Sponsors filed 109 ballot initiatives in three states for 2025 statewide ballots with two ultimately certified in Maine—tying 2019 with the fewest number of ballot initiatives certified since at least 2011. In 2019, sponsors filed 107 ballot initiatives, the fewest number filed between 2011 and 2025.
The average number filed for odd-numbered election years was 175. In comparison, the average number of ballot initiatives filed for even-numbered year elections between 2010 and 2024 was 809.
Only four states allow citizen-initiated state measures at odd-year elections, at least without calling a special election: Colorado, Maine, Ohio, and Washington. In 2025:
- Washington had the most filed with 101 ballot initiatives;
- Ohio saw five filed;
- Maine had three filed, two of which qualified; and
- Colorado was the only state of the four that saw no ballot initiatives, compared to an odd-year average of 21 initiatives.
The two ballot initiatives in Maine relate to requiring voters to present photo ID and establishing a process for obtaining an Extreme Risk Protection Order to restrict a person’s access to firearms.
The odd-year with the greatest number of ballot initiatives filed was 2021 with 296. Four initiatives were certified for statewide ballots in 2021.
Ballots in 2025 will feature 29 statewide ballot measures, including the two ballot initiatives. The other 27 measures were referred to ballots by state legislatures.
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