From Ballotpedia Show
In the United States, a ballot measure is a law, issue, or question that appears on a statewide or local ballot for voters of the jurisdiction to decide. This page provides an overview of the different types of ballot measures in the U.S., which can be (a) placed on the ballot through citizen initiative petitions; (b) referred to the ballot by the state legislature or local government body; or (c) automatically placed on the ballot with no action from a legislature or governing body via a state law or constitutional provision requiring such a ballot measure. Types of ballot measuresCitizen-initiated measures:
Legislatively referred measures:
Other:
Ballot measures in the United StatesThere have been statewide ballot measures in each of the 50 states. Citizens can collect signatures to place measures on the ballot in 26 states. Every state but Delaware requires voters to ratify proposed state constitutional amendments—changes to a state's constitution. The following map illustrates which states provide for a ballot initiative or veto referendum process.
Citizen-initiated ballot measuresSee also: States with initiative or referendumCitizens can collect signatures to place laws on the ballot in 26 states. There are various types of citizen-initiated ballot measures, which are outlined in the following sections. Ballot initiatives may take the form of either the direct or indirect initiative. Under the direct initiative, a measure is put directly to a vote after enough signatures are submitted. Under the indirect initiative, a measure is first referred to the state legislature, and then only put to a popular vote if not enacted by the legislature. Initiated amendmentSee also: Initiated constitutional amendmentAn initiated constitutional amendment is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that amends the state constitution. Of the 26 states that provide some form of initiative, 18 states allow for citizens to initiate constitutional amendments. In Massachusetts and Mississippi, the initiated constitutional amendment is indirect, meaning the proposal goes to the legislature before going to voters. In Massachusetts, the legislature must approve the constitutional amendment for the measure to appear on the ballot. In Mississippi, the legislature's action does not affect whether or not the measure appears on the ballot; however, the Mississippi State Legislature is given the option to provide a competing measure alongside the citizen-initiated one. In Nevada, a citizen-initiated constitutional amendment must be voted on and approved at two successive general elections to become part of the state constitution. To read about the different requirements for constitutional amendments in various states, click here. Initiated statuteSee also: Initiated state statuteAn initiated state statute is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that amends state statute. Of the 26 states that provide some form of initiative, 21 states allow for citizens to initiate state statutes. Seven of the 21 states provide for indirect, but not direct, citizen-initiated state statutes. An indirect initiated state statute goes to the legislature after a successful signature drive. The legislatures in these states have the option of approving the initiative themselves, rather than the initiative appearing on the ballot. In Utah and Washington, citizens can use either a direct or indirect initiated state statute. Combined initiated amendment and statuteSee also: Combined initiated constitutional amendment and state statuteIn California and Colorado, citizens have the option of initiating a combined constitutional amendment and state statute. The ballot measure is allowed to contain constitutional and statutory provisions that are related to a single subject. Veto referendumSee also: Veto referendumA veto referendum is a type of citizen-initiated ballot measure that asks voters whether to uphold or repeal a law that was passed by the state legislature. Of the 26 states that provide some form of initiative, 23 states allow for citizens to initiate veto referendums. In Maryland and New Mexico, the only form of citizen initiative available to residents are veto referendums. Statute affirmation (Nevada)See also: Statute affirmationIn Nevada, voters have the power to initiate a statute affirmation. Like a veto referendum, a statute affirmation places a law that was already passed on the ballot. Passage of a statute affirmation prohibits the legislature from amending the law without voter approval. Local citizen-initiated measuresThere are local ballot measure analogs to the types of measures outlined above.
Legislative referralsThe legislatures of each state have the power to refer measures to the ballot. Referred amendmentSee also: Legislatively referred constitutional amendmentEvery state but Delaware requires voters to ratify proposed state constitutional amendments—changes to a state's constitution—at a statewide election. The main differences in the requirements for a legislature to refer a constitutional amendment are (a) the number of times that the legislature must vote on the amendment and (b) the size of the legislative vote. Referred statuteSee also: Legislatively referred state statuteLegislatures have the option to refer statutes to the ballot as well. There are types of statutes that are often required to appear on the ballot in some states, such as tax increases (specifically in Colorado under the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights) and bond issues. In Arizona and California, bills that would amend voter-approved initiatives must be referred to the ballot. In Montana, the legislature can refer a statute to the ballot without the governor's signature. Local referralsAt the local level, most government types can refer questions to voters. Many involve tax, bond, or revenue questions as required by state law. Referrals are most often sent to the ballot by the following government entities:
OtherAdvisory questionSee also: Advisory questionAn advisory question is a type of ballot measure in which citizens vote on a non-binding question. The difference between an advisory vote and any other type of ballot measure is that the outcome of the advisory question will not result in a new, changed, repealed, or rejected law or constitutional amendment. Rather, advisory questions allow voters to voice their preference and allow the state legislature or local government to gauge public opinion on the issue being presented. Commission referralsSee also: Commission-referred ballot measureThere are several state commissions that have the power to refer measures to the ballot. In Florida, the Constitution Revision Commission and Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, which convene every 20 years, can refer constitutional amendments to the ballot. In Arizona, the Commission on Salaries for Elective State Officers can refer statutes addressing salaries for elected officials. Automatic referralsAn automatic ballot referral is a ballot measure that is set under state law or a state's constitution to automatically appear as a statewide ballot question under certain circumstances. The most common types of automatic ballot referrals are Constitutional Convention questions. Constitutional convention ballot propositions are a form of automatic ballot referral in some states whose constitutions state that every so often, a statewide ballot proposition must be placed on the general election ballot asking the voters of the state if they wish to have a constitutional convention. In fourteen states, the question of whether to hold a constitutional convention is automatically referred to a statewide ballot without any requirement for a vote of the state legislature to place the question on the ballot. Convention referralsSee also: Convention referred constitutional amendmentWhen a state constitutional convention occurs, the delegates to such a convention can pass multiple changes to the state constitution for voter ratification. In fourteen states, the question of whether to hold a constitutional convention is automatically referred to the statewide ballot without any requirement for a vote of the state legislature to place the question on the ballot. Number of statewide ballot measuresThe following table illustrates the number of measures (initiatives, legislative referrals, and other types) on state ballots each year since 2000.
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Footnotes
Which statement best describes a recall, referendum and initiative provisions?Which statement best describes the recall, referendum, and initiative provisions? They give people the power over their laws and government officials.
How does a referendum give people more influence in government quizlet?How does a referendum give people more of a say in government? A referendum allows people to remove an official from office. A referendum allows people to change laws or propose new ones. A referendum allows people to impeach an official for wrongdoing.
How did the railroads respond to state governments legislation?During the Gilded Age railroads often tried to coax state governments into offering them favorable construction opportunities. In many cases, railroad companies bribed state legislators and attempted to influence them.
Which of the following did the Sherman Antitrust Act make illegal in 1890?Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 is a federal statute which prohibits activities that restrict interstate commerce and competition in the marketplace. It outlaws any contract, conspiracy, or combination of business interests in restraint of foreign or interstate trade.
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