1912 ballot measures
From Ballotpedia
This page provides a list of statewide ballot measures that appeared before voters in 1912.
In the United States, a ballot measure is a law, issue, or question that appears on a statewide or local ballot for voters of that jurisdiction to decide.
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Historical Ballot Measure Factbooks
The inventory of statewide ballot measures is part of Ballotpedia's Historical Ballot Measure Factbooks, which document nearly 200 years of direct democracy in the United States. This ongoing research effort will provide an unparalleled resource for researchers, reporters, and voters on how ballot measures have evolved, the issues they've covered, and the role they have played in our civic life. Click here to access the state historical ballot measure factbooks.
List of ballot measures by state
Alabama
See also: Alabama 1912 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | County and municipal governance | The amendment proposed that the constitution be amended. The amendment proposed to authorize the legislature, by general or local laws, to fix, regulate or alter the costs, charges of courts, fees, commissions, allowances and salaries to be charged or received by any county officer of Jefferson county, including the method and basis of their compensation. |
| 62,417 (80%) | 15,886 (20%) |
Arizona
See also: Arizona 1912 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measure Nos. 101-102 | Recall process | Provide for the extension of the power to recall elected officials to include all public officers |
| 16,272 (81%) | 3,705 (19%) | |
| Measure Nos. 103-104 | Local government organization; Public economic investment policy | Grant the state and municipal corporations the right to engage in industrial pursuits |
| 14,928 (81%) | 3,602 (19%) | |
| Measure Nos. 105-106 | Taxes | Provide the method and mode of assessing, equalizing, and levying taxes to be set by law |
| 15,967 (87%) | 2,283 (13%) | |
| Measure Nos. 107-108 | Taxes; Property | Provide for the limitation of indebtedness to ten percent of taxable property and provide methods for larger amounts of indebtedness |
| 15,358 (85%) | 2,676 (15%) | |
| Measure Nos. 300-301 | Sex and gender issues; Women's suffrage | Provide women with the right to vote and hold public office |
| 13,442 (68%) | 6,202 (32%) | |
| Measure Nos. 302-303 | Tort law; Business regulations; Mineral resources | Create a lien on mines and mining claims for unpaid labor performed by miners or others and the cost of any materials designed or used |
| 13,551 (70%) | 5,804 (30%) | |
| Measure Nos. 304-305 | Railways; Business regulations | Require trains to be equipped with a minimum number of crew deemed necessary to operate |
| 11,123 (59%) | 7,635 (41%) | |
| Measure Nos. 306-307 | Railways; Business regulations | Require headlights on all locomotives |
| 11,286 (60%) | 7,408 (40%) | |
| Measure Nos. 308-309 | Railways; Business regulations | Require experience qualifications for train engineers and train conductors |
| 10,921 (59%) | 7,596 (41%) | |
| Measure Nos. 310-311 | Business regulations; Railways | Limit the number of cards in railroad trains |
| 10,709 (57%) | 8,228 (43%) | |
| Measure Nos. 312-313 | Business regulations; Railways | Prohibit railroad operators from charging passengers more than three cents per mile |
| 14,823 (75%) | 4,835 (25%) | |
| Measure Nos. 314-315 | Civil service | Provide semi-monthly pay to state employees |
| 13,350 (69%) | 5,986 (31%) | |
| Measure Nos. 316-317 | Hunting regulations | Require an annual license for game bird and animal hunting |
| 13,121 (67%) | 6,334 (33%) |
Arkansas
See also: Arkansas 1912 ballot measures
September 9
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Act 2 | Alcohol laws |  | ||
| Act 3 | Election administration and governance | | ||
| Act 4 | Public education governance; Public education funding | | ||
| Amendment 13 | Salaries of government officials |
| ||
| Amendment 14 | Recall process |
| ||
| Amendment 15 | Bond issues |
| ||
| Cotton Mill Tax Exemption Amendment | Agriculture policy; Taxes | The measure would have exempted capital investment in cotton mills from taxation. | | |
| Education Qualifications for Voting Amendment | Literacy, poll tax, and property voting requirements | The measure would have required certain education qualifications in order to vote. | |
California
See also: California 1912 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proposition 1 | Public education governance | Allow the legislature to determine how the state board of education is selected, allow the state board of education to select textbooks used in elementary schools, and provide such textbooks to students free of charge. |
| 343,443 (67%) | 171,486 (33%) | |
| Proposition 2 | Water irrigation policy; Bond issue requirements; Banking policy; Local government finance and taxes | Allow irrigation district bonds to be deposited in banks under the same conditions as state, county, and municipal funds |
| 307,199 (71%) | 128,411 (29%) | |
| Proposition 3 | Local government organization | Add registrar of voters and sealer of weights and measures to the list of officers of a county. | | 142,729 (37%) | 246,818 (63%) | |
| Proposition 4 | Local government organization | Require counties to have a registrar of voters office. | | 145,924 (36%) | 255,051 (64%) | |
| Proposition 5 | Salaries of government officials; Local government organization | Establish the pay of officers in third-class counties. | | 135,303 (35%) | 254,327 (65%) | |
| Proposition 6 | Local government organization | Establish standards for merging cities and/or counties, including a requirement that the proposed area has a combined population of at least 350,000. | | 174,076 (38%) | 280,465 (62%) | |
| Proposition 7 | Gambling policy | Allow for horse racing and certain forms of betting, establish a racing commission. and prohibit bookmaking and pool-selling. | | 149,864 (30%) | 353,070 (70%) | |
