Ballotpedia Coffee Club: Direct Democracy
Direct Democracy
Direct Democracy, or the ability for citizens to vote directly on policy initiatives, comes in several forms. This month, let's chat about one form—ballot measures.
Ballot measures are laws, issues, or questions brought directly to the voters. At some point in U.S. history, every state has had the chance to vote on a ballot measure. Today, in 26 states citizens can collect signatures to get a measure on the ballot. In 49 states, voters must approve state constitution changes through this form of Direct Democracy.
Ballot measures cover controversial topics, such as abortion, firearms, immigration, to less common issues including special taxes on dogs (Ohio, 1875) to Sunday sporting events (Massachusetts, 1928) to dueling (Kentucky, 2010). In recent years, ballot measures have become a popular tool for those wanting to expand marijuana legalization, Medicaid, voting rights for felons, among other topics. Taxes are a common topic for ballot measures as well.
So far this year, 115 statewide measures will be on the ballot. Voters have already weighed in on eight of those measures.
A few notable topics will be on November ballot measures, including,
- Marijuana legalization in Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota
- Redistricting and other election policy changes in Missouri, New Jersey, North Dakota, and Virginia
- Police and policing policy on local ballots throughout California, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington
