As of Sept. 1, 161 statewide measures have been certified for the ballot in 40 states, 12 more measures than the average number certified at this point in other even-numbered years over the past decade (2014 to 2024).

Over the past two weeks:

• Ten new ballot measures were certified for the ballot in Colorado and Nebraska:
  • Colorado Establish 4.4% Cap on Individual and Corporate Income Tax Rates Initiative
  • Colorado Establish a Graduated Income Tax Amendment
  • Colorado Require Plain Language and Eighth-Grade Reading Level for Ballot Measures Initiative
  • Colorado Require Commission and Supreme Court Approval for Mid-Decade Congressional Redistricting Initiative
  • Colorado Require Voter Identification Number for Mail-In Ballots Initiative
  • Colorado Retain Sporting Goods Sales Tax Revenue for Conservation and Wildfire Prevention Fund Initiative
  • Colorado Right to Hunt and Fish Initiative
  • Nebraska Allow Laws Authorizing Online Sports Wagering Constitutional Amendment
  • Nebraska Allow and Regulate Online Sports Wagering Initiative
  • Nebraska Sex Requirement for School and College Sports Initiative

• One measure, the Colorado Require Vehicle-Related and Fuel Tax Revenue to Be Used for Road Transportation Initiative, was removed from the ballot in Colorado after proponents withdrew the initiative in exchange for a state commitment to provide up to $120 million in additional funding for road repairs.

• One indirect initiative is before the Michigan State Legislature, which has until September 4 to enact it. The Michigan House approved the initiative on August 25, but the Senate did not. If both chambers do not approve it by the deadline, it will appear on the November ballot: Michigan Utility and Government Contractor Campaign Finance Regulations Initiative

• Four citizen-initiated ballot measures were denied certification after election officials determined that they did not meet the signature requirement or rejected them for another reason. Proponents are challenging those decisions in court.
  • Michigan Citizenship Verification and Voter Identification Initiative
  • Missouri Congressional Map Referendum
  • Missouri Initiative and Referendum Powers and Legislative Change Requirements Amendment
  • Nebraska Require a Four-Fifths Vote for Legislative Ballot Initiative Changes Amendment

• No citizen-initiated ballot measures remain pending signature verification, and no additional initiatives are eligible to submit signatures for the 2026 ballot.

By this point in even-numbered years from 2014 through 2024, an average of 149 statewide measures had been certified for the ballot. During this period, the average total number of statewide ballot measures certified in an even-numbered year was 153.

Additional reading:

• State ballot measures, 2026