic Act of Guam provides that this court }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 shall . . . have . . . original jurisdiction as the laws of Guam may provide,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  and }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
shall . . . have jurisdiction to issue all orders and writs in aid of its . . . original jurisdiction.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 48 U.S.C. \'a7 1424-1(a)(1), (3).}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The laws of Guam provide that the Supreme Court\rquote s authority }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 includes jurisdiction of original proceedings for mandamus,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  7 GCA \'a7
 3107(b), and that a writ of mandamus }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
may be issued by any court . . . to any inferior tribunal, corporation, board, or person to compel the performance of an act which the law specially enjoins, as a duty resulting from an office, trust, or station.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 7 GCA \'a7 31202.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [12]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab Except in }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 very}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 unusual}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 cases, this court will decline to exercise its original jurisdiction to issue a writ of mandamus where the lower court may grant the writ relief requested.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Underwood v. Guam Election Comm\rquote n (Camacho)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 2006 Guam 19 \'b6 14.
}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 One such }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 very unusual}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  case in which the exercise of original jurisdiction may be warranted is found where }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \lquote the issues are of great public importance and should be resolved promptly.\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Id.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \'b6 15 (quoting }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Brosnahan v. Brown}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 651 P.2d 274, 276 (Cal. 1982)).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [13]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab The people of Guam were granted the right of initiative in the Organic Act.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 48 U.S.C. \'a7 1422a(a).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
We have recognized the public importance of initiatives while exercising original jurisdiction over cases seeking a writ of mandate related to initiatives.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Cruz}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 2007 Guam 14 \'b6 4.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Because of the imminent special election on January 5, 2008, the relief requested by Petitioners would only be feasible if it were granted promptly.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 As such, we find the issues raised here }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 are of great public importance and should be resolved promptly,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Underwood}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 2006 Guam 19 \'b6 15, and therefore find that original jurisdiction is appropriate.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2573887 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 III.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4719007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [14]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab Standing is a component of subject matter jurisdiction, and is a threshold jurisdictional matter.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Taitano v. Lujan}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 2005 Guam 26 \'b6 15.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Opponents of a ballot initiative have standing to seek a writ of mandate requiring the removal or invalidation of the results of an initiative election.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Guam Election Comm\rquote n v. Responsible Choices for All Adults Coalition}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 2007 Guam 20 \'b6 30;}{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  see also Cruz}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 2007 Guam 14 \'b6 12 (finding that proponents of an initiative had standing to seek a writ of mandate).}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Petitioners here are an individual and a group that includes Gu
am residents, taxpayers, and voters organized in opposition to gambling initiatives, including Proposal A, and they have standing in this case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Responsible Choices}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 2007 Guam 20 \'b6 30.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Intervenors are individuals and a business that support and would benefit from the initiative, and they also have standing.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Cruz}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 2007 Guam 14 \'b6 12.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2573887 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 IV.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4719007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [15]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab 
The issues raised by the parties are: (a) whether Petitioners claims are barred by laches; (b) whether GEC abused its discre
tion in certifying that the proposal did not embrace unrelated subjects, in drafting the ballot title, in drafting the impartial analysis, or in preparing the ballot pamphlet; and (c) whether GEC\rquote 
s alleged abuses of discretion require that this court order the removal of Proposal A from the ballot or order that the results not be certified.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4719007 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 A.\tab Whether Laches Bars Petitioners\rquote  Claims}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4719007 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [16]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab 
GEC and the Intervenors argue that all of the Petitioners\rquote  claims in this case are barred by laches because Petitioners delayed until December 21, 2007 to file this case.}{\cs105\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16545753 \chftn 
{\footnote\ftnalt \pard\plain \s104\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8012922 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\cs105\fs24\super\insrsid16545753\charrsid11486188 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid16545753\charrsid11486188  Intervenors argue that laches may not be a defense to any post-election challenge.}{\fs24\insrsid15407116\charrsid11486188 
\par }}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Laches is an equitable time limitation on a party\rquote s right to bring suit, resting on the maxim that \lquote equity aids the 
vigilant, not those who sleep on their rights.\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Magic Kitchen, LLC v. Good Things Int\rquote l Ltd., }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 63 Cal. Rptr. 3d 713, 723 (Ct. App. 2007) (quoting }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Lyons Partnership, L.P. v. Morris Costumes, Inc.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 ,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
243 F.3d 789, 797-98 (4th Cir. 2001)).}{\cs105\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid16545753 \chftn {\footnote\ftnalt \pard\plain \s104\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar
\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8012922 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs105\fs24\super\insrsid16545753\charrsid11486188 \chftn }
{\fs24\insrsid16545753\charrsid11486188  }{\i\fs24\insrsid16545753\charrsid11486188 See also Kansas v. Colorado}{\fs24\insrsid16545753\charrsid11486188 , 514 U.S. 673, 687 (1995) (\'93\lquote Doctrine of laches,\rquote 
 is based upon maxim that equity aids the vigilant and not those who slumber on their rights.}{\fs24\insrsid15407116\charrsid11486188  }{\fs24\insrsid16545753\charrsid11486188 
 It is defined as neglect to assert a right or claim which, taken together with lapse of time and other circumstances causing prejudice to the adverse party, operates as bar in court of equity.\'94 (quoting Black\rquote 
s Law Dictionary 875 (6th ed. 1990))).}{\fs24\insrsid15407116\charrsid11486188 
\par }}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The doctrine of laches [applies] to requests for writs of mandamus and to election disputes,}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Responsible Choices}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 2007 Guam 20 \'b6 77,}{\cs105\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid11880255 \chftn {\footnote\ftnalt \pard\plain \s104\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar
\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8012922 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs105\fs24\super\insrsid11880255\charrsid11486188 \chftn }
{\fs24\insrsid11880255\charrsid11486188  }{\i\fs24\insrsid11880255\charrsid11486188 See, e.g.}{\fs24\insrsid11880255\charrsid11486188 ,}{\i\fs24\insrsid11880255\charrsid11486188  Torres v. Superior Court}{\fs24\insrsid11880255\charrsid11486188 
, CV90-00049, 1990 WL 320360 (D. Guam App. Div. Oct. 26, 1990) (\'93The extraordinary remedy of mandamus should remain available only to the most conscientious of litigants.\'94); }{\i\fs24\insrsid11880255\charrsid11486188 Harris v. Purcell}{
\fs24\insrsid11880255\charrsid11486188 , 973 P.2d 1166, 1169 (Ariz. 1998) (\'93
[T]he doctrine of laches is available as a defense in an action challenging the legal sufficiency of an initiative measure and seeking to enjoin printing the measure on the official ballot.\'94); }{\i\fs24\insrsid11880255\charrsid11486188 In re Cook}{
\fs24\insrsid11880255\charrsid11486188 , 882 P.2d 656, 659 (Utah 1995) (explaining in case where the court rejected a petition challenging an election initiative measure that \'93equity aids the vigilant\'94).}{\fs24\insrsid15407116\charrsid11486188 

\par }}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  and laches deserves special consideration in election cases.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Melendez v. O\rquote Connor}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 654 N.W.2d 114, 117 (Minn. 2002). }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [17]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab In order for the doctrine of laches to apply, there must be: }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}
