Template:Masigreq

Since Massachusetts employs an indirect initiative process, the General Court has an opportunity to adopt proposed laws and amendments before they move to a popular vote. However, unlike other states, Massachusetts requires additional signatures following legislative inaction.

For an amendment or statute, signatures must equal 3% of votes cast for governor in the most recent election (excluding blanks). If the legislature declines to act on a proposed statute, supporters are required to collect a second round of signatures totaling 0.5% of the votes cast for governor in the most recent election (excluding blanks). For proposed amendments, one-quarter of the legislature must approve the petition in a joint session -- a second round of signatures is not required.

For a veto referendum, signatures must equal 1.5% of the total votes cast for governor in the most recent election. No more than one-fourth of these certified signatures may come from any one county. If the petitioners request suspension of the law in writing, signatures are required totaling 2% of the total votes cast for governor in the last election.

Year	Amendment or Statute	Statute add-on	Veto referendum	Veto referendum (suspension of law)
2014	68,911	11,485	34,456	45,941
2012	68,911	11,485	34,456	45,941
2010	66,593	11,099	33,297	44,396
2008	66,593	11,099	33,297	44,396

See law: Massachusetts Constitution, Article XLVIII, Parts IV-V & Article LXXXI, Section 2