Tag: ballot measures
-
Update on state ballot measures certifications—one new ballot measure certified in California for 2026
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…
-
California Proposition 50 ranks as the seventh most expensive ballot measure in state history with $139.9 million raised
California Proposition 50 ranks as the seventh most expensive ballot measure, based on total contributions to campaigns supporting and opposing the constitutional amendment. As of Oct. 13, about $139.9 million had been raised for and against Proposition 50. Supporters received $97.7 million, while opponents received $42.2 million. To become the sixth most expensive, surpassing Proposition…
-
Voters to decide on 30 statewide ballot measures in 2025—three fewer than the decade average
Voters in nine states will decide on 30 statewide ballot measures in 2025, which is below the average (33) for odd-numbered years over the past decade. Six measures were decided earlier in the year in three states—Louisiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Voters in six states—California, Colorado, Maine, New York, Texas, and Washington—will decide on the remaining…
-
South Dakota voters have decided on 366 ballot measures since statehood in 1889
Since achieving statehood in 1889, South Dakotans have voted on 366 statewide ballot measures. Voters approved 160 (43.7%) and rejected 206 (56.3%). In South Dakota, most measures are placed on the ballot by the South Dakota State Legislature or through a successful citizen initiative. The Legislature voted to refer 233 measures to the state ballot,…
-
On this date in 1974, Alaska voters approved an initiative to change the state’s capital city, which did not occur
Fifty-one years ago, on August 27, 1974, Alaskan voters approved Initiative 1, a ballot measure that began the process to move the state capital from Juneau to a city in Western Alaska. It was the third measure on the ballot in fourteen years that would have required a change in the capital city. Alaskans have…
-
State lawmakers enacted 72 bills on ballot measures and direct democracy in 2025, the highest total since at least 2017
States have enacted 72 bills and resolutions concerning the three powers of direct democracy in the U.S.—the ballot initiative, referendum, and recall election—in 2025 through Aug. 8. The average number of bills and resolutions enacted per year from 2018 to 2024 was 35. While most bills are adopted during the first half of the year…
-
Two ballot initiatives certified for 2025—lowest since 2019
Sponsors filed 109 ballot initiatives in three states for 2025 statewide ballots with two ultimately certified in Maine—tying 2019 with the fewest number of ballot initiatives certified since at least 2011. In 2019, sponsors filed 107 ballot initiatives, the fewest number filed between 2011 and 2025. The average number filed for odd-numbered election years was…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Utah voters have decided 220 ballot measures since 1895, beginning with constitution ratification ahead of statehood
Ballotpedia completed an inventory of all Utah ballot measures dating back to 1895, when voters approved the state constitution. Between 1895 and 2024, Utahns voted on 220 ballot measures—140 (63.6%) were approved and 80 (36.4%) were defeated. This count includes the ratification of the state constitution by voters in 1895, two months before the United States…