V, 1(3)). 23 states allow for citizens to initiate popular referendums, and one territory, the U.S. Virgin Islands. 7-9-404). Ballot title and summary: Lieutenant governor forwards petitions that are qualified for the ballot to the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel, who drafts an impartial title of not more than 100 words summarizing the contents of the proposal. Political committee must file a statement of organization. Biennial regular general election, with submission deadline three months and three weeks prior to election. VI, Subpt. For constitutional amendment initiatives, 4% of resident population. Art. Reports of contributions and expenditures of $500 or more must be made within 2 days between the 25th day of the month before an election and the day of the election (MCA 13-37-226). Brexit. Analytics cookies help website owners to understand how visitors interact with websites by collecting and reporting information anonymously. Proponent financial disclosure requirements: Within three days of making an expenditure or receiving a contribution, a political committee must file a statement of organization and designated a treasurer (ORS 260.035). Art. Timeline for collecting signatures: Eighten months. Withdrawal process of individual signature: By giving written notice to the lieutenant governor before the date the petition is filed (AS 15.45.350). Submission deadline for signatures: 5 p.m. on or before the 90th day after the recess of the legislature, or if the 90th day is a weekend or holiday, by 5 p.m. on the preceding day which is not a weekend or holiday (Const. Art. Circulator requirements: Must be at least 18 and an Ohio resident (O.R.C. 250.048; OR CONST Art. Art. Reports of contributions and expenditures are due on the 12th day before an election, the 38th day after an election and the last business day of January and July of every year (ORC 3517.10). Who can sign the petition: Registered electors (Const. Which election: Next general election at least 31 days after the measure qualifies or at a special statewide election held prior to that general election; the governor may call a special statewide election for the measure (Const. In Maine, Oklahoma and Utah, the law includes additional requirements to those governing conflicting measures: In Alaska, if the lieutenant governor and the attorney general determine an act of the legislature is the same as the proposed measure, then the citizen initiative is voided (AS 15.45.210). Must file statement of organization as a PAC upon receiving contributions or making expenditures in any combination of at least $1,000 in connection with an election. One of three authorized people must submit a notice of withdrawal with the secretary of state. Art. Art. Vote requirement for passage: Majority and not less than 35% of the total vote cast at the election (Const. States may limit the subject matter of popular referenda. Paid per signature: No ban on initiative petitions, but a statement must appear on the petition if circulator is being paid (W.S.1977 22-24-310). II, 10(a)). Eighteen months, but cannot start collecting more than two years before the election, and a deadline of six months before the general election. IV, 1(4)). Art. Amount is specified by secretary of state by rule. Reports of contributions and expenditures are due on the 21st and seventh days immediately preceding an election and the 10th day of the first full month after an election. A requirement for 5% of the registered voters in two-fifths of the counties each was held unconstitutional, but that case was vacated because of an issue of standing. For indirect initiatives, about nine months (proposed measure submitted within 10 months of the session it is to be submitted at with a deadline of 10 days before the session). 5, 1), Repeal or change restrictions: No veto by governor, and two-thirds vote by legislature may amend or repeal (Ark. That makes a total of 24 states with an initiative process. Types allowed: Indirect citizen initiative for statutes and amendments and popular referendum. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Art. Art. Why is Floridas use of the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database controversial? 19, 2; N.R.S. 2; 21 Okl.St.Ann. Timeline for collecting signatures: Not more than 24 months (A.R.S. There are two types of initiatives: direct and indirect. Law 13-202). See ACA 7-9-126. From each of at least 26 Utah State Senate districts, legal signatures equal to 5 % for indirect or 10 % for direct initiatives of the total of all votes cast in that district for all candidates for U.S. president at the last general election (U.C.A. 6; Oklahomans for Modern Alcoholic Beverage Controls, Inc. v. Shelton, Okla., 501 P.2d 1089, 1972). (EXAMPLE) What wording was altered in the Constitution? Const. 