Page:Leigh v. Hall.pdf/5

562 In the order in which they appear in the court's opinion, a ballot title must be (1) intelligible (2) honest, and (3) impartial. The ballot title here in question is intelligible, concise and clear. It summarizes in about 130 words an act containing over 4,000 words and 18 sections. We have in some of our cases indicated that a ballot title of unusual length would be objectionable. See Newton v. Hall, 196 Ark. 929, 120 S.W.2d 364. In the case of Coleman v. Sherrill, 189 Ark. 843, 75 S.W.2d 248, we said: " The real objection urged to the title of the act is the fact that it is not sufficiently elaborate. Any other ballot title would be  susceptible of the same criticism unless it were in itself a complete abstract of the act which would be impracticable under ordinary conditions." And further, " it has never been understood that the title of a statute should disclose the details embodied in the act. It is intended simply to indicate the subject to which the statute relates When the general subject is indicated, no detail matters need be mentioned in the title." (emphasis supplied)

The title of a measure does not have to constitute a synopsis of the measure, Bradley v. Hall, supra. Here the act in question informs the voter that a minimum wage of $1.00 per hour will take effect in three years; stair-stepping from $.80 an hour the first year to $.90 an hour the second year and finally to $1.00 an hour the third year. Further, that all time worked over 48 hours, then 44 hours, and finally 40 hours is to be paid at the rate of time and one-half over a period covering three years from enactment. Also, that the administration of the minimum wage is provided for and that the Arkansas Department of Labor will administer the provisions of the act. The voter is also apprised of the fact there are certain exceptions and exemptions in the act. We conclude that the title meets the requirement that it must be intelligible.

The second requirement of a ballot title is that it must be honest. There can be no misleading tendency, whether of amplification, omission, or of fallacy.