Tag: ballot measure
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Over the past two weeks, one new ballot measure in Maryland, one removed in Arizona
As of August 4, 149 statewide measures have been certified for the ballot in 39 states, 14 more measures than the average number certified at this point in other even-numbered years over the past decade (2014 to 2024). Over the past two weeks: The most recent signature deadline for ballot initiatives was August 3, 2026,…
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State lawmakers enacted 37 bills on ballot measures and direct democracy through mid-2026
States have enacted 37 bills and resolutions concerning the three powers of direct democracy in the U.S. — the ballot initiative, referendum, and recall election — in 2026, through Aug. 5, 2026. The average number of bills and resolutions enacted per year from 2018 to 2025 was 41. While most bills are adopted during the…
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Signatures submitted for Colorado graduated income tax measure that competes with proposed income tax cap initiative
In Colorado, signatures were submitted to the secretary of state on August 3, 2026, for a ballot initiative to establish a graduated income tax. Known as Initiative 195, the measure would establish a six-tier structure for state income taxes, ranging from 3.7% to 8.4%, and remove the uniform tax rate requirement from the Taxpayer's Bill…
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Signatures submitted in Colorado for initiative that would require approval from an independent commission and the state supreme court for mid-decade redistricting maps
In Colorado, signatures were submitted to the secretary of state's office on July 29 for a ballot initiative related to mid-decade redistricting. The measure — known as Initiative 256 — would require any mid-decade redistricting plan to be approved by both the state's independent redistricting commission and the Colorado Supreme Court. The initiative would also…
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Idaho initiative to create a statutory right to abortion becomes the fourth abortion-related measure on 2026 ballots
The Idaho secretary of state announced on July 13, 2026, that Idahoans United for Women and Families submitted enough valid signatures to place an initiative on the ballot to create a right to reproductive freedom and privacy in state law. The initiative would provide that “Every person has the right to reproductive freedom and privacy."…
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What is a strong mayor government? Oakland voters will decide charter amendment to change city’s form of government
Voters in Oakland, California, will decide on a ballot measure to amend the city charter to create a strong-mayor form of government, changing the distribution of power and responsibilities among the mayor, city administrator, and city council. The measure was introduced by Mayor Barbara Lee and City Council President Kevin Jenkins. On June 16, 2026,…
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Signatures submitted for Colorado initiative proposing a constitutional right to hunt and fish; 24 states currently have such provisions
In Colorado, the International Order of T. Roosevelt submitted signatures to the secretary of state on July 8, 2026, to qualify an initiative for the ballot to create a constitutional amendment protecting the right to hunt and fish. The initiated constitutional amendment — Initiative 302 — would establish the right of the people to hunt,…
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Campaign behind two online sports betting initiatives submitted signatures in Nebraska
Tax Relief Nebraska, the committee behind two ballot initiatives that would legalize online sports betting in the state, filed signatures with the secretary of state on June 26. One initiative is an amendment that would authorize laws governing online sports betting. The second is an initiated state statute that would authorize the state gaming commission…
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All six criminal justice ballot measures in 2026 continue trend toward increasing criminal penalties and bail restrictions
In 2026, voters will decide six ballot measures related to criminal sentencing, penalties, and bail requirements. Each would make criminal justice policy more punitive by increasing penalties or expanding the circumstances under which courts could deny or restrict bail. Four of the measures concern bail policy. Voters in Alabama approved Amendment 1 on May 19,…
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Two California tax initiatives targeting personal asset taxes and special tax rules qualify for the ballot in challenge to billionaires’ tax initiative
California voters will likely be voting on a slate of competing tax measures in November. The secretary of state reported that two ballot initiatives designed to challenge provisions of the proposed billionaires’ tax initiative qualified for the ballot on June 24. The initiatives are constitutional amendments that would: The billionaires' tax is sponsored by SEIU-UHW…