| Proposition 8 | Local government finance and taxes | Allow all counties, cities and counties, towns, districts, and townships to create taxes for local purposes and to determine how taxes are collected. | | 169,321 (41%) | 243,959 (59%) |
Colorado
See also: Colorado 1912 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measure 1 | Alcohol laws | Add the state-wide prohibition amendment. | | 75,877 (39%) | 116,774 (61%) | |
| Measure 10 | Election administration and governance | Provide for the official ballot and method of voting at elections, including penalties for violations and the repeal of inconsistent acts. | | 37,616 (49%) | 38,537 (51%) | |
| Measure 11 | Initiative and referendum process; Election administration and governance | Provide for special elections for voting on proposed constitutional amendments and initiated and referred laws | | 33,413 (45%) | 40,634 (55%) | |
| Measure 12 | Civil trials; Jury rules; Criminal trials | Define contempt of court and provide for trial by jury for contempt in certain cases | | 31,850 (43%) | 41,855 (57%) | |
| Measure 13 | Utility policy; State judiciary structure | Create a public utilities court. | | 27,534 (35%) | 51,820 (65%) | |
| Measure 14 | Election administration and governance; Initiative and referendum process | Provide for a headless ballot and amended election laws |
| 43,390 (52%) | 39,504 (48%) | |
| Measure 15 | Public education governance; Local government organization | Permit home-rule cities to govern their schools by charter provisions | | 38,318 (41%) | 55,691 (59%) | |
| Measure 16 | State judiciary structure | Provide the people the power to overrule or recall decisions made by the Supreme Court that declare laws unconstitutional, especially for the protection of children. |
| 55,416 (58%) | 40,891 (42%) | |
| Measure 17 | Family-related policy; Public assistance programs | Allow keeping dependent and neglected children in family homes and create workhouses for men convicted of non-support. |
| 82,337 (68%) | 37,870 (32%) | |
| Measure 18 | Civil service | Alter laws regarding civil service |
| 38,426 (52%) | 35,282 (48%) | |
| Measure 19 | Mineral resources; Working hours regulations | Provide for the regulation and limitation of the hours of employment in hazardous occupations such as underground mines, smelters, mills, and coke ovens |
| 52,525 (52%) | 48,777 (48%) | |
| Measure 2 | Law enforcement; Alcohol laws | Allow enforcement by search and seizure of laws prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors. | | 64,616 (45%) | 79,190 (55%) | |
| Measure 20 | Administrative organization; Public transportation | Provide for the creation of the State Highway Commission and the transfer of control of the Internal Improvement Permanent Fund and the Internal Improvement Income Fund to the Commission. | | 44,568 (50%) | 45,101 (50%) | |
| Measure 21 | Public education governance | Establish examinations for teachers. | | 25,369 (32%) | 54,086 (68%) | |
| Measure 22 | Water irrigation policy | Alter water rights related to irrigation | | 22,931 (33%) | 47,614 (67%) | |
| Measure 23 | Animal treatment laws; Agriculture policy | Ask voters to repeal or uphold Senate Bill 219 relating to the branding and marking of livestock. | | 37,387 (50%) | 37,740 (50%) | |
| Measure 24 | Administrative organization; Tax and revenue administration | Create a State Tax Commission in lieu of the State Board of Equalization | | 32,548 (45%) | 40,012 (55%) | |
| Measure 25 | Working hours regulations | Establish an eight-hour workday for laborers working in underground mines, smelters and coke ovens |
| 69,489 (69%) | 30,992 (31%) | |
| Measure 26 | Public education governance | Establish teachers' summer normal school districts. | | 23,521 (27%) | 63,266 (73%) | |
| Measure 27 | Salaries of government officials | Provide "that salaries of county, precinct and other officers need not be paid entirely from fees collected by said officers" | | 28,889 (41%) | 41,622 (59%) | |
| Measure 28 | Highways and bridges; Debt limits | Increase the limitation for county debts for highway and other purposes. | | 29,741 (39%) | 47,284 (61%) | |
| Measure 29 | Budget stabilization funds | Ask voters to repeal or uphold Senate Bill No. 459 relating to public funds | | 20,968 (32%) | 44,322 (68%) | |
| Measure 3 | Working hours regulations; Gender-based labor regulations; Sex and gender issues | Limit the hours of employment for women in certain occupations. |
| 108,959 (77%) | 32,019 (23%) | |
| Measure 30 | Mineral resources; Business regulations | Define mining and smelting as public interests | | 35,997 (49%) | 37,953 (51%) | |
| Measure 31 | Bond issues; Public transportation | Authorize a bonded indebtedness for the creation of a fund for the construction and improvement of public highways. | | 36,636 (41%) | 53,327 (59%) | |
| Measure 32 | Public transportation | Provide for the construction of a tunnel under and through the base of James Peak for public or semi-public use. | | 45,800 (33%) | 93,183 (67%) | |
| Measure 4 | Business regulations; Administrative organization | Establish a public service commission and regulate public service corporations through the Denver Trades and Labor Assembly Act. | | 30,347 (32%) | 64,138 (68%) | |
| Measure 5 | Administrative organization | Establish a state fair. | | 49,102 (48%) | 52,462 (52%) | |
| Measure 6 | Immigration policy; Law enforcement funding | Add a special fund for the state immigration bureau to the state constitution. | | 30,359 (36%) | 54,272 (64%) | |
| Measure 7 | Ballot measure process | Reduce the cost of publishing constitutional amendments, initiated and referred laws, and arguments for and against them. | | 39,551 (44%) | 50,635 (56%) | |
| Measure 8 | Local government organization | Provide home rule to cities and towns under the constitution. |
| 49,596 (53%) | 44,778 (47%) | |
