While the number of state ballot measures for 2025 is finalized, at 30, the total for 2026 will continue to increase until Sept. 2026. As of Oct. 14, 56 ballot measures have been certified for ballots in 2026. The most recent certification was in California on Oct. 2, when Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed legislation for the Allow Public Financing of Election Campaigns Measure.

The ballot measure would repeal the state’s ban on public financing of campaigns, enacted in 1988, and allow the state and local governments to create programs that provide candidates with public funds.

Status of 2026 ballot measures

The current count of 56 certified state ballot measures for 2026 is eight higher than the average of 48 at this point in the two-year election cycle. Since 2012, an average of two ballot measures have been certified in October of the year before the election.

The following heatmap shows the number of statewide ballot measures certified each month from 2012 through 2026, grouped by two-year election cycles leading up to even-numbered general elections. It highlights both the volume and timing of certifications. The bottom row displays the monthly averages across all years.

The next signature deadlines for citizen-initiated ballot measures are November 15 in Utah and November 19 in Massachusetts, both for indirect initiated state statutes. While two ballot initiatives have been proposed in Utah, neither are indirect initiated state statutes. However, in Massachusetts, 44 ballot initiatives were approved for signature gathering.

Review of 2025 ballot measures

For 2025, 30 statewide ballot measures have been certified in nine states—California, Colorado, Louisiana, Maine, New York, Ohio, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. Voters decided on six ballot measures at the election dates earlier in 2025. The final 24 are scheduled for elections on Nov. 4, 2025.

From 2011 to 2023, the average number of statewide ballot measures in an odd-numbered year was between 33 and 34, meaning this year’s number, 30, is below average. While the number of legislative referrals (28) is aligned with the average over the last seven odd-year election cycles, the number of citizen-initiated ballot measures is below the average of five at two, both of which are on the ballot in Maine.

The following chart shows the number of ballot measures certified each week of an odd-numbered year:

Related:

https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Tuesday_Count_for_2025