List of Utah ballot measures
This page provides a list of ballot measures that have appeared on the statewide ballot in Utah.
- The list is comprehensive for state ballot measures since 1985, the year Utah became a state.
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. Utah is one of 26 states that provides for citizen-initiated ballot measures. In 1900, Utah became the second state to approve a constitutional amendment establishing an initiative and referendum process.
Utahns have voted on 220 ballot measures between 1895 and 2025. Of those, 140 (63.6%) were approved and 80 (36.4%) were defeated.
During that period, the Utah State Legislature referred 192 measures to the ballot—nearly seven times the number of citizen-initiated measures, which totaled 28. Legislatively referred measures passed 69.3% of the time, compared to a 25.0% approval rate for initiatives placed on the ballot by citizens.
- HBM Factbook
- List of ballot measures by year
- Types of ballot measures
Historical Ballot Measure Factbook
- See also: Utah Historical Ballot Measure Factbook
The inventory of Utah 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 Utah Historical Ballot Measures Factbook.
The average number of ballot measures per decade was nearly 16, with an average approval rate of 60.2%. The 1980s saw the highest number of measures, with 24 on the ballot—15 (62.5%) were approved and 9 (37.5%) were defeated. The highest approval rate occurred in the 1940s, when voters approved 12 out of 14 measures (85.7%). The lowest approval rate was in the 1890s, which featured six measures—only one (16.7%) was approved, while five (83.3%) were defeated.
List of ballot measures by year
Measures are listed in reverse-chronological order, with the most recent and upcoming elections appearing first. Tables include brief summaries, relevant topics, and the election results for each measure.
2026
See also: Utah 2026 ballot measures
November 3
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60% Vote Requirement for Ballot Initiatives to Increase or Expand Taxes Amendment | Ballot measure supermajority requirements; Initiative and referendum process | Require a supermajority requirement of 60% by voters for citizen-initiated ballot measures that create new taxes, increase existing tax rates, or for a property tax | ||
| Publication Requirements for Constitutional Amendments Measure | Ballot measure process | Require that constitutional amendments appearing on the ballot must be published for a period of 60 days |
2024
See also: Utah 2024 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment B | Public education funding | Raise the annual distribution limit from the State School Fund for public education from 4% to 5% | 1,004,901 (71%) | 402,865 (29%) | ||
| Amendment C | Law enforcement officers and departments; Local government officials and elections | Establish in the state constitution that every county shall elect a sheriff to serve for four-year terms | 1,165,753 (83%) | 244,196 (17%) |
2022
See also: Utah 2022 ballot measures
November 8
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Amendment A | State legislative processes and sessions; Revenue and spending limits | Increase emergency session appropriation limit and exempt federal emergency funding and spending cuts from the limit | 356,882 (36%) | 625,367 (64%) |
2020
See also: Utah 2020 ballot measures
November 3
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Amendment A | Constitutional wording changes | Makes language in the state constitution gender-neutral | 828,629 (58%) | 607,829 (42%) | ||
| Constitutional Amendment B | State legislative elections | Specifies that qualifications of a legislator apply as of the time of election or appointment (rather than the time a legislator assumes office) | 1,114,795 (80%) | 276,897 (20%) | ||
| Constitutional Amendment C | Constitutional wording changes | Repeals a constitutional exception on the ban of slavery that allowed for slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime | 1,138,974 (80%) | 276,171 (20%) | ||
| Constitutional Amendment D | Drinking water systems; Utility policy; Local government organization | Specifies the circumstances under which a municipality may commit water resources or supply water outside its boundary or exchange water resources and revise provisions surrounding municipal water rights | 827,596 (61%) | 525,985 (39%) | ||
| Constitutional Amendment E | Right to hunt and fish; Constitutional rights | Provide for a state constitutional right to hunt and to fish | 1,063,212 (75%) | 355,848 (25%) | ||
| Constitutional Amendment F | State legislative processes and sessions | Provides that the legislature may set the session start date in state statute; excludes state holidays from the limit of number of days in a session | 895,435 (67%) | 450,835 (33%) | ||
| Constitutional Amendment G | Income taxes; Revenue allocation; Property taxes | Allows the Legislature to use revenue from income taxes and property taxes to "support children and to support individuals with a disability" | 764,420 (54%) | 648,840 (46%) |
2018
See also: Utah 2018 ballot measures
November 6
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constitutional Amendment A | Property tax exemptions; Veterans policy | Change the time of service required to qualify for the tax exemption | 797,945 (79%) | 213,928 (21%) | ||
| Constitutional Amendment B | Property tax exemptions | Allow a tax exemption for property leased by a government entity | 287,329 (28%) | 725,194 (72%) | ||
| Constitutional Amendment C | State legislative processes and sessions; State legislative vote requirements; Revenue and spending limits | Allow the legislature to convene a special session with restrictions | 636,034 (63%) | 366,921 (37%) | ||
| Nonbinding Opinion Question 1 | Public education funding; Fuel taxes; Highways and bridges; Transportation taxes and fees | Advise the state legislature to pass a gas tax increase of 10 cents per gallon to fund local road construction and maintenance | 363,878 (35%) | 689,254 (65%) | ||
| Proposition 2 | Marijuana laws | Legalize the medical use of marijuana for individuals with qualifying medical illnesses | 562,072 (53%) | 503,558 (47%) | ||
| Proposition 3 | Public health insurance; Public assistance programs | Expand the Utah Medicaid program | 555,651 (53%) | 486,483 (47%) | ||