| Measure 9 | Recall process | Amend the constitution to provide for recalling officials from office |
| 53,620 (58%) | 39,564 (42%) |
Florida
See also: Florida 1912 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Judge for Duval County Amendment | State judiciary structure; State judicial authority | Provide for an extra circuit court judge in Duval County, paid for by Duval County |
| 18,051 (86%) | 3,057 (14%) | |
| Special Tax School District Bonds Amendment | Public education funding; Bond issues | Allow for the issuance of bonds by special tax school districts and allow for the levy of taxes to pay for those bonds. |
| 16,348 (80%) | 4,014 (20%) |
Idaho
See also: Idaho 1912 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HJR 13 | State legislative structure; Redistricting policy |
| 33,992 (69%) | 14,978 (31%) | ||
| HJR 19 | Recall process |
| 37,875 (74%) | 13,469 (26%) | ||
| HJR 24 | Prison work regulations |
| 33,908 (65%) | 17,876 (35%) | ||
| HJR 30 | Administrative organization; Administrative powers and rulemaking; Public education governance |
| 33,045 (69%) | 14,796 (31%) | ||
| SJR 1 | County and municipal governance | The Idaho Make County Treasurer Ex-officio Tax Collector Amendment, also known as Senate Joint Resolution 1, was on the November 5, 1912 ballot in Idaho as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment, where it was approved. The measure was a two-part question that made the county treasurer the ex-officio tax collector. |
| |||
| SJR 12 | Initiative and referendum process | Create a process for veto referendums |
| 43,658 (76%) | 13,490 (24%) | |
| SJR 13 | Initiative and referendum process | Create a process for citizen-initiated state statutes |
| 38,918 (72%) | 15,195 (28%) | |
| SJR 16 | Bond issues; State and local government budgets, spending, and finance |
| 31,712 (64%) | 18,083 (36%) |
Illinois
See also: Illinois 1912 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Law Amendment | Elections and campaigns | This advisory measure proposed changes to the law regulating primary elections. |
| 524,171 (77%) | 158,531 (23%) | |
| Short Ballot Question | Elections and campaigns | This advisory measure called for a short ballot. A short ballot is one that limits the number of elective offices to those that are most important. |
| 508,780 (75%) | 165,270 (25%) | |
| Tax Amendment | Taxes | This advisory measure called for an amendment to the taxation provisions of the constitution. |
| 541,189 (77%) | 158,531 (23%) |
Kansas
See also: Kansas 1912 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women's Suffrage Amendment | Women's suffrage; Sex and gender issues | Provides for women's suffrage in state constitution |
| 175,246 (52%) | 159,197 (48%) |
Maine
See also: Maine 1912 ballot measures
September 9
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Question 1 | Election administration and governance | Provide for the use of uniform ballot boxes and for the preservation of ballots cast at elections |
| 72,816 (68%) | 33,884 (32%) | |
| Question 2 | Highways and bridges; Bond issues | Provide for the issuing of state bonds for the purposes of building and maintaining state highways |
| 80,619 (79%) | 21,454 (21%) |
Massachusetts
See also: Massachusetts 1912 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permit the Taxation of Wild and Forest Lands Amendment | Property taxes; Public land policy | Amend the constitution to permit the legislature to levy a tax on wild and forest lands to fund the development and conservation of forest resources |
| 200,819 (74%) | 70,923 (26%) | |
| Remove Voting Rights of Persons Convicted of Certain Election-Related Crimes Amendment | Voting rights for persons with criminal convictions | Amend the constitution to remove the voting rights of people convicted of election-related offenses |
| 208,492 (71%) | 85,689 (29%) |
Michigan
See also: Michigan 1912 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendments to City and Village Charters Amendment | Local government organization | Amend constitutional provisions relating to the amendment of city and village charters |
| 285,373 (67%) | 137,972 (33%) | |
| Women's Suffrage Amendment | Women's suffrage; Sex and gender issues | Provides for women's suffrage in state constitution | | 247,375 (50%) | 248,135 (50%) |
Minnesota
See also: Minnesota 1912 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Transportation; Taxes |
| 195,724 (79%) | 51,135 (21%) | |
| Amendment 2 | Taxes; Storm infrastructure; Agriculture policy; Insurance policy | | 145,173 (71%) | 60,439 (29%) | |
| Amendment 3 | Higher education funding; Public education funding; Property | | 168,440 (81%) | 39,483 (19%) | |
| Amendment 4 | County and municipal governance | | 157,086 (79%) | 41,971 (21%) | |
| Amendment 5 | Public education governance | | 167,983 (82%) | 36,584 (18%) | |
| Amendment 6 | State legislative structure | | 122,457 (61%) | 77,187 (39%) |
Mississippi
See also: Mississippi 1912 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initiative and Referendum Amendment | Initiative and referendum process | Establish an initiative and referendum process in Mississippi | | 25,153 (65%) | 13,383 (35%) |
Missouri
See also: Missouri 1912 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Public education governance; Early childhood education | Authorize the General Assembly to establish and maintain free public schools for children between five and six years old, and people over the age of twenty | | 207,298 (36%) | 367,032 (64%) | |
| Amendment 2 | Debt limits; Drinking water systems; Sewage and stormwater | Authorize an increase the debt limit for St. Louis county in order to construct sewer systems and waterworks | | 140,611 (26%) | 402,473 (74%) | |
| Amendment 3 | Property taxes; Public education funding; Local government finance and taxes | Allow cities with populations between 1,000 and 30,000 to increase the maximum property tax rate for school purposes and public buildings | | 121,794 (23%) | 401,918 (77%) | |
