Types of ballot measures in California


Types of ballot measures
Initiated
• Initiated constitutional amendment
• Initiated state statute
• Veto referendum
Legislative
• Legislative constitutional amendment
• Legislative state statute
• Legislative bond issue
• Advisory question
Other
• Automatic ballot referral
• Commission-referred measure
• Convention-referred amendment
Select a state from the menu below to learn more about that state's types of ballot measures.

In California, statewide ballot measures can be citizen-initiated. The California State Legislature can also vote to refer measures to the ballot. This page provides an overview of the different types of ballot measures that can appear on state ballots in California.

The types of state ballot measures in California are:

Initiated constitutional amendments
Initiated state statutes
Combined initiated constitutional amendments and state statutes
Veto referendums
Legislatively referred constitutional amendments
Legislatively referred state statutes
Legislatively referred bond measures
Constitutional convention questions

Citizen-initiated ballot measures

In California, citizens have the power to initiate constitutional amendments, state statutes, combined initiated constitutional amendments and state statutes, and veto referendums. These powers were established with voter approval of a constitutional amendment in 1911.

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 California, the number of signatures required for an initiated constitutional amendment is equal to 8% of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election. A simple majority vote is required for voter approval.

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 California, the number of signatures required for an initiated state statute is equal to 5% of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election. A simple majority vote is required for voter approval.

Combined initiated constitutional amendments and state statutes

See also: Combined initiated constitutional amendment and state statute

A combined initiated constitutional amendment and state statute is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that amends both a state's constitution and state statute. There are at least two (2) states that allow citizens to initiate combined amendments and statutes.

In California, the number of signatures required for a combined initiated constitutional amendment and state statute is equal to 8% of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election. A simple majority vote is required for voter approval.

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 California, the number of signatures required for a veto referendum is equal to 5% of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election. 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.

Legislative referrals

In California, the state legislature has the power to refer constitutional amendments, state statutes, and bond measures to the ballot.

Legislatively referred constitutional amendments

See also: Legislatively referred constitutional amendment

A two-thirds (66.67%) vote is required during one legislative session for the California State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 54 votes in the California State Assembly and 27 votes in the California State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.

Legislatively referred state statutes

See also: Legislatively referred state statute

A simple majority vote is required during one legislative session for the California State Legislature to place a legislatively referred state statute on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 41 votes in the California State Assembly and 21 votes in the California State Senate, assuming no vacancies. State statutes do require the governor's signature.

Legislatively referred bond measures

See also: Legislatively referred bond measure

A two-thirds (66.67%) vote is required during one legislative session for the California State Legislature to place a legislatively referred bond measure on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 54 votes in the California State Assembly and 27 votes in the California State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Bond measures do require the governor's signature.

Constitutional convention questions

See also: Constitutional convention question

According to Section 2 of Article XVIII of the California Constitution, a two-thirds (66.67%) vote of both chambers of the California State Legislature is required to place a question calling for a state constitutional convention on the ballot. A simple majority vote is required to call the convention.

Historical types of ballot measures

Indirect initiated state statutes

See also: Indirect initiated state statute

From 1911 to 1966, initiated statutes were indirect in California. Voters made the process direct with approval of Proposition 1A in 1966.

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.

Other types of ballot measures

Most ballot measures are placed on the ballot through citizen initiatives or legislative processes. Others are placed on the ballot automatically, by a special commission, or by a state constitutional convention. The following is a list of different types of state ballot measures:

Types of state ballot measures

Citizen-initiated ballot measure

• Initiated constitutional amendment

• Direct initiated constitutional amendment

• Indirect initiated constitutional amendment

• Initiated state statute

• Direct initiated state statute

• Indirect initiated state statute

• Combined initiated constitutional amendment and state statute

• Veto referendum

• Statute affirmation (Nevada)

Legislatively referred ballot measure