| Proposition 4 | Redistricting policy | Create a redistricting commission to draft maps for congressional and state legislative districts | 512,218 (50%) | 505,274 (50%) |
2016
See also: Utah 2016 ballot measures
November 8
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment A | Constitutional wording changes | Oath of office taken by all state elected and appointed officials | 645,523 (65%) | 343,235 (35%) | ||
| Amendment B | Public education funding; Restricted-use funds | Modify investment, distribution, and expenditures for the State School Fund | 630,193 (64%) | 353,208 (36%) | ||
| Amendment C | Property tax exemptions | Allow the state legislature to exempt tangible personal property leased by the state taxes | 426,207 (43%) | 572,785 (57%) |
2014
See also: Utah 2014 ballot measures
November 4
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment A | Administrative organization | Eliminate a constitutional provision that limited the four-member State Tax Commission to no more than two members from the same political party | 208,332 (40%) | 310,849 (60%) | ||
| Amendment B | State executive elections; State executive branch structure | Remove the requirement that an appointed lieutenant governor stand for election in the next regular general election following their appointment | 291,452 (56%) | 232,907 (44%) | ||
| Amendment C | State executive powers and duties | Authorize the lieutenant governor, state auditor and state treasurer each to appoint legal counsel | 178,111 (34%) | 346,000 (66%) |
2012
See also: Utah 2012 ballot measures
November 6
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment A | Mineral resources; Fossil fuel energy; Severance taxes | Place revenue from the severance tax into the State Trust Fund | 462,157 (51%) | 451,348 (49%) | ||
| Amendment B | Property tax exemptions; Veterans policy | Permit the legislature to create a property tax exemption for military personnel | 648,036 (68%) | 306,578 (32%) |
2010
See also: Utah 2010 ballot measures
November 2
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment A | Collective bargaining; Election administration and governance | Specify the requirements for a secret election | 361,527 (60%) | 241,323 (40%) | ||
| Amendment B | State legislative elections | Update residency requirements for state legislators | 521,168 (85%) | 94,360 (15%) | ||
| Amendment C | Water storage; Property tax exemptions | Create a property tax exemption for water and water facilities owned by nonprofit organizations | 361,605 (60%) | 246,032 (40%) | ||
| Amendment D | Ethics rules and commissions | Create a legislative ethics commission | 408,471 (67%) | 200,876 (33%) |
2008
See also: Utah 2008 ballot measures
November 4
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment A | State executive branch structure | Modify the process for vacancies of governor and lieutenant governor | 656,706 (76%) | 208,985 (24%) | ||
| Amendment B | Restricted-use funds | Expand the sources of revenue that can be put in the state trust fund | 564,174 (66%) | 291,357 (34%) | ||
| Amendment C | State legislative processes and sessions | Change the legislative session start date and exclude federal holidays from the session length calculation | 607,989 (71%) | 254,383 (29%) | ||
| Amendment D | Redistricting policy | Permit the legislature to wait to finish redistricting measures until they receive federal census results. | 663,052 (78%) | 184,423 (22%) | ||
| Amendment E | Restricted-use funds; Public education funding | Authorize an exception to the prohibition of investing in private stock | 374,152 (43%) | 489,478 (57%) |
2007
See also: Utah 2007 ballot measures
November 6
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Referendum 1 | School choice policy | Uphold House Bill 148, which would have created an education voucher program in Utah | 198,205 (38%) | 325,279 (62%) |
2006
See also: Utah 2006 ballot measures
November 7
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Property tax exemptions | Allow the legislature to create a property tax exemption for personal property with inconsequential tax value | 338,726 (62%) | 203,648 (38%) |
2004
See also: Utah 2004 ballot measures
November 2
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Impeachment rules | Change the impeachment process | 584,661 (69%) | 259,222 (31%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | Higher education governance | Provide an exception to public ownership of private stock | 478,195 (57%) | 355,722 (43%) | ||
| Amendment 3 | LGBTQ issues; Family-related policy | Define marriage as a union between a man and a woman | 593,297 (66%) | 307,488 (34%) | ||
| Initiative 1 | Sales taxes; Parks, land, and natural area conservation; Bond issues | Issue up to $150 million in general obligation bonds to fund park and conservation-related projects and enact an additional 0.05% sales tax | 386,237 (45%) | 469,554 (55%) |
2002
See also: Utah 2002 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Public education funding; Restricted-use funds | End fund retainment requirement and allow spending dividend revenue for education system | 294,811 (63%) | 174,737 (37%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | Local government organization | Change the process to adjust county boundary lines | 371,151 (73%) | 138,714 (27%) | ||
| Amendment 3 | Tax and revenue administration; Local government organization | Clarify state tax code and update county boards of equalization | 349,418 (70%) | 148,860 (30%) | ||
| Amendment 4 | State legislative processes and sessions; Open meetings and public information; State executive powers and duties | Require public notice from the governor for special legislative sessions | 392,491 (77%) | 114,309 (23%) | ||
| Amendment 5 | Local government finance and taxes; Debt limits | Change debt limits for small cities | 326,341 (66%) | 166,349 (34%) | ||
| Amendment 6 | Property tax exemptions | Allow the legislature to create property tax exemptions for property used and not owned by the government | 211,838 (42%) | 286,654 (58%) | ||
| Initiative 1 | Nuclear energy | Regulate radioactive waste storage and disposal | 172,307 (32%) | 364,729 (68%) |
2000
See also: Utah 2000 ballot measures
November 7