{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \lquote (1) lack of diligence by the party against whom the defense is asserted, and (2) prejudice against the party asserting the defense.\rquote }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Responsible Choices}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 2007 Guam 20 \'b6 77 (quoting }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Torres}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 v. Superior Court}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , CV90-00049, 1990 WL 320360, at *5 (D. Guam App. Div. Oct. 26, 1990)).}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 In other words, laches protects against }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 inexcusable delay which prejudices the [opposing party]\rquote s ability to respond.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 May v. People}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 2005 Guam 17 \'b6 27.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \lquote Extreme diligence and promptness are required in election-related matters\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  to avoid the application of laches.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
State ex rel. Manos v. Del. County Bd. of Elections, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 701 N.E.2d 371, 372 (Ohio 1998) (quoting }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
In re Contested Election of Nov. 2, 1993}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 650 N.E.2d 859, 862 (Ohio 1995)).}{\cs105\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid11880255 \chftn {\footnote\ftnalt \pard\plain 
\s104\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8012922 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\cs105\fs24\super\insrsid11880255\charrsid11486188 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid11880255\charrsid11486188  }{\i\fs24\insrsid11880255\charrsid11486188 See State ex rel. Ascani v. Stark County Bd. of Election\rquote s}{\fs24\insrsid11880255\charrsid11486188 
, 700 N.E.2d 1234, 1236 (Ohio 1998) (denying writ of prohibition or mandamus challenging an initiative measure 
on the ballot that was filed in court over a month prior to the election due to laches because petitioners failed to challenge the initiative for nearly three months after the initiative petition was filed with the County Board of Elections).}{
\fs24\insrsid15407116\charrsid11486188 
\par }}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [O]ne who seeks to challenge the election process must do so at the earliest possible opportunity.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 In re Cook}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 882 P.2d 656, 659 (Utah 1994). }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [18]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 In election disputes, the court considers the interests not only of those challenging a ballot measure, but also of \lquote 
those devoting efforts and funds to place a proposition on the ballot,\rquote  and considers \lquote fairness to the thousands of citizens who signed petitions and collected the signatures.\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Responsible Choices}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 2007 Guam 20 \'b6 77 (quoting}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
 Harris v. Purcell}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 973 P.2d 1166, 1171 (Ariz. 1998)).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Further, }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 delay in election cases \lquote places an unreasonable burden on the court.\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Id.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  (quoting }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Harris}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 973 P.2d at 1169).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [19]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \lquote [T]here is no inflexible rule as to what constitutes, or what does not constitute, laches; hence its existence must be determined by the facts and circumstances of each case.\rquote }
{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Liddy v Lamone}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 919 A.2d 1276, 1283 (Md. 2007) (quoting }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Ross v. State Bd. of Elections}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 876 A.2d 692, 704 (Md. 2005)).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [20]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab Courts are more likely to find a lack of diligence and 
the existence of prejudice when a party waits to file until the eve of an election, especially if absentee voting has already begun.}{\cs105\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12065795 \chftn {\footnote\ftnalt \pard\plain 
\s104\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8012922 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\cs105\fs24\super\insrsid12065795\charrsid11486188 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid12065795\charrsid11486188  }{\i\fs24\insrsid12065795\charrsid11486188 See Purcell v. Gonzales}{\fs24\insrsid12065795\charrsid11486188 , __ U.S.__, 127 S.Ct. 5, 7 (2006) (\'93
Court of Appeals was required to weigh, in addition to the harms attendant upon issuance or nonissuance of an injunction [regarding the use of voter identification requirements during an election], considerations specific to election cases and its own ins
titutional procedures.}{\fs24\insrsid15407116\charrsid11486188  }{\fs24\insrsid12065795\charrsid11486188 
 Court orders affecting elections, especially conflicting orders, can themselves result in voter confusion and consequent incentive to remain away from the polls.}{\fs24\insrsid15407116\charrsid11486188  }{\fs24\insrsid12065795\charrsid11486188 
 As an election draws closer, that risk will increase.\'94).}{\fs24\insrsid15407116\charrsid11486188 
\par }}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 In }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 State ex rel. Ascani v. Stark County Board of Election}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
s, the Ohio Supreme Court found prejudice where petitioners challenging the validity of an initiative petition inexcusably did not file a court protest until ten weeks after the petition was filed with the elec
tions board, 23 days after the board certified the issue for the ballot, and the time for providing absentee ballots had unnecessarily passed by the time expedited briefing was completed.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 700 N.E.2d 1234, 1236-37 (Ohio 1998).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 In }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 In re}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Cook}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , the Utah Supreme Court determined that, though petitioners filed their petition within 30 days of receiving the impartial analysis, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 any court-ordered alteration to the voter information pamphlet could work a substantial hardship on the State, county clerks, and citizens who have cast absentee ballots.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 882 P.2d at 659.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [21]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab In }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Liddy v. Lamone}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , Maryland\rquote s highest court stated that }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 the appellant\rquote 
s dilatory challenge [to a candidate\rquote s inclusion on the ballot for not meeting a residency requirement] was, indeed, prejudicia
l, as it could have been brought long before not just the general election but the primary election as well [but was brought only eighteen days before the election].}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 919 A.2d at 1289.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
The court considered in its determination the harm to the party opposing the challenge,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
the harm to the electorate as a whole, and the harm to the court, which was left with }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
a very brief time in which to consider and decide th[e] matter.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Id.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
 at 1288-89.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The court also highlighted the prejudice to the State Board of Election
s, which, prior to the filing of the petition had already }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
printed ballots, received back tens of thousands of absentee ballots, and completed most of its programming and testing of electronic voting machines.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Id. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 at 1290.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The court explained that the challenger\rquote s delay prejudiced the electorate as a whole because removing the name or posting signs explaining that the candidate was ineligible }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 would have caused a great deal of uncertainty in the entire election process.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Id.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [22]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab Some cases have emphasized the prejudice to the courts of rushed decision-making.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 In }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Mathieu v. Mahoney}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , the Arizona Supreme Court applied laches to a }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 last-minute challenge[]}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  to an initiative measure, that was brought less than two months prior to the general election.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 851 P.2d 81, 81-82, 86 (Ariz. 1993).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The court stated:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4719007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
At a minimum, the League could have filed its complaint when the Secretary certified the signatures on August 12, 1992, at which juncture the Proposition was certain to be placed on the ballot.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Instead, it waited until September 15, 1992 to file its complaint, only days before the absentee ballots were to be printed for statewide absentee voting beginning October 1.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4719007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Id. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 at 84.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The court stated that }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [t]he ultimate prejudice in election
 cases is to the quality of decision making in questions of great public importance.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Id.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  at 85.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The court summed up this prejudice when it stated:}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4719007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Last-minute election challenges, which could have been avoided, prejudice not only defendants but the entire system.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
They deprive judges of the ability to fairly and reasonably process and consider the issues.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