| Amendment 4 | Citizenship voting requirements; Election administration and governance | Require that foreign-born individuals must complete the full naturalization process and become U.S. citizens before being eligible to vote | | 172,140 (31%) | 378,263 (69%) | |
| Amendment 5 | Voter registration | Authorize the General Assembly to enact legislation requiring voter registration for residents of St. Louis County and counties with over 50,000 inhabitants that border a city with more than 300,000 inhabitants | | 151,694 (28%) | 385,698 (72%) | |
| Amendment 6 | Property tax exemptions; Tax and revenue administration; Property taxes; Revenue and spending limits | Authorize land, inheritance, and utility taxes, exempt personal property, abolish poll and occupation taxes, and remove tax limits | | 86,647 (15%) | 508,137 (85%) | |
| Amendment 7 | State executive branch structure; Administrative organization | Terminate the current State Board of Equalization, and establish a State tax commission that is appointed by the Governor | | 96,911 (17%) | 475,151 (83%) | |
| Amendment 8 | Law enforcement officers and departments; Election administration and governance | Authorize grand juries to investigate elections by accessing voting materials, setting standards for election officials, requiring police presence at polling places in certain cities, and regulating voting procedures | | 197,643 (36%) | 348,495 (64%) | |
| Amendment 9 | Property taxes; Public education funding | Enact a state tax of $0.10 per $100 assessed valuation to fund public elementary and high schools, state normal schools, Lincoln Institute, and the State University | | 154,952 (28%) | 401,843 (72%) |
Montana
See also: Montana 1912 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I 302-303 | Elections and campaigns |
| 46,473 (78%) | 12,879 (22%) | |
| I 304-305 | Elections and campaigns |
| 44,337 (76%) | 13,645 (24%) | |
| I 306-307 | Elections and campaigns |
| 45,620 (79%) | 12,442 (21%) | |
| I 308-309 | Elections and campaigns |
| 46,241 (79%) | 12,144 (21%) | |
| IR 300-301 | State National Guard and militia | | 21,195 (34%) | 41,749 (66%) | |
| Referendum 1 | Healthcare facility funding; Bond issues |
| 34,235 (53%) | 30,461 (47%) |
Nebraska
See also: Nebraska 1912 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Initiative and referendum process | Authorizes the use of the initiative and referendum process |
| 189,200 (93%) | 15,315 (7%) | |
| Amendment 2 | State legislative term limits; Salaries of government officials | Set the term of office and salary for members of the legislature in the constitution. |
| 173,225 (87%) | 26,355 (13%) | |
| Amendment 3 | State executive branch structure | Create a Board of Commissioners for State Institutions. |
| 174,939 (87%) | 25,439 (13%) | |
| Amendment 4 | Election administration and governance | Provide that a general election be held every two years. |
| 174,151 (87%) | 25,048 (13%) | |
| Amendment 5 | Local government organization | Allow cities with more than 5,000 inhabitants to establish their own city charter. |
| 164,579 (84%) | 32,041 (16%) |
Nevada
See also: Nevada 1912 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Question 1 | Ballot measure process; Initiative and referendum process | Establish initiative and referendum powers for Nevada voters, allowing them to propose laws or constitutional amendments and approve or reject legislation at the polls. |
| 9,956 (91%) | 1,027 (9%) | |
| Question 2 | Recall process | Allow voters to recall public officers after six months in office through a petition signed by at least 25% of voters. |
| 9,636 (89%) | 1,173 (11%) | |
| Question 3 | Higher education funding; Revenue allocation | Allocate proceeds from public lands, escheated estates, fines, and other sources exclusively for educational purposes, including support for the state university. |
| 8,418 (83%) | 1,683 (17%) | |
| Question 4 | Jury rules; Criminal trials | Allow prosecutions for capital or infamous crimes by grand jury indictment or by information filed by the attorney-general or district attorney. |
| 8,259 (85%) | 1,504 (15%) | |
| Question 5 | Sex and gender issues | Allow women over 21 who met residency requirements to serve as school superintendents, trustees, and notaries. |
| 8,603 (79%) | 2,241 (21%) |
New Hampshire
See also: New Hampshire 1912 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Question 1 | State legislatures measures | It proposed to increase the size of the Senate and to create districts based on population.Note: Although this measure gathered more "yes" votes, it did not pass because New Hampshire requires that an amendment receive greater than two-thirds of the vote to be approved. | | 19,443 (58%) | 13,931 (42%) | |
| Question 10 | Criminal trials | It proposed that police be given power to try criminal cases that could not result in imprisonment in the state prison. |
| 18,606 (69%) | 8,291 (31%) | |
| Question 11 | Redistricting policy | It proposed that when dividing the state into councilor districts population be taken into consideration. |
| 19,196 (74%) | 6,901 (26%) | |
| Question 12 | State executive official measures | It proposed that the governor have the power to approve or disapprove items in an appropriation bill.Note: Although this measure gathered more "yes" votes, it did not pass because New Hampshire requires that an amendment receive greater than two-thirds of the vote to be approved. | | 17,942 (66%) | 9,325 (34%) | |
| Question 2 | State legislatures measures | It proposed a plan for the apportionment of the House of Representatives.Note: Although this measure gathered more "yes" votes, it did not pass because New Hampshire requires that an amendment receive greater than two-thirds of the vote to be approved. | | 21,399 (66%) | 10,952 (34%) | |
