Ralph Nader’s suit challenging certain Arizona ballot restrictions will have its day in court next week. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th circuit will hear the case—Nader v Brewer, 06-16251—at 9 am, April 15, 2008, in San Francisco.

Nader is challenging the Arizona law that makes it illegal for non-residents to circulate petitions for an independent presidential candidate. The court will also be asked to rule on whether Arizona’s early June petition deadline for independent presidential candidates violates Anderson v Celebrezze.

Rulings of the 9th circuit court are most important for those of us concerned with the initiative process, since that circuit’s rulings affect more states (eight) that have the initiative process than any other circuit.