Art. 54 53). 19, 2), Ballot title and summary: Secretary of state, in consultation with the attorney general (N.R.S. 1-40-111), Paid per signature: Allowed but must obtain license and training (CRS 1-40-135), Allowed to pay another for their signature: Prohibited (C.R.S.A. Public reviews for 30 days and provides comments to the proponent. Art. 15, 273), Ballot title and summary: Attorney general (Miss. III, 3 and NRS 32-1407). 6, 1), Repeat measures: Two years (U.C.A. II, 9). 14, 3, 10 ILCS 5/28-2, Massachusetts: M.G.L.A. The statement may not be submitted electronically (Utah Code 20A-7-305). Art. 3, 52(c)(ii). Conflicting measures: The measure receiving the greatest number of affirmative votes becomes law (Ark. Subject restrictions: The following language applies to initiatives and may apply to referenda, This Article does not permit the proposal of any statute or statutory amendment which makes an appropriation or otherwise requires the expenditure of money, unless such statute or amendment also imposes a sufficient tax, not prohibited by the Constitution, or otherwise constitutionally provides for raising the necessary revenue" (Const. Allowed to pay another for their signature: Prohibited (U.C.A. Subject restrictions: No law that relates to religion, religious practices or religious institutions; or to the appointment, qualification, tenure, removal or compensation of judges; or to the powers, creation or abolition of courts; or the operation of which is restricted to a particular town, city or other political division or to particular districts or localities of the commonwealth; or that appropriates money for the current or ordinary expenses of the commonwealth or for any of its departments, boards, commissions or institutions shall be the subject of a referendum petition (Const. What is on each petition: Serial number, name and address of paid circulator, and contents approved by secretary of state (F.S.A. Initiative, Referendum, and Recall Applications for the 2024 Election Cycle. 1953, Const. Recall, the device by which voters may remove public officials from office, also originates with the people. XLVII, Pt. 19-121.01). St. 32-1407), Which election is a measure on: Next general election at least four months after filing the signatures (Neb. Repeal or change restrictions: Two-thirds vote required to amend or repeal within seven years of effective date (Const. Const. Withdrawal process of individual signature: Voter may withdraw signature by submitting to the secretary of state, before the petition is filed with the secretary of state, a sworn statement requesting that his or her signature be withdrawn and affirming the name of the petition signed, the name the voter used when signing the petition, the address of the voter and the county of residence (Mo.Rev.Stat. Circulator requirements: Any Maine resident who is a registered voter (21-A MRS 903-A). All 23 popular referendum states require a simple majority to pass a popular referendum. 21 1 and A.R.S. 3519.02; 3501.381). Rev. Which election is a measure on: A referred measure may be voted upon at a statewide election or at a special election called by the governor (NDCC Const. Where to file with: Secretary of state (V.A.M.S. 7-9-404; 406; 407; 408; 409). If a congressional district has 110 % of the needed valid signatures, the petition qualifies in that district. VI). Alaska: 1956Arizona: 1911Arkansas: 1910California: 1911Colorado: 1912Florida: 1972Idaho: 1912Illinois: 1970Maine: 1908Massachusetts: 1918Michigan: 1908Mississippi: 1914Missouri: 1908Montana: 1904Nebraska: 1912Nevada: 1905North Dakota: 1914Ohio: 1912Oklahoma: 1907Oregon: 1902South Dakota: 1898Utah: 1900Washington 1912Wyoming: 1968. 907; Const. Petitions must be submitted not more than 90 days after the end of the session at which the act was passed. 7-9-105). Art. Legislature may amend with three-fourths vote but only to further the purpose of the measure (A.R.S. No. III, 3 and MGL ch. 187; Okl.St.Ann. 34-1802). Proponents then file the measure with the secretary of state (I.C. Fiscal statement is included in voter pamphlet as is other information. For amendments, must be submitted for verification by the third Tuesday in June of the general election year. If raising more than $5,000 in a year, the entity must register as a ballot question committee. 250.045). Neb. 23-17-29), Missouri (V.A.M.S. XVI, 2). 