Author: Victoria Antram
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Tracker: Article III federal judicial nominations by president by days in office since 2001
There were 28 vacancies out of 890 authorized federal judicial posts as of Oct. 15. All 28 were for Article III judgeships. This report is limited to Article III courts, where appointees are confirmed to lifetime judgeships. In the past month: By Oct. 15 — 634 days in office — President Donald Trump (R) had…
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First initiative qualifies for the 2028 ballot in California
An initiative to establish a first-time homebuyer down payment loan program for University of California staff qualified for the Nov. 7, 2028 ballot in California. The measure, sponsored by AFSCME 3299, would require the University of California system to establish a down-payment loan program for support staff who have worked for UC for at least…
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California voters to decide $7.5 billion science and health research bond measure in March 2028
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed Senate Bill 895 (SB 895) on Sept. 30, sending a $7.5 billion bond measure that would fund scientific and health research and development to voters on March 7, 2028. SB 895 would also establish the California Foundation for Science and Health Research within the Government Operations Agency and the California…
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Voters in six states will decide seven ballot measures related to campaign finance in 2026
Seven ballot measures related to campaign finance will be featured on ballots in six states in 2026 — five measures this November and two measures decided earlier this year. On Nov. 3, voters in Alaska will decide on a ballot initiative to eliminate campaign finance provisions that require persons and entities that contribute more than…
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2026 had the fewest ballot initiatives filed since 2014, with 692
In 2026, petitioners filed 692 ballot initiatives in the 26 states that authorize the initiative and referendum power — the fewest filed since 2014, when 616 were filed. Of the 692 filed this year, 53 initiatives qualified for statewide ballots, in line with the average number certified in even-numbered years from 2010 to 2024. For…
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Voters will decide on 13 ballot measures to establish or modify state constitutional rights in 2026
On Nov. 3, voters in nine states will decide 13 ballot measures to establish, expand, or repeal rights in state constitutions. State constitutional rights affect the relationship between individuals and state and local governments. The U.S. Constitution establishes a minimum level of protection that states cannot violate, while state constitutions may establish more specific rights.…
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First measure certified in California for 2028 makes changes to 1996 affirmative action ban
The California State Assembly took the final vote on Aug. 30 to send Assembly Constitutional Amendment 7 (ACA 7) to voters on Nov. 7, 2028. Currently, the state constitution prohibits racial discrimination and preferential treatment in public employment, public education, and public contracting. ACA 7 would narrow the affirmative action ban language so that within…
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At least eight ballot measures in 2026 will address state initiative and referendum processes, the highest number since 2000
In 2026, voters will decide on at least eight ballot measures related to the initiative and referendum process. Seven measures would add requirements or restrictions to the process, including two that voters decided earlier in the year in North Dakota and Missouri. One measure would expand constitutional provisions related to the initiative and referendum process.…
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Montana Secretary of State certifies three ballot initiatives for November, addressing judicial elections, the initiative power, and corporate contributions to campaigns
Three ballot initiatives were certified for the November ballot on Aug. 17 in Montana. The initiatives address judicial elections, the initiative and referendum power, and political spending by artificial persons. CI-132 is a constitutional amendment that would provide that judicial elections remain nonpartisan. Montana has elected its judges since 1889, when it ratified its first…
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Maryland voters to decide ballot measure on whether state constitutional criteria for political boundaries apply to congressional districts
The Maryland General Assembly voted on Aug. 4 to send a ballot measure to voters in November that would provide that constitutional requirements for contiguity, compactness, substantially equal population, and consideration of natural and political subdivision boundaries apply only to state legislative districts, not congressional districts, and that the Maryland Constitution establishes no criteria for…