They unreasonably telescope the process and rush appellate review, leaving little time for reflection and wise decision making.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4719007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Id.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  at 86;}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  see also}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 State ex rel. Fidanque v. Paulus}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
, 688 P.2d 1303, 1308 (Or. 1984) (}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Plaintiff-Relators have waited until the eleventh hour to bring their present challenge [to a certified ballot initiative that allegedly embraced more than one issue].}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 To wait until the last moment places the court in a position of having to steamroll through the delicate legal issues in order to meet the deadline for measures to be placed on the ballot.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 ).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [23]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab The present case differs from the situation dealt with in }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Responsible Choices}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , where this court declined to apply laches.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 There, the petitioners had been diligent in asserting their claims and there was little or no prejudice caused by the petitioners\rquote  delay.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 2007 Guam 20 \'b6 83.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Petitioners did not file until 26 days prior to the election, but the delay was caused by GEC\rquote s failure to timely comply with its statutory and regulatory duties, not by petitioners\rquote  lack of diligence.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Id.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  \'b6 83.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [24]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab In this case, there was a substantial 
delay between when Petitioners had notice of their claims and when they filed.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
GEC published a notice in the newspaper for three consecutive weeks in April 2007, which, although technically defective, included the ballot title and summary.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Cruz}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 2007 Guam 14 \'b6 36.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Petitioners received a copy of the full text of the initiative proposal no later than October 26, 2007, when Petitioners\rquote 
 attorney reviewed the official GEC file. With reasonable diligence, Petitioners could have obtained a copy of the full text much sooner.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Petitioners delayed filing until almost two months later, filing on December 21, 2007, only 14 days prior to the election and four days after early voting began on December 17.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Petitioners did not receive a copy of the ballot pamphlet, which is the subject of some of their claims, until December 11, 2007. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2573887 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 1.\tab 
Application of Laches to Claims That the Initiative Embraces Unrelated Subjects and That the Ballot Title is Misleading}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4719007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [25]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab Petitioners were not diligent in asserting their claims relate
d to the initiative embracing unrelated subjects or related to the ballot title.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Petitioners claim that the initiative measure embraces unrelated subjects in violation of 3 GCA \'a7 17202 because it allows Guam to opt out of the Johnson Act and amends the gross receipts tax and excise tax provisions.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
The April 2007 publication of the ballot title and summary should have put Petitioners on notice that the initiative implicated the Johnson Act and the gross receipts and excise taxes.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The ballot summary states that Proposal A will }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
[a]llow persons 21 years and older to engage in slot machine gambling.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Petition, Ex. G (Published Ballot Title). The ballot title by its terms necessarily implicates the Johnson Act, which prohibits transportation of slot machines unless a state opts out of its provisions. }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 See }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 15 U.S.C. \'a7\'a7 1172(a), 1171(a)(1).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The summary stated that the initiative would }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
[l]evy an annual tax of 10% of gross slot income,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  and this should have put Petitioners on notice that taxation provisions were embra
ced by the initiative.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Petition, Ex. G (Published Ballot Title).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 After publication of the ballot title, Petitioners likely }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
knew or should have known,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Mason City School District v. Warren City Board of Elections}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 840 N.E.2d 147, 149 (Ohio 2005), that the ballot title and summary were insufficient.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Even if the publication was not sufficient to put Petitioners on notice, they received the full text by October 26, 2007, which was fifty-six days before they filed their Petition.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 See ex rel. Manos}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 701 N.E.2d at 372 (requiring }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \lquote [e]xtreme diligence and promptness . . . in election-related matters\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  (citation omitted)).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [26]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab Petitioners also claim that the ballot title is misleading because it omits certain information and refers to }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 gross slot income}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
 instead of }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 net slot income.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
As with their claims related to the initiative embracing unrelated subjects, Petitioners should have been aware of their claims related to the ballot title when the ballot title was published, and, in any event, no later than when they
 viewed the full text of the initiative on October 26, 2007.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [27]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab Petitioners argue that their delay was justified by their attempt to negotiate with GEC.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Petitioners first complained that the initiative }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 embrace[d] unrelated subjects}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  in a letter to GEC dated November 30, 2007.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Petition, Ex. H (Nov. 30, 2007 letter from Duenas to Terlaje).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Petitioners received a response to their letter on December 17, 2007 stating that the initiative did not embrace unrelated subjects.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 While }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 a }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 brief}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  delay caused by an attempt to negotiate with the opposing party does not suggest a lack of diligence,}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Responsible Choices}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 2007 Guam 20 \'b6 83 n.51 (emphasis added), the delay here was relatively long.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 After complaining to GEC, Petitioners waited 21 of the 36 days remaining before the election to file their Petition.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Moreover, even if the 17-day delay between their letter to GEC and GEC\rquote 
s response were excusable, Petitioners have no justification for the remaining thirty-nine days of delay between obtaining the full text of the initiative and filing their Petition.}{\cs105\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12065795 \chftn 
{\footnote\ftnalt \pard\plain \s104\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8012922 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\cs105\fs24\super\insrsid12065795\charrsid11486188 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid12065795\charrsid11486188 
 Fifty-six days elapsed between October 26, 2007, when Petitioners viewed the full text of the initiative, and December 21, 2007, when Petitioners filed this suit.}{\fs24\insrsid15407116\charrsid11486188  }{\fs24\insrsid12065795\charrsid11486188 
Deducting the seventeen days of delay during which Petitioners were waiting for a response from GEC, there were thirty-nine additional days of delay.}{\fs24\insrsid15407116\charrsid11486188 
\par }}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 See}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Mathieu}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
, 851 P.2d at 84 (applying laches to 34-day delay in filing even though challenge was filed before absentee ballots were to be printed and 16 days before absentee voting began); }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Ascani}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 700 N.E.2d at 1236-37 (applying laches where party unnecessarily delayed until after absentee voting had begun).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 In addition, the letter to GEC only challenged that the initiative measure embrace
d the unrelated subjects of the gross receipts and excise taxes, not the Johnson Act or any issues related to the ballot title.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [28]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab Petitioners also argue that laches does not apply because they did not have notice until this court\rquote 
s November 16, 2007, }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Cruz}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
 decision that Proposal A would be on the upcoming January 5, 2008 special election ballot (as opposed to the November 2008 regular general election).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Cruz}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
 opinion, 2007 Guam 14, ordered GEC to include the initiative on the special election ballot, as required by statute.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Id}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 . \'b6 1.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
If Petitioners acted diligently, however, they could have asserted their claims as soon as they became aware of them.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 They have no
 excuse for waiting until they were aware that the election was about to be held before they began their challenge.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 See}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Mason City Sch. Dist.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