54 42A, 53; M.G.L.A. 19, 3; N.R.S. Art. The secretary of state employs a representative random sampling using questionnaires, postcards, telephone calls, personal interviews, etc, or any combinations thereof, to determine the validity of the signatures (NDCC, 16.1-01-10). II, 1b). VI, 1 and Utah Code 20A-7-102, Laws passed by a two-thirds vote of the members of each house, Const. St. 32-628; 32-1546). Art. Timeline for collecting signatures: 18 months (W.S.1977 22-24-315). Subject restrictions: No law making any appropriation for maintaining the state government or for maintaining or aiding any public institution, not exceeding the next previous appropriation for the same purpose, shall be subject toreferendum. Where to file with: Division of Elections (F.S.A. 1953 20A-11-101; 20A-11-801; 20A-11-802; 20A-11-803). From 15 different counties, with each countys petition having signatures of at least half of the designated percentage of electors of the county. Deadline of 120 days before election for amendments; 160 days before election and not less than 10 days before legislative session for statutes; and 180 days to collect. Rev. Const. Withdrawal of petition: Anytime more than 70 days before the election, a majority of the committee members may withdraw the petition by writing to the secretary of state (O.R.C. 18 allow for initiated constitutional amendments. Art. Who can sign the petition: Qualified electors (Const. II, 1(d) and RCW 29A.72.030 and .160. Washington, D.C. also has an initiative and referendum process at the districtwide level. 5, 1). Ballot initiative - Ballotpedia A __________ is a media format where candidates meet with ordinary citizens, without the input of Where to file: Secretary of state (Const. IV, 1). Art. 4, 1, Pt. were members of a single minority group, in order to ensure minority representation, was not Art. Allowed to pay another for their signature: Prohibited (ACA 7-9-103(c)). Conflicting measures: Measure receiving most affirmative votes prevails, even if it did not receive the greatest majority of affirmative votes (V.A.M.S. III, 2). Can only be changed by a vote of the people, Two-thirds vote (or majority after seven years), Two-thirds vote (or majority after two years), Select a State with Citizen Initiatives to Learn More, Petition Review, Creation and Public Notice, Petition Review, Creation, and Public Notice, >Petition Review, Creation and Public Notice, States with citizen initiatives (24): Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming. Only regular state, congressional and municipal elections, and filed at least four months before election. IV, 1). Submission deadline of signatures: Ninety days before the first day of the legislative session (Miss. The secretary of state then refers both to the attorney general, who determines the legal sufficiency of the issue, approves the petitioner's ballot statements and determines whether a fiscal note is necessary. Referendum and initiative | Definition, Forms, History, & Facts Art. All of the chief petitioners must sign the form to withdraw. What is on each petition: The full text of the measure, the affidavit of the circulator, the name of each petition district of the registered voters signing those pages, and each petition must have a 200-word or less description on each signature page of the petition (N.R.S. St. 32-628), Allowed to pay another for their signature: Prohibited (Neb.Rev.St. A veto referendum is a type of citizen-initiated ballot measure that asks voters whether to uphold or repeal a law passed by the state legislature, a city council, a county board of supervisors, or some other legislative body. Const. 5, 1; A.C.A. Art. Art. A legislature committee also reviews the measure by a deadline (N.R.S. 5, 1; M.G.L.A. 32-1401; 32-1405; 32-628; 32-1403). Withdrawal process of individual signature: Secretary of state verifies the signatures for total number and from two-thirds of the counties (W.S.1977 22-24-316). II, 1b). Const. 3, 17(3)). 168.476). Art. 295.009 with the secretary of state, and it may be amended pursuant to that statute (N.R.S. Art. And attorney general reviews legality (MCA 13-27-202; 13-27-312; 13-27-402). Art. Art. All states require proponents of a popular referendum to follow guidelines. Does the law in question take effect before the referendum vote: Suspended upon filing of petition signatures (Const. II, 9(c)). Plurality and majority systems tend to If a congressional district has 90 to 110 % of the needed valid signatures, every single signature will be verified to discern if it qualifies (V.A.M.S. Art. 2, 4, Pt. The other 19 states limit the subject matter of laws that the popular referendum can address. U.C.A. Art. Collected in-person: Yes (W.S.1977 22-24-312). V, 1(4)(a)). 