Ballot measure campaign finance, 2011

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2011 U.S. State
Ballot Measures
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In 2011, 15 measures raised a total of $88.5 million in contributions. In general, initiatives are the most prominent type of measure in odd-numbered years, and 2011 was no exception. Initiatives accounted for 99 percent of 2011's ballot measure contributions.

HIGHLIGHTS
  • Ohio and Washington came in first and second as the states with the highest amount of contributions. These states were also home to the highest funded individual measures.
  • Judicial reform and alcohol accounted for $76.1 million, all of which was concentrated in Ohio and Washington.
  • Initiatives received about $87.9 million, or 99 percent, of all 2011 contributions.
  • Overview

    Main article: 2011 ballot measures

    Thirty-four ballot questions were certified for a post on six statewide ballots in 2011. Since 1970, odd-numbered years have seen an average of 46 ballot questions nationwide. Only 15 measures had campaign finance activity, bringing the total for ballot measure contributions to $88.5 million.

    Judicial reform and alcohol-related measures raised 89 percent of contributions for the year, although taxes ranked as the most popular issue with a total of eight measures. The same was true for 2009, which saw eight tax-related measures as well.

    Contributions

    Main article: 2011 ballot measure campaign contributions

    A total of about $88.5 million was raised from support and opposition campaigns in 2011.


    Total contributions to ballot measures by state

    Top 5

    Top 5 states

    1. $41.5 million - Ohio
    2. $38.1 million - Washington
    3. $2.7 million - Maine
    4. $2.5 million - Mississippi
    5. $623,308 - Colorado

    Top 5 measures

    1. $41.3 million - Ohio Issue 2
    2. $34.9 million - Washington I-1183
    3. $3.9 million - Washington I-1125
    4. $1.86 million - Mississippi Initiative 26
    5. $1.85 million - Washington I-1163

    Contributions by topic of measure

    Five topics accounted for $86 million, or about 98 percent, of contributions: judicial reform, alcohol, taxes, abortion and gambling.

    The top two topics—judicial reform and alcohol—only covered two ballot measures (one in Ohio and the other in Washington). The two measures combined made up 86 percent of the year's contributions.

    Contributions by type of measure

    Of the five measures in 2011 with the highest donations, four were citizen initiatives and one was a veto referendum.

    Initiatives, including veto referendums, received about $87.9 million, or 99 percent, of all 2011 contributions.

    See also

    Footnotes