2015.5), Circulator oaths or affidavits: Yes (Cal.Elec.Code 104, 9022, 9610), Paid per signature: Yes, but signed oath if paid (Cal.Elec.Code 101, 9610), Allowed to pay another for their signature: Prohibited (Cal.Elec.Code 18603). Rev. 2, 3), Michigan (M.C.L.A. MS Const. Circulator requirements: Age 18 or older (Elec. Attorney general prepares abstract to be posted at polling places (A.C.A. 23-17-57), Number of signatures required: Twelve % of the total votes cast in the last gubernatorial race for governor (MS Const. Secretary of state drafts ballot language that fairly and accurately explains what a vote for and what a vote against the measure represent; approved by attorney general. Time period restrictions before placed on the ballot: There must be more than 180 days between the adjournment of the session during which the act was passed and the election at which it is considered (Const. Allowed to pay another for their signature: Prohibited (NSR 295.300). Art. Mississippi: Attorney general may confer with proponents and may recommend revisions. In April 1983, a recall vote to remove San Franciscos mayor Dianne Feinstein from office was overwhelmingly defeated. Ban struck down by courts (RCWA 29A.84.280; LIMIT v. Maleng, 1994). If 110 % or more, the petition passes. 1-40-105). Art. 2, 8). Const. In some states, the question is worded such that a yes vote is in favor of the law subject to referendum, while in others, a yes vote is in favor of repealing the law that is the subject of the referendum. Circulator requirements: Must be 18 or older, registered with the secretary of state, and cannot have been convicted or pled guilty to forgery crimes (V.A.M.S. Art. Repeal or change restrictions: A measure approved by the electors may not be repealed or amended by the legislative assembly for seven years from its effective date, except by a two-thirds vote of the members elected to each house (NDCC Const. Circulator oaths or affidavit required: Yes (Wyo. Both the initiative and the referendum originated in Switzerland in the first half of the 19th century. 3, 17(3)). III, 5). Which election: At the next ensuing election held throughout the state for members of the U.S. House of Representatives (Const. Ballot title and summary: Attorney general. Rev. Types allowed: Indirect initiative for constitutional amendments, NOTE:In 2021, the Mississippi Supreme Court. II, 1e). Rev. XVI, 5(b)). Circulator requirements: At least 18 years old and a qualified elector (34 Okl.St.Ann. Allowable uses of funds by ballot measure committees are specified at Elec. Collected in-person: Yes (AS 15.45.340(a)). The secretary of state is prohibited by law from accepting for filing any referendum petition which interferes with the legislative prerogative contained in the Constitution of Nebraska that the necessary revenue of the state and its governmental subdivisions shall be raised by taxation in the manner as the legislature may direct. General election, but governor and legislature may call special elections, and certified ballot title is due at least 65 days before the election. If includes expenditures, must also include sufficient increased revenue sources that cannot come from general fund. Art. Petition title and summary creation: Secretary of state and approved by attorney general (NDCC, 16.1-01-07). Conflicting measures: No statute found other than if the attorney general determines that their subject/purpose/effect are similar, they will give them identical ballot titles (OR Rev. All of the chief petitioners must sign the form to withdraw (ORS 250.029). After the hearings, the proponents and Governor's Office of Management and Budget may revise (U.C.A. A.R.S. 2, 10; Cal.Elec.Code 9004, Title board, comprised of secretary of state, attorney general and director of the office of legislative legal services. Petition title and summary creation: Secretary of state drafts a short and concise statement that fairly represents the proposal; approved by the attorney general (NDCC 16.1-01-09). Withdrawal process of individual signature: Yes, before May 15, signer submits request to county clerk (U.C.A. Art. 8). 48, Init., Pt. Proponent organization and requirements: In addition to the application, petition must include the names, residence addresses, email addresses, telephone numbers and signatures of five voters who are designated to receive notices (21-A MRS 901). Art. Art. Another 10 states allow petition sponsors to draft the title and/or summary, in some cases with approval by a state official. Art. What is on each petition: Petition includes original title of the act to be referred and a statement by signers. 3, Sec. Art. Rev. Art. Art. Once the lieutenant governor receives the verified packets from the clerks, they count the number of names and declare the proposition sufficient or not (U.C.A. Two official representatives of the proponents must attend all petition review meetings. OK Const. 