Ballot Initiatives

What’s a ballot initiative?

Ballot initiatives are a form of direct democracy. They are vehicles through which a petition signed by registered voters can force a public vote on a proposed statute, constitutional amendment, charter amendment or ordinance. They are the way that citizens can most directly influence politics at the state and local level.

Sometimes, ballot initiatives are not beneficial to a state. They are often deceptively named, which confuses voters as to what position the legislation takes. While most people can now recognize that “defense of marriage” initiatives are anti-LGBT, some proposed initiatives such as proposed “voter identification” rules continue to baffle voters.

While there are many important ballot initiative campaigns taking place this year, we have highlighted a few to watch during the next several months. Your state may have similar initiatives on the ballot; find out what they are and when the voting takes place, and get out to the polls! These particular issues are bound to be raised in the national election as well, so take a look:

  • Abortion – 2022 may feature the most abortion-related ballot measures on record
  • Voting/Democracy
  • Taxes

Guidelines for Working on Ballot Initiatives

Nonprofit organizations CAN legally engage in work on ballot initiatives. According to the Alliance for Justice, generally a nonprofit can:

  • Publicly endorse or oppose ballot measures;
  • Propose ballot measures;
  • Draft language for ballot measures;
  • Organize volunteers to gather signatures on petitions;
  • Send staff to gather signatures or conduct other ballot measure campaign work;
  • Contribute money to ballot measure campaigns and;
  • Host ballot measure campaign events in their facilities.
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Resources

Here are some nonpartisan web sites where you can track ballot initiatives that are moving in your state:

  • Ballotpedia – This site is citizen-powered. It aims to be an abundant and growing source of information on citizen initiatives, ballot access, petition drives, initiatives and referendums for political change, recall elections, school district bond issues and associated subjects.
  • National Conference of State Legislatures – NCSL keeps a frequently updated data base that lists ballot initiatives

Get Involved. Answer the Call to Action.

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Questions? Contact UCC.

Please contact Rev. Michael Neuroth, Director of the UCC Washington D.C. Office, at neurothm@ucc.org.