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initiative A | English language policy | Make English the official language of the state government | 496,066 (67%) | 242,311 (33%) | ||
| Initiative B | Criminal trials; Public education funding | Make a number of changes to the forfeiture process in law enforcement | 500,439 (69%) | 225,264 (31%) | ||
| Proposition 1 | Election administration and governance; Local government organization | Amend state and local government provisions | 471,064 (69%) | 215,243 (31%) | ||
| Proposition 2 | State legislative vote requirements; Tobacco laws; Restricted-use funds; Revenue allocation | Establish a state trust fund for tobacco settlement money and private donations | 422,825 (61%) | 267,325 (39%) |
1998
See also: Utah 1998 ballot measures
November 3
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proposition 1 | State legislative elections | Require that residency in the state and legislative districts be consecutive to allow eligibility for office | 403,866 (87%) | 59,605 (13%) | ||
| Proposition 2 | Family-related policy; Sex and gender issues | Repeal a provision regarding the property rights of married women | 316,653 (71%) | 132,313 (29%) | ||
| Proposition 3 | Public education funding; Public land policy; Restricted-use funds | Change constitutional language to specify parcels of land to be held for the benefit of the public school system | 387,998 (85%) | 70,640 (15%) | ||
| Proposition 4 | Voting rights for persons with criminal convictions | Prohibit felons from voting and holding elected office | 388,164 (82%) | 84,737 (18%) | ||
| Proposition 5 | Hunting regulations; Initiative and referendum process; Ballot measure supermajority requirements | Require a 66.67% vote for voters to approve ballot initiatives related to the taking of wildlife | 272,296 (56%) | 212,473 (44%) | ||
| Proposition 6 | State judicial authority; State legislative authority | Permit the legislature to authorize state courts to review decisions of the State Tax Commission | 336,082 (75%) | 114,601 (25%) |
1996
See also: Utah 1996 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proposition 1 | Veterans policy; Homestead tax exemptions; Property tax exemptions | Expand the eligibility of the veteran's property tax exemption | 429,981 (71%) | 176,228 (29%) | ||
| Proposition 2 | Constitutional wording changes; Mineral resources; Property taxes | Amend wording in the Revenue and Taxation Article | 402,823 (70%) | 175,813 (30%) | ||
| Proposition 3 | Jury rules | Change the size of juries | 489,040 (81%) | 118,060 (19%) | ||
| Proposition 4 | Revenue and spending limits; Public education funding; Bond issue requirements; Debt limits | Allow the state to guarantee the debt of school districts | 365,095 (62%) | 227,203 (38%) | ||
| Proposition 5 | Public education funding | Expand the revenue sources of the State School Fund | 483,570 (80%) | 121,994 (20%) | ||
| Proposition 6 | Public education funding; Higher education funding | Allow tax revenue and the State School Fund to benefit the higher education system | 375,810 (63%) | 220,312 (37%) |
1994
See also: Utah 1994 ballot measures
November 8
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initiative A | Runoff elections; State legislative term limits; Local official term limits; Executive official term limits; Congressional term limits | Establish term limits on congressional, state, and local officers and require runoff elections | 172,122 (35%) | 317,240 (65%) | ||
| Proposition 1 | Crime victims' rights | Add a list of victims' rights to the constitution | 334,566 (69%) | 148,441 (31%) | ||
| Proposition 2 | Restricted-use funds; Revenue allocation; Public education funding; Public land policy | Changes to public school funding | 325,283 (70%) | 141,143 (30%) | ||
| Proposition 3 | Religion in public schools; Religion-related policy | Provide that the state constitution's restriction on public funding for religious instruction does not affect certain nonsectarian studies in state education | 221,683 (47%) | 253,628 (53%) |
1992
See also: Utah 1992 ballot measures
November 3
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initiative A | Gambling policy | Permit individual counties to determine if they will permit horse racing | 297,542 (40%) | 451,517 (60%) | ||
| Proposition 1 | State judicial selection; State legislative processes and sessions | Amend the Legislative Article | 497,134 (73%) | 185,447 (27%) | ||
| Proposition 2 | Business regulations; Constitutional wording changes | Revise portions of the Corporations Article | 482,619 (71%) | 199,716 (29%) | ||
| Proposition 3 | State executive branch structure; State executive powers and duties | Revise the Executive Article of the constitution | 390,095 (58%) | 287,571 (42%) |
1990
See also: Utah 1990 ballot measures
November 6
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initiative A | Sales taxes; Food policy; Food and beverage taxes | Prohibit sales taxes on food | 194,448 (44%) | 245,045 (56%) | ||
| Proposition 1 | Local government organization; Healthcare governance | Change the service counties can offer from 'hospital' to 'healthcare' | 299,267 (72%) | 118,856 (28%) | ||
| Proposition 2 | Government continuity policy; State legislative authority | Grant legislature emergency powers | 323,463 (77%) | 94,123 (23%) |
1988
See also: Utah 1988 ballot measures
November 8
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initiative A | Property taxes; Revenue and spending limits; Local government finance and taxes | Create tax and spending limitations | 242,883 (39%) | 386,098 (61%) | ||
| Initiative B | Fuel taxes; Sales taxes; Tobacco and cigarette taxes; Income taxes | Reduce income, sales, fuel, and cigarette taxes | 239,284 (38%) | 390,627 (62%) | ||
| Initiative C | School choice policy; Income taxes | Create a refundable tax credit program for private and homeschool education expenses | 190,193 (30%) | 439,090 (70%) | ||
| Proposition 1 | Criminal trials; Bail policy | Allow judges to deny bail if the defendant is a danger to someone else, society, or is likely to flee | 470,519 (77%) | 140,296 (23%) | ||
| Proposition 2 | Redistricting policy; Constitutional wording changes; Eminent domain policy | Modify constitutional language around reapportioning congressional districts, among other topics | 355,842 (62%) | 216,354 (38%) |
1986