2, Oregon: O.R.S. 5, 1; A.C.A. Conflicting measures: The measure with highest number of affirmative votes prevails (M.C.L.A. Petition title and summary creation: The statement of purpose and implication, which is prepared by the proponent and approved by the attorney general, is the title for both the petition and ballot. Withdrawal process of individual signature: Can file a request with the county clerk any time before the petition is filed (N.R.S. When formed as a ballot question committee, it must file campaign statements and other forms with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission, all on a set timeline (NRS 49-1401). Art. Art. Art. Time period restrictions before placed on the ballot: 125 days must pass after filing petition before election (OH Const. This deadline pertains to when counties must submit petitions with verified signatures to the secretary of state. A ballot question committee includes any person, located within or outside Arkansas, who receives contributions or makes expenditures for the purpose of expressly advocating the qualification, disqualification, passage or defeat of any ballot measure. Eighteen states require proponents to file application materials with the states secretary of state: Two states require proponents to file application materials with the lieutenant governor: Five states require proponents to file application materials with the attorney general: Four states require filing with another entity: None listed, but must register organization with board of elections. The secretary of state then refers both to the attorney general, who determines the legal sufficiency of the issue, approves the petitioner's ballot statements and determines whether a fiscal note is necessary. Art. 1-40-106). 168.22e; 168.476; 168.477; 168.480, Montana: MCA 13-27-401; 13-27-402; 13-27-410; 13-27-311, Nebraska: Neb. General review of petition: Secretary of state, along with revisor of statutes, may reject petition application if it does not conform to drafting conventions for statutes (21-A M.R.S.A. 5, 1; A.C.A. Verification: Each signature is physically counted. The popular referendum is a measure that appears on the ballot as a result of a voter petition drive and is similar to the initiative in that both are triggered by petitions, but there are important differences. Collected in-person: Implied (MCA 13-27-102), Withdrawal process of individual signature: Any time prior to official filing (MCA 13-27-301). II, 1c and ORC 3519.21). Timeline for taking effect: An act rejected by referendum is void 30 days after certification. III, 5). Legislature may hold public hearings and must hold a committee hearing once 25 percent of signatures are collected (Cal.Gov.Code 12172; 10243; 12172; Cal.Elec.Code 9007; 9034). II, 1g; O.R.C. Each county board certifies the signatures for their county, and the secretary of state verifies the second round of petition signatures for indirect statutory initiatives (OH Const. Repeal or change restrictions: Amend or repeal must be approved by voters, unless the original measure permits amendment or repeal without voter approval (Cal.Const. Art. Art. Only one state does not require this type of action: Before a measure is placed on a ballot, states decide which election it will appear on, how the ballot title and summary are created and any time restrictions involved. 6, Gen. Const. 5, 1; M.G.L.A. Art. Thirteen states require a simple majority to pass statewide ballot measures: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma andSouth Dakota. 2, 9). General review of petition: Proponents may alter the measure in small ways after legislature reviews it. What is on each petition: The format follows statute guidelines, must be notarized, must have specific language including legal warning, ballot title and abstract from fiscal impact statement (CRS 1-40-110, 1-40-105.5). XLVII , Pt. 34, 25). 3, 20 and 21-A MRSA 901). Who creates petitions: The secretary of state prepares a "signature form (that) includes provisions for identification of the measure; the printed name, signature, and address of the committee member; and notarization of the signature" (NDCC, 16.1-01-07). Stat. Disclosure reports must be filed 60 days before the election, on the 5th and 20th day of each month until the election, the 20th day of November after the election, and the 20th of January each year. 19, 2; N.R.S. If a person is recalled they are put back through an election. Which election: General election (SDCL 2-1-17). Art. One year after the petition is approved by the secretary of state for collection, and deadline of 120 days before the election it is to be voted upon. Must file a statement of formation as a political action committee within 10 days of formation. 