(a) If more than one argument for, or more than one argument against, a measure is filed within the time prescribed, the Secretary of State shall select one of the arguments for printing in the state voter information guide. In selecting the argument the Secretary of State shall give preference and priority in the order named to the arguments of the following:
(1) In the case of a measure submitted by the Legislature, Members of the Legislature.
(2) In the case of an initiative or referendum measure, the proponent of the measure.
(3) Bona fide associations of citizens.
(4) Individual voters.
(b) In order to enable the Secretary of State to determine whether it qualifies as a bona fide association of citizens, an organization or association submitting an argument for or against a measure shall submit with its argument a copy of one of the following:
(1) Its articles of incorporation, articles of association, partnership documents, bylaws, or similar documents.
(2) Letterhead containing the name of the organization and its principal officers.
(3) If the organization or association is a primarily formed committee established to support or oppose the measure, its statement of organization filed pursuant to Section 84101 of the Government Code.
(c) In selecting an argument from among bona fide associations of citizens, the Secretary of State shall not consider the type of documentation submitted pursuant to subdivision (b) or the form of the association.
(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 92, Sec. 61. (SB 1289) Effective January 1, 2019.)