 840 N.E.2d at 149 (applying laches where the party challenging the election }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 did not . . . promptly file a protest
 challenging the petition,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  and explaining that, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [n]otwithstanding [their] argument to the contrary, they did not need to await the board of elections certification of the petition before they protested the petition}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 );}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  In re Cook}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 882 P.2d at 659 (}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [O]ne 
who seeks to challenge the election process must do so at the earliest possible opportunity.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 ); }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Magic Kitchen, LLC}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 63 Cal. Rptr. 3d at 723 (}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [D]elay [is] measured by the period \lquote from when the plaintiff knew (or should have known) of the allegedly infringing conduct, until the initiation of the lawsuit[.]}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 ).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Further, Petitioners did not file their Petition until December 21, 2007, thirty-five days after the }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Cruz }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 decision.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [29]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab Petitioners delay has caused prejudice.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 GEC has already printed and distributed ballot pamphlets, mailed absentee ballots, commenced early voting, and made other expenditures in preparation for the election.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Correcting the alleged defects would be much more difficult now than if the challenge had been brought in a timely fashion.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 See Liddy}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
, 919 A.2d at 1290 (finding prejudice where the ballots had been printed and absentee voting had already started).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Intervenors have been prejudiced because they spent time and money campaigning for the initiative.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 See Responsible Choices}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 2007 Guam 20 \'b6 77.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 This Court has been prejudiced because we must }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 steamroll through the delicate legal issues.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Paulus}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 688 P.2d at 1308.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Further, the electorate as a whole would be prejudiced by the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
great deal of uncertainty in the entire election process}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  caused by a last-minute decision to invalidate the initiative measure, }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Liddy}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 919 A.2d at 1290, and by decreased voter turnout caused by voter confusion over court orders.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Purcell}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 127 S. Ct at 7.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 
 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Petitioners could and should have filed sooner than 14 days before the election and 4 days after early voting had begun.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Instead, Petitioners slept on their rights and the Respondents, the Intervenors, the electorate, and the court have been prejudiced by this delay.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Therefore, Petitioners\rquote  claims that the initiative embr
aces unrelated subjects and that the ballot title is misleading are barred by laches.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2573887 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 2.\tab Application of Laches to Claims Regarding the Impartial Analysis and Ballot Pamphlet}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4719007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [30]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab 
Petitioners also raise claims that the impartial analysis is biased and that the ballot pamphlet does not contain required statutory provisions.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The delay between when Petitioners received notice of }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 these }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 claims and the filing of their petition is much shorter.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Petitioners did not receive the ballot pamphlet until on or around December 11, 2007, and filed their petition ten days later, on December 21, 2007.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 During part of this ten-day period, they were waiting for a reply from GEC to their letter, though the letter addressed issues unrelated to the ballot pamphlet.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
While this court would have preferred a more immediate filing, it does not appear that any unavoidable prejudice occurred during that ten-day period, and we find that claims related solely to the 
impartial analysis and ballot pamphlet are not barred by laches.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
See State ex rel. Citizen Action for a Livable Montgomery v. Hamilton County Bd. of Elections}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
, 875 N.E.2d 902, 907-08 (Ohio 2007) (determining that a seven day delay in filing mandamus action with court after election boards\rquote 
 decision was not unreasonable delay in filing, especially because there was no discernable prejudice caused by delay). }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }\pard \ql \fi-720\li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4719007 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 B.\tab Whether GEC Abused Its Discretion in Processing the Initiative}{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4719007 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [31]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab 
A writ of mandamus may be issued }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 to compel the performance of an act which the law specially enjoins.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 7 GCA \'a7 31202.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
A petitioner seeking mandamus relief must show that there is a }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 clear, present, and usually ministerial duty on the part of the respondent.}
{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Bank of Guam v. Reidy}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 2001 Guam 14 \'b6 13 (citation omitted).}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The primary purpose of mandamus is the enforcement of a plain, nondiscretionary legal duty to act.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Id}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 . \'b6 14;}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Guam Fed\rquote n of Teachers ex rel. Rector v. Perez}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 2005 Guam 25 \'b6 28. }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [32]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Mandamus may not ordinarily issue to command a body to exercise its discretion in a particular manner. . . .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Nonetheless, where the exercise of discretion, or the failure to exercise such discretion is so fraudulent, arbitrary, or palpably unreasonable that it 
constitutes an abuse of discretion as a matter of law, mandamus may issue.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Holmes v. Territorial Land Use Comm\rquote n}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 1998 Guam 8 \'b6 12.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
The petitioner has the burden of showing that a writ should issue.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Sorensen Television Sys., Inc. v. Super. Ct.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 2006 Guam 21 \'b6 12.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [33]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab 
Petitioners assert that GEC abused its discretion in: (1) preparing a biased rather than impartial analysis of the initiative; and (2) improperly preparing the ballot pamphlet.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2573887 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 1.\tab Whether GEC Abused Its Discretion by Publishing a Biased }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Impartial Analysis}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4719007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [34]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab Petitioners argue that GEC\rquote 
s analysis of the initiative in the ballot pamphlet was not impartial, but improperly favored the initiative.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Guam\rquote 
s statutes and regulations require that GEC prepare an analysis of the initiative, 500 words or less, that is }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 impartial}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  and shows the effect of the measure on existing law and the operation of the measure.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 3 GCA \'a7 17507 (2005); 6 GAR \'a7 2111 (1997).}{\cs105\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid12065795 \chftn {\footnote\ftnalt \pard\plain 
\qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8012922 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs105\super\insrsid12065795\charrsid11486188 \chftn }{\insrsid12065795\charrsid11486188  Title 3 GCA \'a7
 17507 provides, in relevant part, that \'93the Election Commission shall prepare
 an impartial analysis of the measure showing the effect of the measure on the existing law and the operation of the measure. . . . The length of the analysis shall not exceed five hundred (500) words, except with the approval of the Election Commission.
\'94}{\insrsid15407116\charrsid11486188  }{\insrsid12065795\charrsid11486188 3 GCA \'a7 17507.}{\insrsid15407116\charrsid11486188  }{\insrsid12065795\charrsid11486188 Title 6 GAR \'a7 2111 provides that:
\par }\pard\plain \s104\qj \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid8012922 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\fs24\insrsid8012922\charrsid11486188 
\par }{\fs24\insrsid12065795\charrsid11486188 Legal counsel for the Commission shall, not less than forty-five (45) days prior to the election at which an initiative measure is to be submitted to the voters, prepare an analysis of the measure, not to e
xceed five hundred (500) words in length.}{\fs24\insrsid15407116\charrsid11486188  }{\fs24\insrsid12065795\charrsid11486188 The analysis shall be impartial and show the effect of the measure on existing law and the operation of the measure.