See also: Utah 1986 ballot measures
November 4
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proposition 1 | Property tax exemptions | Exempt property owned by nonprofit entities and used exclusively for hospital or nursing home purposes from property taxes | 210,347 (50%) | 212,177 (50%) | ||
| Proposition 2 | Property tax exemptions; Agriculture policy | Allow farm equipment to be exempt from property tax | 251,201 (61%) | 163,806 (39%) | ||
| Proposition 3 | Higher education governance; Constitutional wording changes; Public education governance; Religion in public schools | Restructure the Education Article of the constitution | 238,289 (60%) | 160,314 (40%) |
1984
See also: Utah 1984 ballot measures
November 6
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initiative A | Sexual content regulations; Business regulations | Make the distribution of obscene material over cable TV a crime | 238,734 (39%) | 373,361 (61%) | ||
| Proposition 1 | Vehicle and driver regulations; Property tax exemptions | Allow the legislature to exempt motor vehicles from property tax and instead create a registration fee | 313,196 (52%) | 283,450 (48%) | ||
| Proposition 2 | State legislative processes and sessions | Adjust the length of legislative sessions to 45 days each year | 381,874 (66%) | 197,085 (34%) | ||
| Proposition 3 | Local government officials and elections; State judicial selection; State judiciary oversight; State judiciary structure; State judicial authority | Amend the Judicial Article of the constitution | 316,272 (56%) | 249,942 (44%) | ||
| Proposition 4 | Restricted-use funds; Public education funding | Change the revenue sources of the State School Fund and the Uniform School Fund | 366,702 (64%) | 205,077 (36%) | ||
| Proposition 5 | State legislative authority; Firearms policy | Permit the legislature to define the lawful use of firearms | 370,566 (62%) | 231,413 (38%) |
1982
See also: Utah 1982 ballot measures
November 2
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proposition 1 | Tax and revenue administration; Property tax exemptions; Public education funding | Revise the Revenue and Taxation Article of the constitution | 311,816 (63%) | 186,796 (37%) | ||
| Proposition 2 | Salaries of government officials; Administrative organization | Create a citizens' commission that would set legislative salaries and expense reimbursement provisions | 312,331 (64%) | 173,772 (36%) | ||
| Proposition 3 | State legislative elections | Require legislators to reside in their districts for their term of office | 404,954 (83%) | 83,411 (17%) | ||
| Proposition 4 | Business regulations; Local government officials and elections | Permit corporate officers and employees to hold office | 293,693 (62%) | 177,167 (38%) |
1980
See also: Utah 1980 ballot measures
November 4
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initiative A | Food policy; Food and beverage taxes; Sales taxes | Exempt food from the 4% sales tax | 256,075 (44%) | 324,555 (56%) | ||
| Initiative B | Property taxes; Revenue and spending limits; Ballot measure process; Local government finance and taxes; State legislative vote requirements | Set a limit on property tax of 1% of the fair market value | 258,749 (45%) | 313,320 (55%) | ||
| Proposition 1 | State executive elections; Executive official term limits; State executive branch structure; State legislative processes and sessions | Revise the Executive Article of the constitution | 295,729 (56%) | 232,368 (44%) | ||
| Proposition 2 | Public education funding; Property tax exemptions | Revise the Revenue and Taxation Article | 270,069 (49%) | 280,667 (51%) | ||
| Proposition 3 | Prison work regulations; Sex and gender issues; Gender-based labor regulations | Permit women to work in underground mines and allow the legislature to create prison work release programs | 287,987 (52%) | 262,881 (48%) | ||
| Proposition 4 | Salaries of government officials | Change the salaries of legislators | 236,304 (43%) | 311,313 (57%) |
1976
See also: Utah 1976 ballot measures
November 2
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initiative A | Ballot measure process; Initiative and referendum process; Drinking water systems | Prohibit adding fluoride to public water systems without voter approved initiative | 262,416 (50%) | 261,262 (50%) | ||
| Initiative B | Recall process | Permit the recall of public officers | 254,865 (50%) | 257,246 (50%) | ||
| Initiative C | Revenue and spending limits | Create a five-year budget ceiling | 112,414 (22%) | 394,762 (78%) | ||
| Proposition 1 | Residency voting requirements; Voting age policy; Literacy, poll tax, and property voting requirements | Decrease the minimum age, reduce residency requirements, and remove property qualifications to vote | 357,779 (73%) | 130,905 (27%) |
1974
See also: Utah 1974 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proposition 1 | Executive official term limits; State executive branch structure; State legislative processes and sessions | Revise the Executive Article of the constitution | 168,475 (45%) | 207,053 (55%) | ||
| Proposition 2 | Public economic investment policy; Banking policy | Permit the state to lend its credit to private industry | 129,833 (35%) | 240,813 (65%) | ||
| Proposition 3 | Property tax exemptions | Permit the legislature to exempt motor vehicles from property tax and instead create a uniform fee | 156,459 (42%) | 218,422 (58%) | ||
| Proposition 4 | Local government finance and taxes; Bond issue requirements; Local government organization | Permit the legislature to authorize municipal districts to provide special services | 188,264 (51%) | 181,501 (49%) | ||
| Referendum 1 | Public land policy; Land use and development policy | Permit the Utah Land Use Act to be enacted | 157,438 (39%) | 242,068 (61%) |
1972
See also: Utah 1972 ballot measures
November 7
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proposition 1 | Gambling policy; State legislative authority | Revise the Legislative Article of the constitution | 240,637 (57%) | 178,941 (43%) | ||
| Proposition 2 | Bail policy; Criminal trials | Allow judges to deny bail in certain felony cases | 289,799 (66%) | 151,774 (34%) | ||
| Proposition 3 | Public education governance | End the requirement that first and second class cities have their own school districts | 261,733 (61%) | 170,624 (39%) | ||
