Author: Brandon McCauley
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Colorado voters to decide ballot initiative increasing penalties for the sale and possession of fentanyl
Voters in Colorado are set to decide on an initiated state statute that would establish higher felony classifications and mandatory penalties for the manufacturing, dispensing, sale, and possession of fentanyl and certain synthetic opioids. The measure, referred to as Initiative 85, would also require court-ordered treatment for certain low-level fentanyl possession felony offenses, as well…
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California voters decided on 42 local ballot measures in 2025, the lowest total for an odd-numbered year in at least a decade
In 2025, voters in California decided on 42 ballot measures across eight elections and 17 counties. The total number of local ballot measures in California in 2025 was the lowest in at least a decade, with three fewer measures than in 2023, even as the number of local ballot measures in the nation’s largest cities…
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Five states certify measures on vote thresholds for ballot initiatives and amendments; one additional measure is pending
Voters in up to six states could decide on ballot measures establishing or changing vote requirements for initiatives and amendments in 2026. Five states have already certified their respective measures for the ballot, and one is a proposed legislative referral that requires additional votes for certification. Measures certified for the ballot Five states have ballot…
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Three states certify 2026 measures on citizenship voting requirements; four more proposals are pending
In 2026, voters in up to seven states could decide on ballot measures establishing citizenship voting requirements in elections. While three states have already certified their measures for the ballot, the other four measures are proposed, either citizen-initiated ballot measures that have been cleared for signature gathering or legislative referrals that require additional votes. Measures…
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Signatures submitted for 2026 Colorado ballot initiative related to fentanyl penalties
In Colorado, signatures were submitted on Nov. 20 to the secretary of state for a ballot initiative that would increase the penalties for the manufacturing, sale, and possession of fentanyl. The filing deadline for this measure, referred to as Initiative 85, was Nov. 28. Along with expanding those penalties, Initiative 85 would also establish mandated…
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Bexar County, Texas, voters approve two ballot measures to increase tax revenue for stadiums
Voters in Bexar County, Texas, approved two ballot measures on Nov. 4 — Proposition A and Proposition B — related to raising certain taxes and allocating revenue from the taxes towards the development of local arenas. Both measures increased the county's hotel occupancy tax rate from 1.75% to 2% and established that revenue from both…
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Connecticut has decided on 85 ballot measures since 1845
Since 1845, Connecticut voters have decided 85 statewide ballot measures. Of these, 77 (90%) were approved, and 8 (10%) were defeated. In Connecticut, the General Assembly can refer measures to the ballot. Citizens of Connecticut do not have the power to initiate statewide ballot measures, and the state has never voted on an amendment to…