\par }{\fs24\insrsid8012922\charrsid11486188 
\par }\pard\plain \qj \li0\ri864\widctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin864\lin0\itap0\pararsid8012922 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid15143019\charrsid11486188 6 GAR \'a7 2111.}{\insrsid11486188 
\par }}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12065795\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [35]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab The purpose of an impartial analysis of an initiative is }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 to assist voters in rationally assessing an initiative proposal by providing a fair, neutral explanation of the proposal\rquote s contents and the changes it would make if adopted.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Fairness & Accountability in Ins. Reform v. Greene}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
, 886 P.2d 1338, 1346 (Ariz. 1994).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The government analysis is likely to carry greater weight with voters than partisan campaign literature.
}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Horwath v. City of E. Palo Alto}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
, 261 Cal. Rptr. 108, 114 (Ct. App. 1989); }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 see also Hull v. Rossi}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 17 Cal. Rptr. 2d 
457, 460 (Ct. App. 1993) (finding a strong public interest in providing accurate voter pamphlet arguments that are not false and misleading because they are published by the government and are likely to carry greater weight).}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The impartial analysis }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
must not mislead, be \lquote tinged with partisan coloring,\rquote  or argue for one side or the other.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Ariz. Legislative Council v. Howe
}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 965 P.2d 770, 775 (Ariz. 1998) (quoting }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Plugge v. McCuen}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 841 S.W.2d 139, 140 (Ark. 1992)).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Because the statutory scheme limits its length, the analysis cannot describe every feature of the measure, and it is not designed to fully educate the people on all aspects of the proposal.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 In re Title, Ballot Title & Submission Clause Approved Sept. 4, 1991}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 826 P.2d 1241, 1244-45 (Colo. 1992).}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [36]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab 
When the analysis contains wording that is partisan or misleading, courts have found that the analysis was insufficient.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 See, e.g.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Responsible Choices}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 2007 Guam 20 \'b6 47 & n.15; }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Citizens for Growth Mgmt. v. Groscost}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 13 P.3d 1188, 1189-90 (Ariz. 2000); }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 In re Cook}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 882 P.2d 656, 658-59 (Utah 1994).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 In }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Responsible Choices}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , this court held that an }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 impartial analysis}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
 and ballot title drafted by GEC were not }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 impartial}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  where GEC included the initiative proponent\rquote s name and slogan, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Coalition 21 Save Lives, Save Families,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  and where GEC indicated that the initiative related to the legal age for }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 consumption}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
 of alcohol, not just purchase and possession as the initiative indicated.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 2007 Guam 20 \'b6 47 & n.15.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 In }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Citizens for Growth Management}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , the Arizona Supreme Court held that an }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 impartial analysis}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  was not impartial where the analysis began not with an analysis of the proposal, but with an attempt }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 to persuade the reader . . . that present laws adequately address the perceived problems,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  and the analysis used words that, in context, had partisan connotations.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
13 P.3d at 1189-90.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 An }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
impartial statement}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
 in a Utah case was held to be partial where it overstated the likelihood that the initiative measure was unconstitutional.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 In re Cook}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 882 P.2d at 658-59.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [37]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab 
When an effect of an initiative is in dispute, it has been found that the effect should not be listed in the analysis as a possible effect.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 See Homuth v. Keisling}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 837 P.2d 532, 535 (Or. 1992) (holding that statement in impartial analysis that }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 effects may include}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
 certain effects whose occurrence was in dispute was potentially misleading and therefore insufficient).}{\cs105\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid11486188 \chftn {\footnote\ftnalt \pard\plain \s104\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar
\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs105\fs24\super\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188 \chftn }{
\fs24\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188  An exception might be made if the analysis made clear that the effects were disputed, and was phrased in a way that was not misleading.}{\fs24\insrsid11486188 
\par }}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11486188\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [38]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab Courts have also rejected statements that failed to mention key aspects of the initiative.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Fairness & Accountability}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
, 886 P.2d at 1347 (holding that an analysis was not impartial where it made no reference at all to an important provision of the in
itiative, understated powers of the people and legislature under existing law, and understated the additional powers the amendment would create); }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Nelson}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 789 P.2d at 654-55 (finding that the summary did not impartially summarize the measure and its major e
ffect where it failed to inform voters of the important fiscal consequence that tobacco tax funds would be redirected from the general fund to a dedicated fund).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 A lack of detail does not necessarily violate the impartiality requirement, however, if the statement does not omit key provisions.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 See Tinsley v. Super. Ct.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
, 197 Cal. Rptr. 643, 653 (Ct. App. 1984) (holding that the impartial analysis adequately described the impact of the proposition and that }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
an inclusive legal discussion of each }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 part}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  of the state Constitution which }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 might}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  be influenced by the initiative}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  was not required).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [39]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab 
Petitioners argue that the bias of the GEC analysis is demonstrated by the fact that it reflects the same subjects and arguments raised by the initiative\rquote s proponents.}{\cs105\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid11486188 \chftn 
{\footnote\ftnalt \pard\plain \s104\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\cs105\fs24\super\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188  
We do not consider those arguments raised by Petitioners that we found were barred by laches, even insofar as they are repeated with respect to the ballot pamphlet. 
While an argument can be made that laches should not apply to some of these arguments, our end result would be the same.}{\fs24\insrsid11486188 
\par }}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The first line of the analysis refers to Proposal A as }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The Better Jobs for Guam Act,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  which is the proponent\rquote 
s title for the act, and not the ballot title prepared by GEC.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Petition, Ex. J, at 2 (Impartial Analysis).}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
This title is biased in favor of the initiative, as the main focus of the initiative is the legalization of slot machine gambling at Guam Greyhound, not creating better jobs on Guam.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Cf.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Ariz. Legislative Council}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 965 P.2d at 775 (holding that the analysis }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 must not mislead}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 ).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Moreover, the opponents of the initiative contend that the initiative }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 will hurt . . . economic development,}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  and not create better jobs for Guam.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Petition, Ex. J, at 4 (Argument Against Proposal A); }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 cf. Homuth}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 837 P.2d at 535 (disputed effects should not be included in impartial analysis).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Thus, the use of the phrase }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Better Jobs for Guam}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  is not impartial, but is partisan and potentially misleading.}{\cs105\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid11486188 \chftn 
{\footnote\ftnalt \pard\plain \s104\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\cs105\fs24\super\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188  Instead of using the proponent\rquote s title, the analysis could have referred to the measure either as \'93Proposal A,\'94 or by using GEC\rquote 
s ballot title, \'93[a]n Initiative to legalize slot machine gambling in Guam and to establish a slot machine gambling tax.\'94 Petition, Ex. J, at 1 (Ballot Title & Summary); }{\i\fs24\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188 see}{
\fs24\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188  3 GCA \'a7 17106 (2005) (\'93Each measure shall be designated on the ballot by the ballot title prepared by the Election Commission.\'94).}{\fs24\insrsid11486188 
\par }}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 See Responsible Choices}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 2007 Guam 20 \'b6\'b6
 47-48 (finding that an }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 impartial analysis}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  was not impartial, in part because it included the proponent\rquote s slogan). }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [40]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab The second sentence of the analysis provides that }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [t]he stated purpose of the Act is to attempt to increase job opportunities and wages in Guam, to enhance touri
sm by introducing gambling at certain pari-mutuel facilities, and to create additional revenues for health care and education by levying an annual ten (10) percent tax on the gross slot income from the slot machines.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Petition, Ex. J, at 2 (Impartial Analysis).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
While this accurately describes the purpose of the act as stated by the initiative proponents, the purpose of the impartial analysis is not to uncritically repeat the arguments of the proponents, but to provide a neutral explanation of the contents o
f the proposal.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 See Fairness & Accountability}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 886 P.2d at 1346; }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 see also Citizens for Growth Mgmt.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 13 P.3d at 1189 (rejecting analysis as partial, finding that, }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [w]hile . . the . . . [challenged] analysis may provide a neutral description of [something 
other than the initiative] . . . . it attempts to persuade the reader at the very outset[.]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 ).}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [41]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab The GEC analysis further states that the proposed racing facility where the slot machines would be located must 
}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 promote tourism}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  by marketing primarily to tourists.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Petition, Ex. J, at 2 (Impartial Analysis) (emphasis added).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 While the text of the initiative requires that the facility }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
market[] predominantly to tourists and visitors to Guam,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  it is disputed whether the initiative will promote tourism even i
f the facility markets predominantly to tourists, and the use of the phrase }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 promote tourism}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  is partisan in this context.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Petition, Ex. J, at 4 (Argument Against Proposal A) (}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Slots at the dog track will not appeal to our tourists or increase their numbers.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 ); }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 see Homuth}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
, 837 P.2d at 535 (finding that disputed effects of initiative should be contained in arguments, not impartial analysis).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [42]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab The remainder of the analysis provides a detailed discussion of the benefits to be provided by the unnamed }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Proposed Facility,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
 but does not list a single potential drawback, stating that the Proposed Facility must: }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 increase wage standards,}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
provid[e] health insurance,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 accommodate at least four hundred fifty . . . employees,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 make certain charitable contributions,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 provide scholarships for education,}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
provide at least $5000 annually to each public school in Guam,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  and }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 support health care.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Petition, Ex. J, at 2 (Impartial Analysis).}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [43]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab The analysis mentions that a ten percent tax will be levied on the
 gross slot income, and that the tax will replace the gross receipts tax and excise tax, but provides no analysis of the fiscal impact of the tax, or of how the gross slot income tax compares to the gross receipts and excise tax that it is replacing for s
lot machines.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 See }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 3 GCA \'a7 17507 (requiring the analysis to }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 show[] the effect of the measure on the existing law}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 ); 11 GCA \'a7\'a7 26201 to 26216 (gross receipts tax); 11 GCA \'a7\'a7 22101 to 22404 (excise taxes);}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  Nelson}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 789 P.2d at 655 (}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [T]he electorate should be 
informed . . . [of] important fiscal consequence[s].}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 ).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The analysis also fails to mention the $25 annual license fee for each slot machine.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [44]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab Further, the analysis fails to show }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 the effect of the measure on the existing law[s],}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  as required by 3 GCA \'a7
 17507.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 For example, the analysis states that the act will }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 introduce}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
 slot machines, but does not explain that the measure will legalize the importation, possession, operation, and use of such machines, implicitly repealing, at least in part, 9 GCA \'a7\'a7 63.10, 64.20, 64.22, 64.22A, and opting out of 15 U.S.C. \'a7
 1172. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [45]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab Considering these various defects, we find that GEC\rquote s poorly-drafted }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 impartial analysis}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
 fails to comply with 3 GCA \'a7 17507, and is so }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 arbitrary[] or palpably unreasonable that it cons
titutes an abuse of discretion as a matter of law,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  Holmes}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 1998 Guam 8 
\'b6 12; }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 see also Citizens for Growth Mgmt.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
, 13 P.3d at 1190-91 (granting relief in special action case where impartial analysis }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
appears to be an attempt to affect the outcome of the public vote}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 );}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
 Fairness & Responsibility}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 886 P.2d at 1340 n.1, 1347-49 (granting relief in }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 special action}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  case, which is }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 the modern equivalent of common law writs such as mandamus,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  where impartial analysis was }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 not neutral}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 ).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2573887 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 2.\tab 
Whether GEC Abused Its Discretion by Failing to Include Copies of Certain Affected Statutory Provisions}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4719007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [46]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab Petitioners also argue that GEC erred in failing to include in the ballot pamphlet}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [a] copy of the specific statutory provision[s] . . . proposed to be affected.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 3 GCA \'a7 17509.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Petitioners contend that statutory provisions related to the Johnson Act, 15 U.S.C. \'a7\'a7 1171-78, the gross receipts tax, and the excise taxes should have been included. GEC responds that it appropriately exercised its discre
tion and chose not to include those statutes because they would not be generally affected by Proposal A.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [47]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab 