| Proposition 4 | Local government organization | Require the legislature to provide various forms of government for each county to select from | 283,141 (66%) | 148,179 (34%) |
1970
See also: Utah 1970 ballot measures
November 3
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proposition 1 | Residency voting requirements | Decrease the length of residency requirements to vote in an election | 177,602 (54%) | 152,704 (46%) | ||
| Proposition 2 | Ballot measure process | Create a single-subject rule for constitutional amendments | 256,561 (76%) | 80,590 (24%) | ||
| Proposition 3 | State legislative authority; Income taxes | Grant the legislature the power to determine on what income taxes are calculated | 181,039 (56%) | 144,218 (44%) |
1968
See also: Utah 1968 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initiative A | Alcohol laws | Limit and control the sale and consumption of alcohol | 144,383 (35%) | 271,484 (65%) | ||
| Proposition 1 | State legislative processes and sessions | Provide the schedule for legislative sessions | 281,125 (73%) | 101,793 (27%) | ||
| Proposition 2 | Salaries of government officials | Set the salaries of state legislators | 212,231 (55%) | 176,058 (45%) | ||
| Proposition 3 | Property tax exemptions | Exempt business inventory from property taxes | 282,483 (72%) | 111,000 (28%) | ||
| Proposition 4 | Property taxes; Agriculture policy | Allow the legislature to mandate that land be assessed in terms of its agricultural value | 260,668 (65%) | 137,577 (35%) | ||
| Proposition 5 | Judicial term limits; Age limits for officials | Permit the legislature to provide for mandatory retirement of judges | 314,819 (81%) | 72,652 (19%) |
1966
See also: Utah 1966 ballot measures
November 8
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proposition 1 | Local government organization | Allow metropolitan government in counties | 94,210 (34%) | 183,787 (66%) | ||
| Proposition 2 | State constitutional conventions | Call a convention to revise or amend the constitution of the state | 42,828 (15%) | 237,461 (85%) | ||
| Proposition 3 | Executive official term limits | Permit the state treasurer and auditor to serve two consecutive terms | 129,789 (47%) | 146,455 (53%) | ||
| Proposition 4 | State legislative processes and sessions | Permit the creation of committees that will serve between legislative sessions | 96,219 (35%) | 177,033 (65%) | ||
| Proposition 5 | State legislative processes and sessions | Change the legislative session schedule | 115,030 (42%) | 158,837 (58%) | ||
| Proposition 6 | State legislative authority; State legislative processes and sessions | Permit the legislature to call themselves into a special session with written request | 126,827 (45%) | 153,256 (55%) | ||
| Proposition 7 | Salaries of government officials | Change the compensation of state legislators | 88,575 (32%) | 185,259 (68%) | ||
| Proposition 8 | State executive branch structure | Abolish the board of examiners | 81,447 (30%) | 192,751 (70%) |
1964
See also: Utah 1964 ballot measures
November 3
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Property tax exemptions | Allow the legislature to create a property tax exemption for property that will be shipped outside of Utah | 287,685 (87%) | 44,231 (13%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | Government continuity policy; State legislative authority | Permit the legislature to provide for the continuity of government in the event of an enemy attack | 260,851 (81%) | 60,301 (19%) |
1962
See also: Utah 1962 ballot measures
November 6
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Veterans policy; Property tax exemptions | Allow the legislature to create a property tax exemption for the family of deceased veterans | 213,669 (81%) | 49,520 (19%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | Transportation taxes and fees; Restricted-use funds; Fuel taxes | Mandate that fuel and motor vehicle taxes be used for specific purposes | 209,605 (78%) | 60,394 (22%) | ||
| Amendment 3 | Salaries of government officials | Raise the salary limit for legislators | 71,745 (28%) | 186,473 (72%) |
1960
See also: Utah 1960 ballot measures
November 8
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Government continuity policy; State legislative authority | Grant the legislature emergency power in the event of a war or an emergency | 171,762 (59%) | 120,339 (41%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | Property tax exemptions; Veterans policy | Create a property tax exemption for the immediate family of deceased veterans | 121,465 (42%) | 170,670 (58%) | ||
| Petition 1 | Law enforcement officers and departments; Civil service | Create Merit Systems for the qualification, employment, and tenure of Deputy Sheriffs | 168,567 (59%) | 115,539 (41%) |
1958
See also: Utah 1958 ballot measures
November 4
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Tax and revenue administration | Remove the State Tax Commission's authority to establish public accounting systems for local governments | 111,588 (51%) | 106,305 (49%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | Salaries of government officials | Allow the reimbursement of state legislators for expenses | 108,610 (49%) | 114,963 (51%) | ||
| Amendment 3 | Property tax exemptions | Permit the legislature to make a property tax exemption for home furniture | 168,365 (73%) | 62,323 (27%) | ||
| Amendment 4 | Mineral resources; Public education funding; Restricted-use funds | Provide that revenue from mineral leases of state land be put towards public school funding | 103,855 (46%) | 123,613 (54%) | ||
| Initiative A | Gambling policy | Permit horse betting and create a commission to oversee state racing | 91,148 (38%) | 149,877 (62%) |
1954
See also: Utah 1954 ballot measures
November 2
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Make Each County a Senatorial District Amendment | Redistricting policy | Change the senatorial districts to align with the county boundaries | 84,044 (37%) | 142,972 (63%) | ||
| Referendum 1 | Higher education governance | End the state ownership and operation of three colleges | 92,787 (40%) | 137,389 (60%) | ||
| Referendum 2 | Higher education governance | Discontinue the operation of Carbon College as a state school | 49,511 (22%) | 176,681 (78%) |
