On July 8, the 9th circuit heard oral arguments in Lemons v Bradbury, 08-35209, over whether the U.S. Constitution protects the right of a petition signer to have his or her signature count, if indeed the petitioner is eligible to sign. The case arose in Oregon and concerns an initiative petition. The 9th circuit panel said it would rule by the end of July, since the initiative sponsors hope to have it on the November ballot. Here is an account of the oral argument, which was held in Portland.