| Question 3 | Taxes | It proposed to allow the levying of taxes on a number of items and activities.Note: Although this measure gathered more "yes" votes, it did not pass because New Hampshire requires that an amendment receive greater than two-thirds of the vote to be approved. | | 23,108 (65%) | 12,636 (35%) | |
| Question 4 | Taxes | It proposed an inheritance tax that was graduated and based upon the degree of relationship between the parties.Note: Although this measure gathered more "yes" votes, it did not pass because New Hampshire requires that an amendment receive greater than two-thirds of the vote to be approved. | | 18,432 (66%) | 9,699 (34%) | |
| Question 5 | Taxes | It proposed an income tax be paid by voluntary associations and public service corporations.Note: Although this measure gathered more "yes" votes, it did not pass because New Hampshire requires that an amendment receive greater than two-thirds of the vote to be approved. | | 19,200 (65%) | 10,151 (35%) | |
| Question 6 | Constitutional wording changes | It proposed to remove the words "rightly grounded on evangelical principles" and the word "Protestant" from the Bill of Rights.Note: Although this measure gathered more "yes" votes, it did not pass because New Hampshire requires that an amendment receive greater than two-thirds of the vote to be approved. | | 16,555 (54%) | 14,315 (46%) | |
| Question 7 | Elections and campaigns | It proposed to deny the right to vote to those convicted of certain crimes. |
| 22,383 (73%) | 8,322 (27%) | |
| Question 8 | Elections and campaigns | It proposed to use a plurality rather than a majority of the vote as the standard for electing the governor, councilors and senators. |
| 21,120 (68%) | 9,801 (32%) | |
| Question 9 | Public employee retirement funds | It proposed to remove the provision that pensions be granted for only one year at a time.Note: Although this measure gathered more "yes" votes, it did not pass because New Hampshire requires that an amendment receive greater than two-thirds of the vote to be approved. | | 16,708 (59%) | 11,440 (41%) |
North Dakota
See also: North Dakota 1912 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acquiring School Lands Referendum | Higher education funding; Public education funding |
| 47,717 (68%) | 22,871 (32%) | |
| State Ownership of Grain Elevators Amendment | Agriculture policy |
| 56,488 (75%) | 18,864 (25%) | |
| Supreme Court Term Limits Amendment | Judicial term limits | | 27,892 (40%) | 42,415 (60%) |
Ohio
See also: Ohio 1912 ballot measures
September 3
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abolition of Justice of the Peace in Certain Cities Amendment | State judiciary | Abolish the position of justice of the peace for certain cities |
| 264,832 (51%) | 252,936 (49%) | |
| Abolition of Prison Contract Labor Amendment | Prison work regulations | Abolish prison contract labor |
| 333,034 (61%) | 215,208 (39%) | |
| Abolition of the Death Penalty Amendment | Death penalty | Abolish the death penalty | | 258,706 (46%) | 303,246 (54%) | |
| Additional Removal Process for Officials Accused of Misconduct or Moral Turpitude Amendment | State judicial authority; Ethics rules and commissions | Require the legislature to pass laws allowing for the prompt removal of public officials following a complaint and hearing for misconduct or other legal causes |
| 347,333 (65%) | 185,986 (35%) | |
| Allow Lawsuits Against the State Amendment | Civil trials | Provide that individuals can civil suit against the state |
| 306,764 (59%) | 216,634 (41%) | |
| Bond Limits for Inter-County Roads Amendment | Transportation; Bond issues | Raise the bond debt limit for inter-county roads | | 272,564 (50%) | 274,582 (50%) | |
| Common Pleas Judges Amendment | State judiciary | Establish a common pleas judge for each county |
| 301,891 (57%) | 223,287 (43%) | |
| Depositions and Commentary in Criminal Trials Amendment | Civil and criminal trials; State judiciary | Allow depositions in criminal trials and allow commentary on a defendant's failure to testify in their trial |
| 291,717 (56%) | 227,547 (44%) | |
| Eight-Hour Workday for Public Works Amendment | Working hours regulations | Establish an eight-hour work day for public works employees |
| 333,308 (59%) | 232,899 (41%) | |
| Elimination of the Board of Public Works Amendment | Administrative organization | Eliminate the board of public works |
| 296,635 (58%) | 214,829 (42%) | |
| Holding of Office by Women Amendment | Sex and gender issues; Elections and campaigns | Allow women to hold certain offices | | 261,806 (48%) | 284,370 (52%) | |
| Initiative and Referendum Process Amendment | Initiative and referendum process | Create an initiative and referendum process |
| 312,592 (57%) | 231,312 (43%) | |
| Insurance Regulations Amendment | Business regulations; Insurance policy | Establish regulations on insurance |
| 321,388 (62%) | 196,628 (38%) | |
| Investigations into Houses of the General Assembly Amendment | State legislatures measures | Allow each house of the general assembly to provide for its own investigations |
| 348,779 (67%) | 175,337 (33%) | |
| Jury Requirements for Civil Verdicts Amendment | State judiciary; Civil and criminal trials | Require a 3/4 majority of a jury for civil verdicts |
| 345,686 (63%) | 203,953 (37%) | |
| Licensing of Liquor Traffic Amendment | Business regulations; Alcohol laws | Establish licenses for the trafficking of liquor |
| 273,361 (59%) | 188,825 (41%) | |
| Liens for Mechanics and Builders' Payments Amendment | Tort law; Business regulations | Allow liens to be placed on property so that mechanics and builders get paid |
| 278,582 (53%) | 242,385 (47%) | |
| Limits on Contempt Hearings and Injunctions for Labor Cases Amendment | State judiciary; Civil and criminal trials | Establish limits on contempt hearings and injunctions in labor cases | | 240,896 (48%) | 257,302 (52%) | |
| Limits on Wrongful Death Damages Amendment | Tort law | Prohibit limitations on wrongful death damages |
| 355,605 (65%) | 195,216 (35%) | |
