The number of certified statewide ballot measures for 2025 is 29, which, as of August 5, is equal to the average for this point in the election cycle compared to previous years (2011-2023). For 2026, the number of certified ballot measures is 55, which is 10 above the average.
2025 ballot measures
By late May 2025, the number of certified ballot measures was more than twice the average since 2011. As of now, that number has dropped back in line with the historical average. So what made the 2025 certification calendar different from the typical pattern?
One reason is the timing of legislatively referred ballot measures. In 2025, more measures than usual were placed on the ballot during the spring months, when most state legislatures are in session. One state in particular—Texas—drove that above-average number.
During its 140-day regular session, the Texas Legislature referred 17 constitutional amendments to the November 4, 2025, ballot, which was the highest number for a single election date in the state since 2003.
Another factor is the low number of citizen-initiated ballot measures, which are usually certified during the summer months. Only four states allow citizen-initiated state measures at odd-year elections, at least without calling a special election: Colorado, Maine, Ohio, and Washington. While 101 initiatives were filed in 2025, two qualified for the ballot, both in Maine. Since 2011, an average of 175 ballot initiatives were filed for odd-year ballots, with an average of five qualifying.
As of Aug. 5, no additional citizen-initiated ballot measures are pending for the November 2025 election. While some state legislatures are still in session, none currently have proposed legislative referrals that have passed at least one chamber.
In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom said he may call a special election in November for voters to address a proposed congressional redistricting amendment.
2026 ballot measures
For 2026, 55 statewide measures have been certified for the ballot in 28 states. This is 10 more than the average of 45 for this point in an even-numbered-year election cycle since 2010.
No ballot measures were certified for 2026 ballots in July or during the past two weeks. The average number of ballot measures certified 16 months before a general election, in July of the preceding year, is three.
The following heatmap shows how many statewide ballot measures were certified each month from 2012 to 2026, grouped by two-year election cycles leading up to even-numbered general elections. Each row includes certifications from both the odd- and even-numbered years in that cycle, highlighting how active each month tends to be. The bottom row displays the monthly averages across all years.
Signature deadlines for 2025 and 2026
The final signature deadline for 2025 ballot initiatives was August 4 in Colorado, but no signatures were submitted for any proposals.
For 2026, the next signature deadline is in Mississippi, 90 days before the start of the legislative session, which falls around Oct. 4, 2025. However, Mississippi’s initiative process is currently inactive due to a court ruling regarding constitutional language.
The next active deadline is in Massachusetts, where signatures are due two weeks before the first Wednesday in December, which is Nov. 19, 2025.
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