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Backers of Proposition 202, dubbed "Stop Illegal Hiring," have spent more than $700,000 to pass a ballot measure that would change Arizona's employer-sanctions law.

The pro-202 group raised $741,292 and spent about $722,000 through Sept. 22, according to documents filed with the Arizona secretary of state.

Of the total funds raised, more than $570,000 was contributed by a coalition called Wake Up Arizona, a group of business owners who have tried to challenge the current sanctions law in court.

The proposition, which appears on Arizona's Nov. 4 ballot, would require prosecutors to prove an owner or officer of a company had actual knowledge that a worker is here illegally.

A "yes" vote would provide immunity to employers who use either the E-Verify system or comply with existing federal laws about checking the identity of new workers.

A "no" vote would leave in place the existing law, which went into effect in January and requires employers to check the immigration status of new employees with E-Verify.

Wake Up Arizona is headed by Mac Magruder, an owner of McDonald's franchises. Members include Phoenix business owners and Tucson car dealer Jim Click. The Arizona Secretary of State's Office, which collects political committees' campaign finance reports, didn't have details about where Wake Up Arizona, which is a non-profit, gets its money. Officials of Wake Up Arizona weren't available for comment.

Unlike candidate elections, where only individuals can donate, committees for ballot measures can also get donations from corporations or associations, said State Elections Director Joe Canefield.

The secretary of state doesn't track where Wake Up Arizona gets its money because it's not a political committee, he said.

"What triggers a group having to become a formal committee is being involved in activity to influence an election," Canefield said.

An opposition committee, "No On Prop. 202," has been organized but has raised no money since its first reporting period began June 1, according to the secretary of state's Web site. The concern for those who oppose Proposition 202 is the reliance on federal law, which requires employers to attest on an I-9 form that the applicant is eligible to work in the United States, and that documents presented have been examined and appear genuine.

Opponents say those federal requirements allow employers to knowingly hire illegal immigrants.

On Starnet: Learn more about the candidates and their positions for this year's general election at azstarnet.com/special/08candidates