Nebraska 2004 ballot measures
In 2004, voters decided on eight statewide ballot measures in Nebraska on November 2.
- Four of the measures were legislatively referred constitutional amendments.
- Two of the measures were initiated constitutional amendments.
- Two of the measures were initiated state statutes.
- Four of the measures were approved.
- Four of the measures were defeated.
On the ballot
November 2
| Type | Title | Description | Result | Yes Votes | No Votes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amendment 1 | Authorize the state legislature to exempt from property tax improvements in whole or in part made to historically significant real property |
|
406,230 (58%) |
288,544 (42%) |
|
| Amendment 2 | Remove the lieutenant governor as the presiding officer of the state legislature, designate the speaker as the presiding officer, and eliminate the provision that allows the lieutenant governor to vote on issues in the case of a tie |
|
262,040 (39%) |
408,515 (61%) |
|
| Amendment 3 | Defines casino gaming and allows the legislature to authorize up to two casino locations upon approval of voters in the affected counties |
|
267,655 (36%) |
482,301 (64%) |
|
| Amendment 4 | Require the legislature to appropriate 10% of state lottery proceeds to the Nebraska State Fair Board |
|
403,073 (56%) |
321,410 (44%) |
|
| Initiative Measure 417 | Authorize citizen initiatives to enact laws to authorize, operate, regulate, and tax all forms of casino gaming |
|
363,478 (49%) |
380,424 (51%) |
|
| Initiative Measure 418 | Require a two-thirds supermajority vote by the state legislature to modify or repeal approved citizen initiatives |
|
402,709 (55%) |
331,908 (45%) |
|
| Initiative Measure 419 | Levy an annual tax on gaming revenue, distribute percentages of gaming revenue to the state and other communities, and establish an annual fee on gaming operators |
|
380,161 (51%) |
362,673 (49%) |
|
| Initiative Measure 420 | Create a state gaming commission and allow communities to authorize games of chance and the use of gaming devices at casinos, racetracks, and establishments that sell alcoholic liquor on the premises |
|
353,248 (47%) |
394,865 (53%) |
Historical context
The inventory of Nebraska 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 Nebraska Historical Ballot Measures Factbook.
Between 1860 and 2025, Nebraskans voted on 424 state ballot measures. Of those, 266 (63%) were approved, and 158 (37%) were defeated.
The Nebraska State Legislature has referred 296 ballot measures to the state ballot between 1860 and 2025, while 80 citizen initiatives were on the statewide ballot. Additionally, 48 measures originated from one of the state’s constitutional conventions.
Legislatively referred measures were approved 67% of the time, as compared to 46% for citizen initiatives.
The average number of measures per decade was between 24 and 25. The decade with the most ballot measures was the 1970s, with 76. Forty-nine measures (64%) were approved, and 27 (36%) were defeated. The decade that had the highest approval rate was the 1920s, which featured 48 measures—44 (92%) were approved. The decade with the lowest approval rating was the 1890s. None of the 18 measures were approved.
Types of ballot measures in Nebraska
- See also: Types of ballot measures in Nebraska
Citizen-initiated ballot measures
In Nebraska, citizens have the power to initiate constitutional amendments, state statutes, and veto referendums. In 1912, voters adopted a constitutional amendment allowing for initiatives and referendums.
Initiated constitutional amendments
- See also: Initiated constitutional amendment
An initiated constitutional amendment is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that amends a state's constitution. Eighteen (18) states allow citizens to initiate constitutional amendments.
In Nebraska, the number of signatures required for an initiated constitutional amendment is equal to 10% of registered voters at the signature deadline. Nebraska also has a distribution requirement that requires initiative proponents to collect signatures from 5% of the registered voters in two-fifths (38) of Nebraska's 93 counties. A simple majority vote is required for voter approval. However, the number of affirmative votes cast for the measure must be greater than 35% of the total votes cast in the election. This also applies to legislative referrals.
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 Nebraska, the number of signatures required for an initiated state statute is equal to 7% of registered voters at the signature deadline. Nebraska also has a distribution requirement that requires initiative proponents to collect signatures from 5% of the registered voters in two-fifths (38) of Nebraska's 93 counties. A simple majority vote is required for voter approval. However, the number of affirmative votes cast for the measure must be greater than 35% of the total votes cast in the election.
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.
In Nebraska, the number of signatures required for a veto referendum is equal to 5% of registered voters at the signature deadline for a referendum and 10% of registered voters to suspend the law until the referendum. Nebraska also has a distribution requirement that requires initiative proponents to collect signatures from 5% of the registered voters in two-fifths (38) of Nebraska's 93 counties. Signatures for veto referendums are due 90 days following the final adjournment of the legislative session at which the targeted bill was passed. A simple majority vote is required for voter approval. However, the number of affirmative votes cast for the measure must be greater than 35% of the total votes cast in the election.
Legislative referrals
Legislatively referred constitutional amendments
A 60% supermajority vote is required during one legislative session for the Nebraska State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 30 votes in the unicameral legislature, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot. A simple majority vote is required for voter approval. However, the number of affirmative votes cast for the measure must be greater than 35% of the total votes cast in the election. This also applies to citizen initiatives.
External links
See also
Footnotes
 |
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