| Lower Legislative Veto Override Threshold Amendment | State legislative vote requirements | Lower the threshold for overriding a governor's veto from a two-thirds (66.67%) vote to a three-fifths (60%) vote of all legislators in each house |
| 282,412 (53%) | 254,186 (47%) | |
| Municipal Home Rule Amendment | County and municipal governance | Allow for municipal home rule |
| 301,861 (58%) | 215,120 (42%) | |
| Organization of Boards of Education Amendment | Education; Administration of government | Establish organization for boards of education |
| 298,460 (58%) | 213,337 (42%) | |
| Primary Election and Delegate Selection Requirements Amendment | Elections and campaigns; Primary election systems | Require primary elections for certain state and local offices |
| 349,801 (66%) | 183,112 (34%) | |
| Promotion of Natural Resources Conservation Amendment | Environment; Mineral resources | Promote the conservation of natural resources |
| 318,192 (62%) | 191,893 (38%) | |
| Purposes for Special Sessions of the General Assembly Amendment | State legislatures measures | Allow the governor to limit the acceptable purposes for special sessions of the General Assembly |
| 319,100 (62%) | 192,130 (38%) | |
| Registration and Warranties for Land Titles Amendment | Property | Establish land title registration and warranties |
| 346,373 (67%) | 171,807 (33%) | |
| Regulations on Corporations and the Sale of Personal Property Amendment | Property; Business regulations | Establish regulations on corporations and the sale of personal property |
| 300,466 (59%) | 212,704 (41%) | |
| Regulations on Expert Testimony in Criminal Cases Amendment | Civil and criminal trials; State judiciary | Establish regulations on expert testimony in criminal cases |
| 336,987 (65%) | 185,458 (35%) | |
| Regulations on Outdoor Advertising Amendment | Business regulations | Establish regulations on outdoor advertising | | 261,361 (50%) | 262,440 (50%) | |
| Remove White Racial Qualification from Voter Requirements Amendment | Race and suffrage | Remove the word "white" from voter qualifications | | 242,735 (48%) | 265,693 (52%) | |
| Reorganization of the State Court System Amendment | State judiciary | Reorganize the state court system |
| 264,922 (52%) | 244,375 (48%) | |
| Schedule of When Amendments Take Effect Amendment | Constitutional wording changes | Establish a schedule of when various constitutional amendments take effect |
| 275,062 (56%) | 213,979 (44%) | |
| Simple Majority Vote for Constitutional Amendments Measure | Ballot measure supermajority requirements; Ballot measure process; Initiative and referendum process | Establish procedures for revising the state constitution |
| 271,827 (52%) | 246,687 (48%) | |
| State and Local Civil Service Appointments and Promotions Amendment | Administration of government; Civil service | Provide that state and local civil service appointments and promotions must be based on merit, fitness, and competitive examinations |
| 306,767 (60%) | 204,580 (40%) | |
| State Printing Amendment | State legislatures measures; Business regulations | Establish regulations on printing of state items |
| 319,612 (62%) | 192,378 (38%) | |
| Stockholder Liability and Inspections of Private Banks Amendment | Banking policy; Business regulations | Remove double liability for stockholders and provide for the inspection of private banks |
| 377,272 (71%) | 156,688 (29%) | |
| Superintendent of Public Instruction Amendment | Education; Administration of government | Replace the Commissioner of Common Schools with the Superintendent of Public Instruction |
| 256,615 (50%) | 251,946 (50%) | |
| Taxation and Bond Provisions Amendment | Bond issues; Taxes | Make several changes to tax and bond provisions of the Ohio Constitution |
| 269,039 (52%) | 249,864 (48%) | |
| Voting Machine Use Amendment | Elections and campaigns | Allow the use of voting machines for elections | | 242,342 (46%) | 288,652 (54%) | |
| Women's Suffrage Amendment | Women's suffrage; Sex and gender issues | Provide for women's suffrage in the state constitution | | 249,420 (43%) | 336,875 (57%) | |
| Worker Labor and Wage Laws Amendment | Working hours regulations; State legislative authority; Minimum wage laws | Establish laws relating to the welfare of employees, including provisions relating to minimum wage and work hours |
| 353,588 (65%) | 189,728 (35%) | |
| Workers' Compensation System Amendment | Workers' compensation laws | Establish a workers' compensation system |
| 321,558 (60%) | 211,772 (40%) |
Oklahoma
See also: Oklahoma 1912 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Question 38 | Administration of government | Change the qualifications, duties, and selection process for members of the Board of Agriculture. |
| 164,530 (72%) | 63,586 (28%) | |
| State Question 40 | State capitals | Locate the State Capitol in Guthrie. | | 86,549 (46%) | 103,106 (54%) | |
| State Question 45 | Taxes; Education | Authorize the legislature to levy taxes to fund public schools for at least five months each year. | | 100,042 (60%) | 65,436 (40%) |
August 6
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Question 41 | Elections and campaigns | Select United States Senators by direct vote. |
| 139,844 (86%) | 23,400 (14%) |
Oregon
See also: Oregon 1912 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measure Nos. 300-301 | Women's suffrage; Sex and gender issues | Provides for women's suffrage in state constitution |
| 61,265 (52%) | 57,104 (48%) | |
| Measure Nos. 302-303 | State executive official measures | Create the office of Lieutenant Governor and provide a line of succession to the governorship. | | 50,562 (45%) | 61,644 (55%) | |
| Measure Nos. 304-305 | Taxes | Provide for a uniform taxation, except on property, and collect taxes for county and municipal purposes as distinct from state purposes. | | 51,582 (48%) | 56,671 (52%) | |
| Measure Nos. 306-307 | Property; Taxes | Permit different tax rates for different classes of property and provide that taxation must be uniform within each separate class. | | 52,045 (49%) | 54,483 (51%) | |