1952
See also: Utah 1952 ballot measures
November 4
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initiative Proposal 1 | Public assistance programs | Repeal the lien provisions of the Public Assistance Act of 1947 | 104,319 (40%) | 155,645 (60%) |
1950
See also: Utah 1950 ballot measures
November 7
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Public education governance; State executive elections | Require that the Board of Education be elected by the people | 99,951 (64%) | 56,045 (36%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | State executive branch structure | Remove the Superintendent of Public Instruction from the Executive Cabinet | 83,496 (57%) | 64,179 (43%) | ||
| Amendment 3 | Salaries of government officials | Change the salary regulations for state legislators | 75,324 (52%) | 70,464 (48%) |
1948
See also: Utah 1948 ballot measures
November 2
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grant Legislature Power to Form the Grand Jury Amendment | Jury rules; Criminal trials; State legislative authority | Give legislature the power to form the grand jury | 70,787 (75%) | 23,553 (25%) |
1946
See also: Utah 1946 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Property tax exemptions | End the exclusion of federal property from property taxes | 86,015 (73%) | 31,268 (27%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | Property taxes; Public land policy; Federal government issues | Remove wording from the constitution prohibiting taxing federal land | 82,177 (71%) | 33,217 (29%) | ||
| Amendment 3 | Property taxes; Public education funding | Permit the legislature to change the property tax rate and require the revenue provides less than or equal to 75% of public school operating costs | 126,045 (86%) | 19,883 (14%) | ||
| Amendment 4 | Public education funding; Income taxes; Property taxes | Permit distribution of income tax revenue be decided by statute | 114,626 (83%) | 23,808 (17%) | ||
| Amendment 5 | Local government officials and elections | Change the term length of county attorneys from two years to four | 78,833 (71%) | 31,424 (29%) | ||
| Amendment 6 | Salaries of government officials | Permit the legislature to set the salary of certain state officials | 62,523 (58%) | 46,137 (42%) | ||
| Amendment 7 | Salaries of government officials | Change the method of compensating judges of the supreme and district courts | 71,608 (62%) | 43,407 (38%) | ||
| Amendment 8 | State legislative authority | Allow the legislature to determine the locations of public institutions | 104,079 (80%) | 26,019 (20%) |
1944
See also: Utah 1944 ballot measures
November 7
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | State judicial selection; State judiciary structure | Create a system to select state judges | 84,122 (78%) | 23,414 (22%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | Salaries of government officials | Change the compensation levels of the legislature | 74,296 (72%) | 28,510 (28%) |
1942
See also: Utah 1942 ballot measures
November 3
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Salaries of government officials | Alter the compensation of state legislators | 32,638 (36%) | 59,127 (64%) | ||
| Chain Store License Tax Referendum | Business regulations; Business taxes | Create a special business tax for stores with 10 or more stores | 40,496 (31%) | 91,271 (69%) |
1940
See also: Utah 1940 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Banking policy; State legislative authority | Allow the legislature to determine the liability of stockholders of banks | 81,679 (87%) | 11,973 (13%) |
1938
See also: Utah 1938 ballot measures
November 8
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Public education funding; Restricted-use funds; Revenue allocation | Place school funds from state lands into the Uniform School Fund | 62,098 (51%) | 59,855 (49%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | Property taxes | Change Article XIII, Section 7 of the constitution | 55,908 (48%) | 60,706 (52%) | ||
| Amendment 3 | Public works labor and contracting; Working hours regulations | Set working hours for public works at eight hours a day | 41,421 (40%) | 61,807 (60%) |
1936
See also: Utah 1936 ballot measures
November 3
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | State executive branch structure | Remove the superintendent of public instruction as a state executive office | 32,771 (33%) | 66,805 (67%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | State executive branch structure | Remove the superintendent of public instruction from Article VII, Section 10 of the Constitution | 31,161 (32%) | 66,406 (68%) | ||
| Amendment 3 | State executive branch structure; Public education governance | Remove the superintendent of public instruction from the State Board of Education | 32,717 (34%) | 64,266 (66%) | ||
| Amendment 4 | Banking policy | Permit the legislature to determine banking liability | 36,509 (38%) | 59,186 (62%) | ||
| Amendment 5 | Homestead tax exemptions; Property tax exemptions | Increase the value limits for property tax exemptions | 60,708 (53%) | 54,210 (47%) | ||
| Amendment 6 | Salaries of government officials | Increase the legislative per diem limit from $4 to $8 | 27,907 (29%) | 68,607 (71%) |
1933
See also: Utah 1933 ballot measures
November 7
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Child labor regulations; Gender-based labor regulations; Minimum wage laws | Permit the legislature to create minimum wage laws for women and children and employee welfare laws for any employees | 133,771 (86%) | 21,941 (14%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | Alcohol laws | Repeal the amendment prohibiting alcohol | 99,943 (62%) | 62,437 (38%) |
1932
See also: Utah 1932 ballot measures
November 8
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Local government organization | Outline the process for creating municipal charters | 32,107 (52%) | 29,410 (48%) |
1930
See also: Utah 1930 ballot measures
November 4
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | State legislative authority; State legislative elections | Permit the legislative statutes to determine when vacancies in the legislature are filled | 82,027 (65%) | 43,576 (35%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | Property tax exemptions; Religion-related policy | Expand the permitted property tax exemptions | 66,678 (54%) | 57,464 (46%) | ||
