How do initiatives get on the ballot?
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Question: How do initiatives get on the ballot?
Answer: Initiatives get on the ballot when proponents of a proposed law or constitutional amendment gather the required number of signatures from registered voters to bring the issue to a public vote.
Details and context: Citizens can petition to place initiatives on the statewide ballot in 24 states. Depending on the state, citizens may use initiatives to propose statutes or constitutional amendments. Statewide initiatives may be direct or indirect. Direct initiatives are placed on the ballot directly after signature petitions are certified. Indirect initiatives must go before the state legislature following signature verification, and the legislature may choose to either enact the initiative or send the issue to the ballot.
Proponents of ordinances or charter amendments can also collect signatures to put local initiatives on the ballot in certain cities, counties, districts, and other local jurisdictions throughout the country.
The process of getting an initiative on the ballot varies by state, and there is no federal law that addresses the state initiative process. While each state requires people to collect signatures, the number of signatures, geographic distribution of signatures, and collection timeframe vary. Clicking on states embedded in the map below will provide information on the initiative process in that state.
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