| Measure Nos. 308-309 | Taxes | Repeal counties' ability regulate taxation and prohibit the legislature from declaring an emergency in tax regulation. |
| 63,881 (58%) | 47,150 (42%) | |
| Measure Nos. 310-311 | Initiative and referendum process; Ballot measure process; Ballot measure supermajority requirements | Require constitutional amendments to receive a majority of all votes cast, not just those for the measure. | | 32,934 (32%) | 70,325 (68%) | |
| Measure Nos. 312-313 | Banking policy | Hold stockholders liable to pay depositors an amount equal to their held stock and what they originally paid for the stock. |
| 82,981 (79%) | 21,738 (21%) | |
| Measure Nos. 314-315 | Business regulations | Grant the Railroad Commission power and jurisdiction to supervise and regulate every public service corporation and utility in Oregon. |
| 65,985 (62%) | 40,956 (38%) | |
| Measure Nos. 318-319 | County and municipal governance | Create a new county, named Cascade County | | 26,463 (27%) | 71,239 (73%) | |
| Measure Nos. 320-321 | Property taxes; Higher education funding | Create a Board of Regents to govern the University of Oregon and the State Agricultural College | | 48,701 (46%) | 57,279 (54%) | |
| Measure Nos. 322-323 | Ballot measure supermajority requirements; Initiative and referendum process | Require a ballot initiative to receive a majority of all votes cast in an election, rather than a majority of votes specifically for the initiative | | 35,721 (34%) | 68,861 (66%) | |
| Measure Nos. 324-325 | Bond issues; Transportation | Allow counties to issue bonds for the construction of permanent roads | | 49,699 (47%) | 56,713 (53%) | |
| Measure Nos. 326-327 | Administration of government; Transportation | Create a State Highway Department with a $12,000 budget and appoint a State Highway Engineer with a $3,600 salary. | | 23,872 (22%) | 83,846 (78%) | |
| Measure Nos. 328-329 | Salaries of government officials; Administration of government | Move the effective date of the creation of the State Printing Board to December 1, 1912 and fix the salary of the State Printer at $4,000 and the Secretary of the Board at $2,000. | | 34,793 (33%) | 69,542 (67%) | |
| Measure Nos. 330-331 | Administration of government; Business regulations | Create the Office of Hotel Inspector and provide for their duties and salary. | | 16,910 (16%) | 91,995 (84%) | |
| Measure Nos. 332-333 | Working hours regulations | Require laborers employed by the state, county, school district, or municipality to work no more than an eight-hour day. |
| 64,508 (57%) | 48,078 (43%) | |
| Measure Nos. 334-335 | Business regulations | Regulate corporations selling corporate stocks and securities to protect stocks purchasers and establish a corporation department. | | 48,765 (46%) | 57,293 (54%) | |
| Measure Nos. 336-337 | Prison work regulations | Prohibit private firms from employing state prisoners, except for public projects. |
| 73,800 (66%) | 37,492 (34%) | |
| Measure Nos. 338-339 | Prison work regulations | Prohibit private firms from employing county, city, or town prisoners, except for public projects. |
| 71,367 (65%) | 37,731 (35%) | |
| Measure Nos. 340-341 | Administration of government; Transportation; Bond issues | Create the State Road Board, authorize bond sales to build public roads, and create the office of State Highway Commissioner. | | 30,897 (29%) | 75,590 (71%) | |
| Measure Nos. 342-343 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance | Prohibit the state from increasing its indebtedness for road building in excess of 2% of the taxable property of the state. |
| 59,452 (58%) | 43,447 (42%) | |
| Measure Nos. 344-345 | Bond issues | Authorize counties to issue twenty-year bonds for road construction and county courts to levy taxes to pay bond interest. | | 43,611 (42%) | 60,210 (58%) | |
| Measure Nos. 346-347 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance | Prohibit counties from increasing their indebtedness for road building in excess of 2% of the taxable property within the county. |
| 57,258 (57%) | 43,858 (43%) | |
| Measure Nos. 348-349 | County and municipal governance | Provide methods for the creation and organization of new counties and municipalities | | 40,199 (41%) | 56,992 (59%) | |
| Measure Nos. 350-351 | Income taxes | Implement a graduated income tax. | | 52,702 (50%) | 52,948 (50%) | |
| Measure Nos. 352-353 | Property tax exemptions | Exempt household furniture, domestic fixtures, and household goods in use at home, clothing, watches, jewelry, and similar personal objects from taxation |
| 60,357 (54%) | 51,826 (46%) | |
| Measure Nos. 354-355 | Taxes | Exempt all debts, public stocks and securities, bonds, and warrants and moneys due to the state from taxation. | | 42,491 (39%) | 66,540 (61%) | |
| Measure Nos. 356-357 | Taxes | Revise state inheritance tax laws, reclassify rates, and transfer administrative authority to the State Tax Commission. | | 38,609 (38%) | 63,839 (62%) | |
| Measure Nos. 358-359 | Transportation; Business regulations | Regulate freight rates on carload type and weight |
| 58,306 (56%) | 45,534 (44%) | |
| Measure Nos. 360-361 | Bond issues; Transportation; County and municipal governance | Authorize county courts to issue and sell bonds to build and maintain roads within the county with voter approval. | | 38,568 (38%) | 63,481 (62%) | |
| Measure Nos. 362-363 | Proportional representation; State legislative structure; State legislative term limits | Create a 60-member unicameral legislature with proportional representation | | 31,020 (30%) | 71,183 (70%) | |
| Measure Nos. 364-365 | Taxes; Property | Implement graduated taxes for franchises, lands, and other natural resources exceeding $10,000 and exempt personal property. | | 31,534 (28%) | 82,015 (72%) | |
| Measure Nos. 366-367 | Death penalty | Abolish the death penalty in Oregon. | | 41,951 (39%) | 64,578 (61%) | |