7-9-111). Art. 1953 20A-7-204.1; 20A-7-208; 20A-7-702). Circulator oaths or affidavit required: Yes (MCL 168.482 and .544c). Art. Petition sponsors, approved or rewritten by attorney general, Petition sponsors, with approval by secretary of state, Drafted by secretary of state and approved by attorney general, Petition sponsors, approved by attorney general. Conflicting measures: Measure with the most affirmative votes prevails (OH Const. Art. Ballot title and summary: The official title of the bill that is subject to the referendum appears on the ballot. Collected in-person: Implied (MCA 13-27-102), Withdrawal process of individual signature: Any time prior to official filing (MCA 13-27-301). c. the official candidate for a political party, running in the general elections What is on each petition: Petition includes original title of the act to be referred and a statement by signers. Repeal or change restrictions: A measure approved by the electors may not be repealed or amended by the legislative assembly for seven years from its effective date, except by a two-thirds vote of the members elected to each house (NDCC Const. III, 2. XVI, 1 and Elec. Submission deadline for signatures: Within 90 days after the adjournment of the legislative session at which it was passed (Const. 116.080). b. group redistricting. Const. Art. Allowed to pay another for their signature: Prohibited (NSR 295.300). Stat. 2, 3; Amend. 8). 3, 8). Paid per signature: Circulators may be paid but not by the signature. Const. The attorney general may approve the title or revise as necessary to comply with the law. If the legislature rejects the measure, the legislature may propose an alternative measure (with the approval of the governor), and it will appear on the ballot along with the original initiative. 116.334). Governor may veto a measure initiative by the people and passed by the legislature, but then it is referred to the people as a popular referendum (M.R.S.A. 100.371). Revised statutes now require that signatures be equally collected among all the petition districts (congressional districts), and this was held to be constitutional (N.R.S. Majority to pass: Yes (V.A.M.S. Provisional ballots are ballots cast by voters who: Believe they are registered to vote even though their . MT CONST Art. The total number of signatures required, is 546,651. Unlimited, but if number of filed signatures is deemed insufficient, sponsors have 30 days to collect more. Public review or notice: Public may comment for 15 days on petition once it is approved for circulation, and may attend hearing held by joint committee on legislative research, with comments from that meeting made public, and newspaper publication (V.A.M.S. For indirect statutory initiatives, 3% of votes cast for governor in last election to submit to the legislator. Art. Who can sign the petition: Qualified electors and every person who is a qualified voter (Const. Art. Art. a. majority 8). For example, constitutional amendments proposed by legislatures in most of the states of the United States are subject to obligatory referendum. Rule 2.36; Okl.St.Ann. Number of signatures required: 10% of those who voted in the preceding general election (AS 15.45.370(2)(A)). Art. Const. XI, 2 and AS 15.45.260). 3, 1 and SDCL 2-1-5). The maximum number of signatures counted from any individual congressional district is one-fifth of the total number required. Prior to receiving a contribution or making an expenditure, a campaign must designate a treasurer by filing with the secretary of state. Const. IV, 1). Prov., 3. Candidates can use social media as a way of reaching voters. Circulator requirements: Must be qualified to register to vote pursuant to 16-101. In some states, the official title of the legislation that is the subject of the referendum appears on the petition. Additional statements for ballot measure committees are due April 30 and October 31. V, 1(6)). 19, 1 and NRS 293.127563). Art. Number of signatures required: 6% of the total votes cast for the office of governor in the last election (OH Const. 295.0575), Circulator oaths or affidavits: Yes (N.R.S. 295.012; 293.127563; Angle v. Miller, 2010, 722 F.Supp.2d 1206. Ten% of votes cast in last general election. Cannot have had a civil or criminal penalty for a violation of election code in the last five years; been convicted of treason or a felony and not restored civil rights; been convicted of any criminal offense involving fraud, forgery or identity theft. Reports of contributions and expenditures are due on a quarterly basis. Which election: Statewide or a special election called by the governor (Const. A successful referendum will alter the wording of the Constitution by deletion and/or insertion. Must file quarterly reports. Withdrawal of petition: Any person who submits a sample sheet to or files an initiative petition with the secretary of state may withdraw the petition upon written notice to the secretary of state. Collected in-person: Yes; petition includes language verifying that each person has "personally signed" (RCW 29A.72.130). When candidates for office sponsor hearings, undertake inspection tours of disaster areas, or meet with c. split ticketing. Cannot "pass a law authorizing any classification of property for the purpose of levying different rates of taxation thereon or of authorizing the levy of any single tax on land or land values or land sites at a higher rate or by a different rule than is or may be applied to improvements thereon or to personal property.". Which of the following were not major contributors to George W. Bush's 2000 presidential campaign? Proponent financial disclosure requirements: Include but may not be limited to a ballot question committee filing campaign statements, filing the 16th day before the election to the 11th day before the election, a postelection campaign statement, fines if failure to file properly, advertising guidelines (M.C.L.A. Where to file with: Attorney general and secretary of the commonwealth once approved (M.G.L.A. If the Legislature passes a law that voters do not approve of, they may gather signatures to demand a popular vote on the law. 48, Init., Pt. III, 6). From 1911 through November 2022, the California Constitution has been amended 57 times through the state's initiative process. 250.015; 250.052; 250.045). Stat. 116.050; 116.050). 5, 1). Vote requirement for passage: Majority (Const. Any contribution of $500 or more in last 13 days to be reported within 24 hours. III, 3 and MGL ch. Const. Art. 1(3) and (7)). 19, 3; N.R.S. Some of these geographic distribution requirements have been found to be unconstitutional, largely on one person, one vote grounds. XI, 5 and AS 15.45.410). 5, 2; Constitution 48, Init., Pt. . 14, 9; Art. Proponent financial disclosure requirements: Must file a statement of formation as a political action committee within 10 days of formation (Wyo. Types Allowed: Indirect initiative for statutes, and popular referendum. a. butterfly ballot. 3519.01). 19, 1 and NRS 293.12757). A.R.S. Two-thirds vote (or majority after two years). b. consensus mark. 7-9-105), Withdrawal process of individual signature: No statute. a. 24 states have the popular referendum. Photo identification requirement Which amendment ended poll taxes in 1964? Petition title and summary creation: Proponents (Neb. RCW 42.17A.205, 42.17A.235, 42.17A.250, 42.17A.260, 42.17A.265. III, 5(2)). Art. If a second sampling is needed, an estimated duplication rate will be calculated. Currently, for constitutional amendments signatures must be gathered from at least 2 % of the total registered electors in each state senate district (C.R.S.A. Initiative is when citizens get signatures and make the decision to put it on the ballot to be voted on. d. All of the above involved ideological clashes. Proponent organization and requirements: Proponents and opponents register with board of elections (10 ILCS 5/28-9). 295.0575), Allowed to pay another for their signature: Prohibited (N.R.S. Const. If statute petition is passed by the legislature, then it is subject to the referendum. 5, 7). Code 9607). 1-40-130, 1-40-111), Number of signatures required: Five % of votes cast for secretary of state in last election (C.R.S.A. Seventeen states do not provide for any limitation on attempting to repeat a specific measure: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota and Washington. 2, 8. Public review or notice: The secretary of state also furnishes an information pamphlet with the title, fiscal statement if applicable, its complete text, the form in which it'll appear on the ballot, arguments for and against it, and rebuttal arguments, and will publish notices in newspaper (MCA 13-27-401; 13-27-402; 13-27-410; 13-27-311). Art. Since the total number of registered voters is constantly changing, with new voters being added and ineligible voters being removed, that presents a dilemma for the state. 1953 20A-7-205). What is on each petition: Must be in substantially the same form as initiative petitions, containing a title, a warning and the full text of the act (IC 34-1801A). Timeline for taking effect: When approved (Const. 116.030). Sponsors draft summary and submit to board of state canvassers for approval. Through these processes, voters can adopt a change in law (an initiative), disapprove a law passed by the Legislature (a referendum), or remove an elected official from office (a recall). III, 3, Const. Once the lieutenant governor receives the verified packets from the clerks, they count the number of names and declare the proposition sufficient or not (U.C.A. 32-1411. a. increases political corruption at the polling booths. Art. Withdrawal of petition: Proponents may withdraw a measure at any time before filing the petition (Elec. III, 3, Neb. Verification: Random sample of at least 5 % or at least 4,000 signatures. Which election: Next succeeding general election, except when the legislature shall order a special election (Const. If passed by legislature, it is subject to the referendum (M.C.L.A. Who creates petitions: Sponsors create the petition. 3, 50), Other subject restrictions: No appropriations or other new revenues not provided for in the measure (V.A.M.S. Application process information: Submit draft and affidavit to attorney general with fee of $2,000, refunded when measure qualifies for the ballot within two years. Art. Some have been found to be unconstitutional, largely on one person, one vote grounds. Art. 3, 18, 20). 295.015). Art. Cannot be same as a measure at either of the two preceding biennial state elections. Learn a new word every day. 250.062). General election, and signatures must be filed one year prior to the election. Art. Art. Proponent financial disclosure requirements: Include but may not be limited to filing any PACs formed to advance the measure, limitations on total contributions, and reporting contributions received above $1,000 at various times (N.R.S. New Latin, from Latin, neuter of referendus, gerundive of referre to refer, Dictionary lookups from politics, civil court, and the world of disease. Every state requires or offers some type of review in addition to fiscal statements. V, 1(3)). 5 1). Art. II, 1g). The parties take a list of issues and concerns and frames the election around the platform. Code 18603). For constitutional amendments, 8 % of the total votes cast for all candidates for governor in the last general election (OR CONST Art. Mississippi: Attorney general may confer with proponents and may recommend revisions. For constitutional amendment direct initiatives, the date is Sept. 1 of the year preceding the election year (N.R.S. Art. III, 52(a) and Mo.Rev.Stat. Geographic distribution: Yes, signed by qualified voters equal in number to 15% of those resident in at least two-thirds of the counties of the state, as determined by those who voted in the preceding general election in that county (Const. For constitutional amendments, 10% of votes cast for governor in last election. Referendum :: California Secretary of State LXXXI, 4). In which state do registrants have to recite a Voters Oath? From at least 15 of 29 senate districts, signatures equal to 8% of the number of active voters in the county on Jan. 1 following the last regular general election. 34-1812c). May remove no later than 120 days prior to the next general election and at least two-thirds of petition sponsors must sign the form. 1-40-106, 1-40-124.5). Paid per signature: No ban, but must state employer if paid (O.R.C. 22-24-402). Circulator requirements: Age 18 (Neb. Const. This deadline pertains to when counties must submit petitions with verified signatures to the secretary of state. Petition must be filed with county officials not later than 15 days following the primary election. In political science, voter apathy is a lack of interest among voters in the elections of representative democracies. Must include the language a committee for/against Proposition __ in any reference to the committee required by law. Circulator requirements: Must be 18 years old, complete training from secretary of state and present specific identification to notary (C.R.S. Art. Art. The required signatures must be distributed equally among all of the petition districts (NRS 295.012 and NRS 293.127563). 1-40-123), Majority to pass: Amendments require 55 % (C.R.S.A. 53 7). States include a range of requirements for petition format and contents including legal warnings, serial numbers provided by officials, notarization, date of the election the measure is to be voted upon, the measures full text, summary, the district or county where the signature was gathered, if the circulator is paid, fiscal analysis, affidavit of circulator, circulator information, rights of the potential signer, names of proponents or proponent organization and deadline for signatures. V, 2). II, 1g; Art. Nevada: The secretary of state will appoint two, three-person committees, one for and one against the measure. Time period restrictions before placed on the ballot: See timeline and deadlines. IV, 1). For amendments, 10% of total qualified electors of the state. M.G.L.A. III, 5(1) and MCA 13-27-202, Const. d. All of the above are tasks of the campaign consultant. 1953 20A-7-203). LXXXI, 4). Subject restrictions: The referendum shall not be applied to dedications of revenue, appropriations, local or special legislation, or to laws necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety (Const. Art. 3, 18, 20). 7-9-114). Ballot title and summary: Full text is included if not too long. Circulator requirements: US citizen and at least 18 years old (CRS 1-40-112). Conflicting measures: The measure receiving a majority of the votes passes (RCWA Const. Number of signatures required: 5% of total votes cast for governor at last election (OK Const. Art. Const. 