Tag: state and local
-
Over the past two weeks, two new ballot measures were certified in Alaska and Oregon, and signatures were verified for 11 indirect initiatives in Massachusetts
As of Jan. 7, 58 statewide measures have been certified for the ballot in 30 states, five more measures than the average number certified at this point in other even-numbered years from 2014 to 2024. Here’s an update on the latest ballot measure activity during the past two weeks: The next signature deadline for ballot…
-
Signatures filed for two Washington ballot initiatives on school sports eligibility based on biological sex and certain parental rights in public schools
Signatures were submitted in Washington on Jan. 2, 2026, for two Initiatives to the Legislature that address school sports eligibility requirements based on biological sex and certain parental rights in public schools. At least 308,911 signatures must be verified for each initiative. According to Let's Go Washington, which sponsors the initiatives, 416,201 signatures were filed…
-
As state verifies signatures for 11 initiatives, Massachusetts could see record number of citizen-initiated ballot measures in 2026
The Massachusetts Elections Division announced on Jan. 5 that it had certified signatures for two initiatives, bringing the total number of initiatives certified to go before the state legislature in 2026 to 11. On Jan. 7, the secretary of the commonwealth will send the 11 initiatives to the Massachusetts General Court because initiatives are indirect…
-
Signatures submitted for Colorado Initiative 95 on law enforcement notification to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security based on criminal charges and immigration status
In Colorado, signatures were submitted to the secretary of state on Dec. 26, 2025, for a ballot initiative related to law enforcement reporting requirements based on the type of crime an individual is charged with, their previous criminal history, and their immigration status. More specifically, the measure—referred to as Initiative 95—would amend the Colorado Constitution…
-
Oregon voters to decide on veto referendum to repeal a gas tax increase and other parts of transportation bill in November
A veto referendum targeting the repeal of parts of a recently passed transportation funding bill, including an increase in the state’s gas tax, qualified for the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot on Dec. 30. The Oregon secretary of state reported that 163,451 of the 191,828 signatures accepted for verification were valid—a signature validity rate of 85%.…
-
Thirty-six candidates are running for nine spots on the Lansing Charter Commission on May 7
Thirty-six candidates are running for nine spots on the Lansing Charter Commission on May 7. The winners will be tasked with revising and rewriting Michigan's state capital's city charter over the coming years. Last November, Lansing voters approved a ballot question calling for the creation of the charter commission, with 52% voting in favor. The…
-
New Hampshire Secretary of State retirement triggers triplex status change
Ballot Measures Update Sixty-four statewide measures have been certified for the 2022 ballot in 30 states so far. No new measures were certified for the ballot last week. Signatures have been submitted and are pending verification for six additional initiatives in Alaska, Florida, Massachusetts, and Ohio: Alaska State Recognition of American Indian Tribes Initiative (2022)…
-
State, local governments in conflict over police budget reduction preemption laws
Various state and local governments have come into conflict over laws preempting municipalities from reducing their police department budgets. Preemption occurs when a law at a higher level of government is used to overrule authority at a lower level. In this case, several states have implemented legislation either prohibiting local governments from reducing their police…