| Amendment 3 | Property taxes; Public education funding | Distribute the interest of the State School Fund according to the last school census | 66,208 (54%) | 55,791 (46%) | ||
| Amendment 4 | Mineral resources; Property taxes | Permit the legislature to provide for assessment of mining property | 67,299 (55%) | 56,023 (45%) | ||
| Amendment 5 | Administrative organization; Tax and revenue administration; Administrative powers and rulemaking | Create the State Tax Commission | 62,814 (52%) | 58,021 (48%) | ||
| Amendment 6 | Constitutional wording changes | Change the names and locations of public institutions | 73,796 (61%) | 47,536 (39%) |
1922
See also: Utah 1922 ballot measures
November 7
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Question 1 | Debt limits | Increase the state debt limit from one and a half to two percent of the value of taxable property in the state | 3,837 (5%) | 68,824 (95%) | ||
| Question 2 | Income taxes; Homestead tax exemptions; Property tax exemptions; Property taxes | Make changes to the constitution concerning state tax law | 16,378 (22%) | 57,380 (78%) | ||
| Question 3 | Salaries of government officials | Increase the salary of state legislators | 5,303 (8%) | 65,346 (92%) |
1920
See also: Utah 1920 ballot measures
November 2
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Question 1 | Local government organization | Outline the process for creating municipal charters | 22,757 (45%) | 27,656 (55%) | ||
| Question 2 | Property taxes | Change property tax valuation regulations | 43,552 (58%) | 31,165 (42%) | ||
| Question 3 | Debt limits | Increase the state debt limit | 15,142 (31%) | 33,417 (69%) | ||
| Question 4 | Tort law | Permit statutory limitations for compensation in chases of injuries resulting in death | 26,288 (51%) | 24,821 (49%) |
1918
See also: Utah 1918 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Alcohol laws | Prohibit the use and possession of alcohol | 42,691 (73%) | 15,780 (27%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | Homestead tax exemptions; Property tax exemptions | Permit a homestead tax exemption | 38,669 (74%) | 13,880 (26%) | ||
| Amendment 3 | Property taxes; Mineral resources | Change the tax rates for metal mines | 35,337 (62%) | 21,436 (38%) |
1916
See also: Utah 1916 ballot measures
November 7
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | State executive powers and duties | Permit the Board of Examiners to supervise the treasurer | 18,103 (30%) | 42,416 (70%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | Property taxes; Mineral resources | Change the rate of taxation on mines | 14,957 (21%) | 55,133 (79%) |
1912
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 | Tax and revenue administration; State executive branch structure | 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 | Severance taxes; Fossil fuel energy; Mineral resources | Tax coal, hydrocarbons, and stone mines in the same way as metal mines | 8,919 (28%) | 23,440 (72%) |
1910
See also: Utah 1910 ballot measures
November 8
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Restricted-use funds; Property taxes; Public education funding | Alter the rate of property taxes and create a fund for public high schools | 20,588 (74%) | 7,073 (26%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | Public education funding | Remove constitutional wording that permitted using revenue of local taxation to fund high schools | 16,740 (72%) | 6,470 (28%) | ||
| Amendment 3 | Public education funding; Public education governance | Declare that no city is entitled to the high school fund unless the city maintains the high school up to the standards of the Board of Education | 15,788 (72%) | 6,229 (28%) | ||
| Amendment 4 | Debt limits | Permit the state to assume debt in the amount of up to 1.5% of the value of all taxable property in the state | 10,611 (62%) | 6,582 (38%) | ||
| Amendment 5 | Utility policy; Sewage and stormwater; Drinking water systems; Debt limits | Permit cities to create additional debt to supply the city with water, lighting, or sewers | 10,018 (64%) | 5,652 (36%) |
1909
See also: Utah 1909 ballot measures
June 8
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raise Property Taxes to Fund Construction of Capitol Building Measure | Property taxes; Revenue allocation | Raise property taxes for 15 years to fund a new capitol building | 4,970 (31%) | 10,976 (69%) |
1908
See also: Utah 1908 ballot measures
November 3
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Mineral resources; Property taxes | Tax only the portion of a property used for mining purposes under the special provisions for taxing mining property | 15,882 (57%) | 12,069 (43%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | Sales taxes; Property taxes | Fix the total property tax rate and the allocation of property tax revenue | 13,282 (50%) | 13,459 (50%) | ||
| Amendment 3 | Local government organization | Permit the state legislature to change county boundaries and create new boundaries | 9,770 (38%) | 16,222 (62%) |
1906
See also: Utah 1906 ballot measures
November 6
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Public education funding | Permit the use of state revenue to fund public high schools | 19,402 (67%) | 9,684 (33%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | Property tax exemptions | Make mortgages exempt from property taxes | 19,713 (74%) | 6,853 (26%) |
1900
See also: Utah 1900 ballot measures
November 6
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initiative and Referendum Amendment | Initiative and referendum process | Establish an initiative and referendum process in Utah | 19,219 (71%) | 7,786 (29%) | ||
| Provide for the Remittance of Taxes for the Poor Amendment | Income taxes; Property tax exemptions | Permit the legislature to remit or abate taxes for the poor | 29,730 (76%) | 9,519 (24%) | ||
| Specify the Control and Maintenance of Public Schools in Cities Amendment | Public education governance | Change the constitutional wording concerning public education in cities | 26,949 (66%) | 13,758 (34%) |
1898
See also: Utah 1898 ballot measures
November 8