48, Init., Pt. Withdrawal process of individual signature: By crossing out his or her own signature at any time prior to the time when the petition is presented to the county clerk for signature verification, or at any time after presentation of the petition to the county clerk but prior to verification of the signature, by presenting in writing or submitting electronically to the county clerk a signed statement that the signer desires to have his name removed from the petition. If they refuse, the measure is declared insufficient and does not appear on the ballot (A.C.A. Petitions must be filed within 90 days after the legislative session at which the law was passed adjourns either sine die or for more than 90 days. New Mexico: at least 40% (Const. 19-111), Proponent organization and requirements: Must follow financial guidelines, including non-candidate committee to act as sponsor, designating chair and treasurer, sworn statements, spending reports, bank account established, quarterly and pre-election reports (A.R.S. But if insufficient funds for the measure, it is effective 45 days after the next convening regular legislative session. Timeline for collecting signatures: Two years (Neb.Rev.St. . Geographic distribution: Signers must be from at least three-fourths of the states house districts, and signatures in each house district must equal at least 7% of those who voted in the preceding general election in the house district (AS 15.45.350(2)). 3, 19; 21-A MRSA 903-A, sub-4), Nebraska (Neb. Who can sign the petition: Registered electors of the state (Const. This database contains state legislation related to the administration of elections introduced in 2011 through this year. 15, 273). Proponent organization and requirements: The sponsors must delegate a committee of three to five people to represent them, and must file if any signature gatherers will be paid (O.R.C. Which election is a measure on: For statutes, if not passed by the legislature within 40 days, then it is placed on the next general election's ballot. Contributions in excess of $3,000 that are received after filing the pre-election report must be reported within 24 hours of receipt. In the politics of the United States, the process of initiatives and referendums allow citizens of many U.S. states to place new legislation, or to place legislation that has recently been passed by a . In 1911, California voters approved the constitutional processes of initiative, referendum, and recall. Two official representatives of the proponents must attend all petition review meetings. 1(5)). What is the stipulation of a residency requirement when voting? 7-9-107). Vote requirement for passage: Majority (SDCL 2-1-12). Const. Verification: The secretary of state may verify the signatures on the petition by use of random sampling (Mo.Rev.Stat. Art. 16, 6; N.R.S. Const. Most of these bans have been overturned by the courts. IV, 1). Stat. Art. 54, 22A). 3501.38). Fiscal review: If the measure will have an effect on revenue, expenditures or the fiscal liability of the state, the attorney general orders the budget director to prepare one (MCA 13-27-312). 14, 3), Ballot title and summary: Proponents but certified by state board of elections and reviewed by attorney general (see 10 ILCS 5/28-5; 10 ILCS 5/16-6; 5 ILCS 20/2), Time period restrictions before placed on the ballot: Filed at least six months before the election with the secretary of state (ILCS Const. c. straight ticket. Who creates petitions: Secretary of the commonwealth (Const. What is on each petition: Serial number, name and address of paid circulator, and contents approved by secretary of state (F.S.A. Indirect initiated constitutional amendment, Combined initiated constitutional amendment and state statute, commission-referred constitutional amendments, legislatively referred constitutional amendments, Forms of direct democracy in the American states, Laws governing citizen grand juries in Kansas, Laws governing citizen grand juries in Nevada, Laws governing citizen grand juries in North Dakota, Laws governing citizen grand juries in New Mexico, Laws governing citizen grand juries in Nebraska, Laws governing citizen grand juries in Oklahoma, https://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php?title=Initiative_and_referendum&oldid=9086757, Conflicts in school board elections, 2021-2022, Special Congressional elections (2023-2024), 2022 Congressional Competitiveness Report, State Executive Competitiveness Report, 2022, State Legislative Competitiveness Report, 2022, Partisanship in 2022 United States local elections. Const. Does the law in question take effect before the referendum vote: The sections of a law subject to a referendum do not. 34, 25, Next statewide election unless a special election is called by the legislature or the governor for the express purpose of considering a referendum, Regular election unless otherwise ordered by the legislative assembly, Next regular general election or a special election called by the lieutenant governor, Const.