Author: Ryan Byrne
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Maine became the seventh state to approve initiative and referendum 117 years ago, on September 15
Voters in Maine approved a constitutional amendment establishing the state’s initiative and referendum process 117 years ago, on September 15. The vote was 53,785 (68.7%) to 24,543 (31.3%). Maine was the seventh state to adopt the initiative and referendum, and the first state east of the Mississippi River. The constitutional amendment provided for an indirect…
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California Prop 50 campaigns top $41.4m, exceeding combined funding for three prior initiatives to create, expand, and repeal the Citizens Redistricting Commission
The campaign committees surrounding California Proposition 50 received a combined $41.4 million as of Sept. 4. Supporters received $21.3 million, while opponents received $20.1 million. That combined total ($41.4 million) for Proposition 50, which qualified for the ballot on Aug. 21, exceeds the aggregate total surrounding the three citizen-initiated ballot measures to create the Citizens…
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This week, 166 years ago, voters in southern California approved a measure to separate from the state and form a new territory
Dividing California into two or more states has been discussed several times in recent years—State of Jefferson, Six Californias, Cal 3, and now a two-state proposal from Assembly Minority Leader James Gallagher (R-3). While there have been attempts at statewide ballot measures to divide California, the legislature referred just one to the ballot: the Pico…
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California voters to decide Proposition 50, a constitutional amendment to allow for a new congressional district map, in a November special election
The California State Legislature passed a constitutional amendment, titled Proposition 50, to allow the state to use a new congressional district map for 2026 through 2030. Voters will decide on the measure in a special election on Nov. 4, 2025. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) proposed allowing the Legislature to redraw the state’s congressional districts…
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Ballot measure update: No new 2025 or 2026 ballot measure certifications in July or first week of August
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…
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On sixth attempt, Maine voters approved ballot measure for separation from Massachusetts on July 26, 1819 — 206 years ago
Before Maine became the 23rd state on March 15, 1820, voters weighed in on six ballot measures over three decades regarding separation from Massachusetts. And the final ballot measure, voted upon 206 years ago on July 26, 1819, was approved 70.6% ‘Yes’ to 29.4% ‘No.’ After the American Revolution, Maine was part of the Commonwealth…
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California Gov. Newsom says the legislature could take up congressional redistricting. Changing the process may require a constitutional amendment and special election.
After Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) called a special legislative session to revise the state’s congressional districts, among other issues, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) responded, “Well, two can play that game.” President Donald Trump (R) stated that a mid-decade redistricting effort in Texas could net Republicans five seats and “there could be some other…
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Ballot measure update: Two indirect initiatives to appear on ballot in Maine, one more legislative referral in Arizona
The number of certified statewide ballot measures for both 2025 and 2026 is trending above average compared to previous election cycles as of July 8. 2025 ballot measures For 2025, 29 statewide ballot measures have been certified in eight states—Colorado, Louisiana, Maine, New York, Ohio, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. This is five more than the…
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Ballot measure update: Utah veto referendum and amendments in Arizona, Florida, and Louisiana certified for 2026
The number of certified statewide ballot measures for both 2025 and 2026 is trending above average compared to previous election cycles as of June 24. 2025 ballot measures For 2025, 27 statewide ballot measures have been certified in seven states—Colorado, Louisiana, New York, Ohio, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. This is six more than the average…
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Ballot measure update: Texas, New York add new measures for 2025; Louisiana, Nebraska for 2026
The number of certified statewide ballot measures for both 2025 and 2026 is trending above average compared to previous election cycles as of June 10. 2025 ballot measures For 2025, 27 statewide ballot measures have been certified in seven states—Colorado, Louisiana, New York, Ohio, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. This is seven more than the average…