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | State executive powers and duties; State judicial selection | Alter the powers of the governor to appoint state judges and officials | 7,397 (41%) | 10,510 (59%) | ||
| Amendment 2 | Public education funding | Permit counties to institute a tax on first and second-class cities to fund public schools | 11,008 (50%) | 11,081 (50%) | ||
| Amendment 3 | State legislative processes and sessions | Make every act of the legislature evidence of its due enactment if overseen by the Secretary of State | 5,846 (39%) | 9,068 (61%) | ||
| Amendment 4 | State judicial authority | Allow an appeal of any ruling of a district court | 5,365 (37%) | 9,282 (63%) | ||
| Amendment 5 | Property tax exemptions | Create a property tax exemption for household furniture with a value up to $200 | 7,474 (47%) | 8,297 (53%) |
1895
See also: Utah 1895 ballot measures
November 5
| Type | Title | Subject | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Constitution Ratification Measure | State constitution ratification | Ratify the Utah Constitution | 31,305 (80%) | 7,607 (20%) |
Types of ballot measures in Utah
- See also: Types of ballot measures in Utah
Citizen-initiated ballot measures
In Utah, citizens have the power to initiate state statutes (direct or indirect) and veto referendums. In 1900, Utah became the second state in the nation to establish an initiative and referendum process.
Initiated state statutes
- See also: Initiated state statute
An initiated state statute is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that amends state statute. There are 21 states that allow citizens to initiate state statutes, including 14 that provide for direct initiatives and nine (9) that provide for indirect initiatives (two provide for both). An indirect initiated state statute goes to the legislature after a successful signature drive. The legislatures in these states have the option of approving the initiative itself, rather than the initiative appearing on the ballot.
In Utah, the number of required signatures is tied to the number of active voters as of January 1 following the most recent regular general election. For directly initiated statutes, proponents must gather signatures equal to 8 percent of the total number of active voters. For directly initiated state statutes, signatures must be collected from each of at least 26 of the 29 Utah State Senate districts equal to 8 percent of active voters in the state as of January 1 of the year following the last regular general election.
State law establishes a final signature deadline for direct initiated state statutes as either 316 days after the initial initiative application was filed or February 15 of the election year, whichever is earlier. Moreover, signature petition sheet packets for direct initiatives must be submitted to county clerks on a rolling basis no more than 30 days after the first signature is added to the packet.
Indirect initiated state statutes
- See also: Indirect initiated state statute
An indirect initiated state statute is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that amends state statute. There are nine (9) states that allow citizens to initiate indirect state statutes.
While a direct initiative is placed on the ballot once supporters file the required number of valid signatures, an indirect initiative is first presented to the state legislature. Legislators have a certain number of days, depending on the state, to adopt the initiative into law. Should legislators take no action or reject the initiative, the initiative is put on the ballot for voters to decide.
In Utah, the number of required signatures is tied to the number of active voters as of January 1 following the most recent regular general election. For indirectly initiated statutes, proponents must get 4 percent of this number to qualify the initiative to go before the legislature, and an additional 4 percent to qualify for the ballot if the legislature does not approve the initiative. For indirect initiatives, signatures must be collected from each of at least 26 of the 29 Utah State Senate districts equal to 4 percent of the active voter count. If a second round of signatures is collected, the signatures as a whole, equaling 8 percent of active voters, are subject to the requirement for direct initiatives. Signatures for indirect initiatives to be presented to the legislature must be submitted by November 15th before the next general legislative session.
Veto referendums
- See also: Veto referendum
A veto referendum is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that asks voters whether to uphold or repeal an enacted law. This type of ballot measure is also called statute referendum, popular referendum, people's veto, or citizen's veto. There are 23 states that allow citizens to initiate veto referendums.
For veto referendums in Utah, proponents must gather signatures equal to 8 percent of the total number of active voters. For referendum petitions, signatures must be collected from each of at least 15 of the 29 counties in Utah equal to 8 percent of active voters.
Signatures for veto referendums must be submitted on a 14-day rolling basis and must all be submitted within 40 days of the adjournment of the legislative session at which the targeted bill was passed.
Legislative referrals
Legislatively referred constitutional amendments
A two-thirds vote in both the legislative chambers is required during one legislative session for the Utah State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 50 votes in the Utah House of Representatives and 20 votes in the Utah State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.
Advisory questions
- See also: Advisory question
A simple majority vote is required during one legislative session for the Utah State Legislature to place an advisory question on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 38 votes in the Utah House of Representatives and 15 votes in the Utah State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Advisory questions require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.
Constitutional Convention Questions
- See also: State constitutional conventions
According to Section 2 of Article XXIII, a ballot question about whether to hold a convention can go on the ballot if two-thirds of the members of the Utah State Legislature vote to put it on the ballot.
See also
Footnotes