| Measure Nos. 368-369 | Labor disputes and strikes | Prohibit boycotting or picketing any industry, workshop, store, business, or factory. | | 49,826 (45%) | 60,560 (55%) | |
| Measure Nos. 370-371 | Property | Prohibit public speech gatherings in cities or towns on public streets, parks, or lands without a written permit from the mayor. | | 48,987 (44%) | 62,532 (56%) | |
| Measure Nos. 372-373 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance | Appropriate $175,000 to build an administration building for the University of Oregon and $153,259 for repairs and improvements. | | 29,437 (27%) | 78,985 (73%) | |
| Measure Nos. 374-375 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance | Appropriate $175,000 to construct and furnish a modern fire-proof library and museum at the University of Oregon. | | 27,310 (26%) | 79,376 (74%) |
South Dakota
See also: South Dakota 1912 ballot measures
November 4
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Business taxes | Establish uniform taxation of corporations |
| 70,686 (69%) | 31,110 (31%) | |
| Measure 1 | Primary election systems | Establish regulation of political party transactions |
| 58,139 (64%) | 33,256 (36%) | |
| Measure 2 | Business regulations; Railways | Require headlights on locomotives |
| 93,136 (82%) | 20,523 (18%) | |
| Measure 3 | Tort law; Animal treatment laws | Require damages for trespass of animals |
| 56,782 (65%) | 30,643 (35%) | |
| Measure 4 | Local government officials and elections | Establish a process for removing county seats |
| 49,373 (64%) | 27,179 (36%) |
Texas
See also: Texas 1912 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proposition 1 | Education; Administration of government | Authorize the legislature to set six-year staggered terms for the state university's board of regents, trustees and managers |
| 108,230 (71%) | 43,670 (29%) | |
| Proposition 2 | Veterans policy | Authorize aid for Confederate veterans and their wives or widows if they became residents of Texas and were married prior to January 1st, 1900. |
| 135,864 (76%) | 41,875 (24%) | |
| Proposition 3 | County and municipal governance | Allow cities with a population over 5,000 to amend charters by local vote instead of legislative action, with changes restricted to once every two years |
| 119,997 (74%) | 43,088 (26%) | |
| Proposition 4 | Administrative organization; Corrections governance | Establish six-year terms for members of the Board of Prison Commissioners |
| 90,519 (56%) | 70,093 (44%) |
Utah
See also: Utah 1912 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Salaries of government officials | Increase the state legislators' salary | | 6,056 (17%) | 30,113 (83%) | |
| Amendment 2 | Local government finance and taxes; Debt limits | Increase the debt limits for large cities | | 9,122 (27%) | 25,004 (73%) | |
| Amendment 3 | Local government organization | Permit the legislature to form new counties in the state and place precinct and school district boundaries into the constitution | | 12,966 (37%) | 22,132 (63%) | |
| Amendment 4 | Tax and revenue administration; State executive powers and duties | Require the Treasurer to work under the supervision of the Board of Examiners | | 13,041 (38%) | 21,150 (62%) | |
| Amendment 5 | Debt limits | Remove the requirement that public debt be paid off within 20 years of accrual | | 6,415 (20%) | 25,684 (80%) | |
| Amendment 6 | State executive branch structure; Tax and revenue administration | Change the powers and responsibilities of the Board of Equalization | | 6,944 (22%) | 24,963 (78%) | |
| Amendment 7 | Property taxes | Change the method of assessing property value for taxes | | 6,093 (19%) | 25,737 (81%) | |
| Amendment 8 | Mineral resources; Fossil fuel energy; Severance taxes | Tax coal, hydrocarbons, and stone mines in the same way as metal mines | | 8,919 (28%) | 23,440 (72%) |
Washington
See also: Washington 1912 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initiative and Referendum Process Amendment | Initiative and referendum process | Establish a statewide initiative and referendum process in Washington |
| 110,110 (71%) | 43,905 (29%) | |
| Recall Elections Process Amendment | Recall process | Provide for the recall of elected public officials and the election of a successor |
| 112,321 (71%) | 46,372 (29%) | |
| Remove County Official Term Limits Amendment | Local official term limits | Remove two term limit for county officers except the county treasurer | | 67,717 (45%) | 83,138 (55%) | |
| Repeal Provision on When Laws Take Effect Amendment | State legislative authority; State legislative processes and sessions | Repeal constitutional language requiring new laws to take effect 90 days after the legislative session's adjournment |
| 79,940 (62%) | 47,978 (38%) |
Wisconsin
See also: Wisconsin 1912 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Question 1 | State and local government budgets, spending, and finance; County and municipal governance | Extend the time cities and counties must repay debt for land from 20 to 50 years |
| 46,420 (57%) | 35,022 (43%) | |
| Question 2 | Public land policy | Allow the state and cities to acquire land for public purposes |
| 48,425 (59%) | 33,885 (41%) | |
| Question 3 | State judiciary | Allow the legislature to determine the pay periods of judges on the supreme and circuit courts |
| 44,861 (56%) | 34,886 (44%) | |
| Question 4 | Women's suffrage; Sex and gender issues | Provide for women's suffrage in state statute | | 135,736 (37%) | 227,054 (63%) |
Wyoming
See also: Wyoming 1912 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Initiative and referendum process | Establish an initiative and referendum process in Wyoming | | 20,579 (86%) | 3,446 (14%) |
Other years
Click on a year in the following table to view that year’s state ballot measures.
See also
State & Local Ballot Measures
Ballotpedia
Campaigns
- • Campaign finance
- • Endorsements
- • Polls
Footnotes