The proposed initiative would not amend or repeal the Johnson Act, but simply invokes and complies with an explicit opt-out provision of the Johnson Act.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Similarly, the initiative would affect the gross receipts and excise taxes only insofar as the revenue authorized by the initiative would be exempted from those taxes.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [48]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab Petitioners contend that the proposal completely repeals the gross receip
ts tax and excise taxes, and replaces it with a tax only on slot machines because the initiative states that the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
10% Slot Machine Gaming Tax will replace the gross receipts tax . . . and the excise taxes.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Petition, \'b6 38.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 GEC and Intervenors respond that 
the 10% tax replaces only the gross receipts tax and excise taxes for slot machine income, and non-slot machine revenues will continue to be subject to gross receipts tax and excise taxes.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The meaning of a statute may be determined by reference to the language of the statute, the context in which that language is used, and the broader context of the statute as a whole.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 People v. Lau}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 2007 Guam 4 \'b6 14.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The provision at issue here, section 3001 of the proposal, provides, in the context of an initiative legali
zing slot machine gambling at Guam Greyhound Racing Park, that:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4719007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Section 3001.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Tax; Levy}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4719007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4719007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 There is hereby levied an annual tax of ten (10%) percent upon Gross Slot Income.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 This Slot Machine Gaming Tax shall be [paid and disbursed as specified].}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The 10% Slot Machine Gaming Tax will replace the gross receipts tax in 11 GCA sec. 26201 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 et seq.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  and the excise taxes in 11 GCA sec. 22101 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 et seq.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
 But any and all other taxes imposed by the tax codes of Guam on all businesses shall be applicable.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 That is, this Title 
shall not exempt the Established Pari-mutuel Racing Facility from any otherwise applicable taxes.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4719007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
\par Petition, Ex. J, p. 9 (Initiative Text).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Based on the context, which relates solely to slot machine gambling, we find that a complete repeal of the gross receipts tax and excise taxes was not intended.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [49]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab Moreover, arguments and analysis in ballot pamphlets are }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \lquote accepted sources from which [courts] ascertain the voters\rquote  intent and understanding of initiative measures.\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Washburn v. City of Berkeley}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 240 Ca
l. Rptr. 784 (Ct. App. 1987) (quoting }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 In re Lance W.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 694 P.2d 744, 753 n.8 (Cal. Ct. App. 1985)).}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
Nothing in the arguments or analysis indicates that the initiative was intended to repeal the gross receipts and excise taxes, and the proponents of the initiative have affirmatively stated that such a repeal was not intended. }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [50]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab Thus, the issue is whether GEC abused its discretion in determining that the statutes at issue were not }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 affected}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
 by the initiative, where the initiative would not modify or repeal the statutes, but would create a limited exemption from the statutes or would comply with an explicit opt-out provision.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 3 GCA \'a7 17509.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 There is some ambiguity in the degree to which a sta
tute must be }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 affected}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
 to require inclusion on the ballot pamphlet.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
We need not decide the issue, however, because we find that the relief sought by Petitioners is unavailable.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 C.\tab Appropriate Remedy}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [51]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab Title 3 GCA \'a7 17509.1 provides that }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [a]ny defect in the Ballot Pamphlet shall not cause a delay in the election or be grounds to invalidate the election.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The only violations at issue here that are not barred by laches in this case are a defective impartial analysis, which is part of the ballot pamphlet
, and a failure to include certain statutory provisions in the ballot pamphlet.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Because these errors involve alleged }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 defects in the Ballot Pamphlet,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  section 17509.1 applies, and we cannot delay or invalidate the election on the basis of these defects.}{\cs105\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid11486188 \chftn {\footnote\ftnalt 
\pard\plain \s104\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\cs105\fs24\super\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188  Another potential ground that may prevent invalidation of an election is if the violated provisions were directory rather than mandatory. }{
\i\fs24\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188 See Responsible Choices}{\fs24\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188 , 2007 Guam 20 \'b6\'b6 73-75; }{\i\fs24\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188 Benavente v. Taitano}{\fs24\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188 , 2006 Guam 16 
\'b6 27. Because section 17509.1 applies, we need not decide whether the provisions at issue here are directory or mandatory.}{\fs24\insrsid11486188 
\par }}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [52]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab 
At oral argument, Petitioners asserted that section 17509.1 was not validly enacted because the law did not receive a public hearing and 2 GCA \'a7 2103 provides that }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [n]o bill shall be passed by }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 I Liheslatura}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Gu\'e5han }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 unless it received a public hearing, }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 except }
{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 . . . when the Presiding Officer of }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 I Liheslatura Gu\'e5han }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 . . . certif[ies] that emergency conditions exist, involving danger to the public health, safety, or welfare . . . .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  Guam Pub. L. 25-22 (May 26, 1999), amended by Guam Pub. L. 28-12 (Mar. 9, 2005).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The parties dispute whether such emergency conditions existed, though the presiding offic
er of the Legislature certified that emergency conditions existed involving a danger to the public welfare.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 See Responsible Choices}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 2007 Guam 20 \'b6 98 n.62 (quoting Certification of Vicente Pangelinan, Speaker of the Guam Legislature (Oct. 25, 2004) (}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 I . . . hereby certify, in conformance with Title 2 Guam Code Annotated \'a7 2103, }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Public Hearings Mandatory}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , as amended, that an emergency condition exists involving danger to the public welfare of the people and therefore waive the statutory requirements for a 
public hearing on Bill Number 374 . . . .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 )).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
While some jurisdictions have held that the legislative determination of an emergency is conclusive, others have held that the legislative determination may be overturned if there is an abuse of discretion.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 
 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Responsible Choices}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 2007 Guam 20 \'b6 100 & nn.65-66.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 For example, some courts have found that a declaration of emergency can be voided if there is a showing of }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 bad faith or fraud,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  it is an }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 obvious mistake,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
 the declaration is }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 obviously illusory or tautological,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  or it is }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 obviously false and a palpable attempt at dissimulation.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 " }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Id.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  \'b6 100 n.65 (quoting }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Slack v. City of Colo. Springs}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 655 P.2d 376, 379 (Colo. 1982); }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Jefferson Std. Life Ins. Co. v. Noble}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 188 So. 289, 293 (Miss. 1939); }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Moscow v. Moscow Vill. Council}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 504 N.E.2d 1227, 1234 (Ohio Ct. C.P. 1984); }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Wash. State Farm Bureau Fed\rquote n v. Reed}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 115 P.3d 301, 305 (Wash. 2005)).}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Even if we were to determine that legislative declarations of emergency are reviewable, Petitioners have failed to meet their burde
n, as nothing in the record indicates that the emergency declaration was false.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 See CLEAN v. State}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 928 P.2d 1054, (Wash. 1996) (}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
[A]ppellants have not borne their burden; nothing in the record suggests the emergency declaration was \lquote obviously false and a palpable attempt at dissimulation.\rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 ).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [53]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab Petitioners have requested a writ of mandamus ordering the invalidation of the election.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Petition, p. 25 (requesting an order that GEC remove Proposal A from the ballot or ordering GEC not to certify the results).}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Section 17509.1 prohibits the requested relief.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Given that only 3 days remain before the election, it appears that no other effective relief could be granted even if it had been requested.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }
{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 We must therefore deny the petition.
