The initiative process is a tool through which citizens can propose statutes or constitutional amendments to be put on the ballot in their state. Often referred to generally as “ballot measures,” the initiative process can be direct or indirect depending on the state. Direct citizen initiatives are put onto the ballot without involvement from the state legislature if they meet certain qualifications, usually related to signature gathering and subject matter, as well as various deadlines. Indirect citizen initiatives are submitted to the state legislature, which can then approve the measure without it going to the ballot, allow the measure to go to the ballot, or even submit a competing measure. The following resources focus on the impact of ballot initiatives on elections and voting in the states.
You are here:
Ballot Initiatives
Related Resources
Direct Citizen Initiative States
The initiative process is a tool through which citizens can propose statutes or constitutional amendments to be put on the ballot in their state. Often referred to generally as ballot measures, the initiative process can be direct or indirect depending on the state.
Ballots vs. Backlash: Trends, Threats, and the Future of Direct Democracy
This report examines how direct democracy works across the states and the ways in which state legislatures are trying to restrict these processes.
