How many states have voter initiatives

However, instead of requiring that an initiative be submitted to the legislature for action, they only require that an initiative cannot be placed on the ballot until after a legislative session has convened and adjourned. Create Account. Initiative and Referendum States Initiative — a law or constitutional amendment introduced by citizens through a petition process either to the legislature or directly to the voters. Virgin Islands I Yes I D — Direct Initiative ; proposals that qualify go directly on the ballot I — Indirect Initiative ; proposals are submitted to the legislature, which has an opportunity to act on the proposed legislation.

California is one of 24 states to allow this. Between and , Californians qualified more initiatives for the ballot than any other state except Oregon.

During that period, 1, California initiatives and referendums were circulated for signature; only 20 percent qualified for the ballot and only 7 percent were approved. View the timeline for adopting an initiative: sample timeline for typical initiative. Skip to main content. Understanding Your California Ballot How many times have you looked at your ballot and wondered why on earth you're voting on so many things?

Here is a little bit of background on California's initiative and referendum systems: What is a proposition? What is an initiative? A brand new law or constitutional amendment and voted on by the people. What is a referendum? Voter information What's on my ballot? Where do I vote? How do I register to vote? How do I request a ballot? When do I vote? When are polls open? Who Represents Me? Congress special elections Governors State executives State legislatures Ballot measures State judges Municipal officials School boards.

How do I update a page? Election results. Privacy policy About Ballotpedia Disclaimers Login. Mississippi [2]. New Mexico. North Dakota. South Dakota. Laws governing ballot measures.