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [54]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab We are sympathetic to the Petitioners, who are being denied relief despite a statutory violation by GEC.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
We note that if a constitutional challenge were brought, and if Petitioners were able to meet the higher standard presented for a constitutional challenge, relief might be}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9126528\charrsid4719007  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 available.}{\cs105\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid11486188 \chftn {\footnote\ftnalt \pard\plain \s104\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar
\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs105\fs24\super\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188 \chftn }{
\fs24\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188  }{\i\fs24\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188 Melendez v. O\rquote Connor}{\fs24\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188 
, 654 N.W.2d 114, 117 (Minn. 2002) (holding that a candidate could not be prejudiced by a delay in filing a petition challenging his candidacy because he would be constitutionally ineligible to run \'93re
gardless of the timing of the challenge to his eligibility.\'94). Impartial analyses have been challenged on constitutional grounds in several California cases. }{\i\fs24\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188 See, e.g.}{\fs24\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188 
, }{\i\fs24\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188 Cal. Family Bioethics Council v. Cal. Institute for Regenerative Medicine}{\fs24\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188 , 55 Cal. Rptr. 3d 272, 290 (Ct. App. 2007); }{\i\fs24\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188 
People ex rel Kerr v. County of Orange}{\fs24\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188 , 131 Cal. Rptr. 2d 274, 288-89 (Ct. App. 2003); }{\i\fs24\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188 Horwath v. City of East Palo Alto}{\fs24\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188 
, 261 Cal. Rptr. 108 (Ct. App. 1989).  If federal constitutional due process required the invalidation of an election, then 3 GCA \'a7 17509.1 could not prevent such an invalidation. 
In order to demonstrate that a defective impartial analysis violates constitutional due process rights, California courts have held that there must be a showing that the impartial analysis \'93profoundly misled the electorate, not just that it didn
\rquote t educate the electorate as to all the legal nuances of the measure.\'94 }{\i\fs24\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188 People ex rel. Kerr}{\fs24\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188 , 131 Cal. Rptr. at 289. In determining whether an analysis was \'93
so inaccurate or misleading as to prevent the voters from making informed choices,\'94 some courts have looked at \'93
the extent of preelection publicity, canvassing and other informational activities, . . . . [t]he ready availability of the text of the ordinance, or the official dissemination and 
content of . . . arguments for or against the measure, . . . . [as well as] the materiality of the omission.\'94 }{\i\fs24\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188 Horwath}{\fs24\insrsid11486188\charrsid11486188 , 261 Cal. Rptr. at 115. 
Such factual evidence has not been presented to the court in this case, and this court is not as well suited to hear factual evidence as the superior court.}{\fs24\insrsid11486188 
\par }}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
There might also be situations short of a constitutional violation where section 17509.1 would not apply to a defect in a ballot pamphlet.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
For example, a ballot pamphlet must include a ballot title pursuant to 3 GCA \'a7 17509, but the ballot title must also meet requirements specified by 3 GCA \'a7 17105, including impartiality and publication in a newspaper.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 The publication of a ballot title that suffered defects under section 17105, such as not being impartial, woul
d not be subject to section 17509.1 simply because the defective ballot title was included in the ballot pamphlet.}{\cs105\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid1517967 \chftn {\footnote\ftnalt \pard\plain 
\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8012922 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs105\super\insrsid1517967\charrsid11486188 \chftn }{\insrsid1517967\charrsid11486188 
 An impartial analysis is required by both 3 GCA \'a7 17509 and 3 GCA \'a7 17507, but in this case the significance of the analysis is its inclusion in the ballot pamphlet pursuant to section 17509.}{\insrsid15407116\charrsid11486188 
\par }}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 Furthermore, section 17509.1 does not prohibit the court from ordering relief short of delaying or invalidating the election.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
For example, if there were sufficient time, it might have been appropriate for the court to order GEC to rewrite and redistribute the impartial analysis.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 See Fairness & Accountability}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 , 886 P.2d at 1348-49.}{\cs105\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid1517967 \chftn 
{\footnote\ftnalt \pard\plain \s104\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8012922 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\cs105\fs24\super\insrsid1517967\charrsid11486188 \chftn }{\fs24\insrsid1517967\charrsid11486188  The GEC and the Intervenors conceded at oral arg
ument that in an extreme or egregious case, section 17509.1 would not necessarily prevent us from delaying or invalidating an election based on a flawed impartial analysis.}{\fs24\insrsid15407116\charrsid11486188 
\par }}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2573887 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 V.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4719007 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2573887\charrsid4719007 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 [55]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 \tab In sum, we find that laches bars Petitioners\rquote 
 arguments that the initiative embraces unrelated subjects and that the ballot title is false or misleading.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
We also find that GEC abused its discretion in preparing an }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 impartial analysis}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007 "}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007  that was biased.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4719007  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 But because 3 GCA \'a7 17509.1 prevents the invalida
tion of an election based on defects to the ballot pamphlet, we must }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 DENY }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 the petition for writ of mandamus.}{
\cs105\lang2057\langfe1033\super\langnp2057\insrsid1517967 \chftn {\footnote\ftnalt \pard\plain \s104\qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar
\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\wrapdefault\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8012922 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs105\fs24\super\insrsid1517967\charrsid11486188 \chftn }{
\fs24\insrsid1517967\charrsid11486188  In this case, GEC again erred in its processing of a ballot initiative, causing prejudice to the voting public and the opponents of the initiative, but we have no means to correct GEC\rquote s errors.}{
\fs24\insrsid15407116\charrsid11486188  }{\fs24\insrsid1517967\charrsid11486188 California requires that a ballot pamphlet be made available for public examination not less than 20 days before submitting it to the state printer.}{
\fs24\insrsid15407116\charrsid11486188  }{\fs24\insrsid1517967\charrsid11486188 Cal. Gov. Code \'a7 88006; Cal. Elections Code \'a7 9092.}{\fs24\insrsid15407116\charrsid11486188  }{\fs24\insrsid1517967\charrsid11486188 The Gu
am Legislature or GEC may wish to consider adopting a similar requirement by statute or by regulation, as such a procedure would provide interested parties an opportunity to seek timely changes to the ballot pamphlet without interfering with the holding o
f the election or requiring the re-printing of the ballot pamphlet. }{\i\fs24\insrsid1517967\charrsid11486188 Cf. Page v. McCuen}{\fs24\insrsid1517967\charrsid11486188 , 884 S.W.2d 951, 954-55 (Ark. 1994) (\'93
We respectfully ask [the Legislature] to make an[] attempt to establish an initiative and referendum procedure that will permit early resolution of such issues. . . . This court does not enjoy being in the \lquote last-minute\rquote  position of review.}{
\fs24\insrsid15407116\charrsid11486188  }{\fs24\insrsid1517967\charrsid11486188 The people . . . deserve an initiative and referendum procedure which allows them the confidence that measures, after having been adequately reviewe
d, will not be removed from the ballot.}{\fs24\insrsid15407116\charrsid11486188  }{\fs24\insrsid1517967\charrsid11486188 
The sponsors of initiative proposals should also be assured their ballot titles and proposed measures meet required guidelines and rules before they spend their time, energy and monies in getting their proposal before the voters.\'94).}{
\fs24\insrsid15407116\charrsid11486188  }{\fs24\insrsid1517967\charrsid11486188 Such a procedural change would be especially warranted in light of the Legislature\rquote s decision to limit the relief available to a petitioner pursuant to 3 GCA \'a7
 17509.1.}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16742270\charrsid4719007 
\par }}