2, 24). Collected in-person: The circulator must witness each signature (OR Rev. To schedule an appointment to file an Application for a Serial Number, please contact our office at ballotmeasure@azsos.gov. All 23 popular referendum states require political organizations that support or oppose a ballot measure, often considered political action committees, to follow state campaign finance laws. Art. Circulator oaths or affidavits: No, but they certify that each signature was in their presence and that they believe each individual is an elector (O.R.S. 353, 354). 5, 1; M.G.L.A. This page provides state primary and presidential election dates for 2024 when legislative, congressional, gubernatorial, statewide office and presidential primary contests will be on the ballots in 46 states. Const. Tit. 3599.03). Art. Stat. 3519.22). IV, 1). Petition title and summary creation: Attorney general (Cal.Const. There is a principal circulator whose information is publicly available upon request. 19, 3; N.R.S. III, 2). Petition title and summary creation: No separate title, and a simple "statement of the gist" of the measure is included on the petition (34 Okl.St.Ann. Paid per signature: May be paid (Ark. Subject restrictions: Laws providing for tax levies, appropriations for the current expenses of the state government and state institutions and emergency laws necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety (OH Const. Who can sign the petition: Qualified electors and every person who is a qualified voter (Const. All of the chief petitioners must sign the form to withdraw. Geographic entities based on U.S. House districts, which are required to be highly equal in population, have been ruled to be constitutional (for example, see Nevada). Information page must contain description of subject and purpose of the petition, identification of sponsors, the required information relating to signatures and the required affidavit. Art. Art. Withdrawal of petition: Any time more than 70 days before the election, a majority of the members of the committee that represents the petition may withdraw the petition by providing written notice to the secretary of state (ORC 3519.08). Stat. Const. If politicians are ignoring citizens' concerns, they can pass the law themselves 2. 4, Pt. Const. Majority to pass: Yes, except in the case of authorizing gambling or lottery, which requires 60 % to pass (RCWA Const. 19, 1). 48, Init., Pt. L-04, 2011 WL 1130010 (July 5, 2011). 34-1805), Who can sign the petition: Qualified electors (I.C. Art. Art. Paid circulators must, prior to circulating petitions, sign a statement certifying they acknowledge that it is a misdemeanor to allow signatures on a petition to be used for any purpose other than qualifying a measure for the ballot (Elec. Rev. Circulator oaths or affidavit required: Yes (MCA 13-27-302). Verification: Each signature is physically counted (34 OS 6.1). 3, 3; NDCC, 16.1-01-09), Collected in-person: Yes (NDCC, 16.1-01-09). XVI, 1; O.R.C. In every state, a constitutional amendment requires a vote of approval. 250.025), Collected in-person: Yes (O.R.S. XVI, 1), Timeline for taking effect: Thirty days after the election (Ohio Const. If paid, must also register with the secretary of state and take training program (O.R.S. In some states, the legislature or governor may order a special election for a measure. Must file statement of organization as a PAC upon receiving contributions or making expenditures in any combination of at least $1,000 in connection with an election. Subject restrictions: Acts that become effective earlier than 90 days after the end of the session are exempt from the referendum (Const. Ohio: Reviewed by attorney general and Ohio ballot board, which also writes pro or con statements if not supplied. II, 9). No signatures may be obtained prior to 24 months before the general elections that it is to be voted upon, and signatures must be filed one year prior to the election (SDCL 2-1-1.2). 2). Petitions are deemed invalid if signatures are gathered in violation (ORC 3501.381). XLVII, Pt. General election unless the legislature orders a special election. A legislature committee also reviews the measure by a deadline (N.R.S. 3, 19). Collected in-person: Yes (N.R.S. Many cities and about one fourth of the states have incorporated it into their charters or constitutions. In 18 states, the application to circulate a popular referendum petition is filed with the chief election officer. Must also meet conditional certification (W.S.1977 22-24-304; 22-24-308). Choose a language from the menu above to view a computer-translated version of this page. General guidance as to format and contents can be found at NRS 32-1402. If the legislature does not enact the statute, another round of signatures is required equaling 0.5% of votes for governor. Art. Considered a committee if individual raises or spends more than $5,000. Number of signatures required: Not more than 5 % of the qualified electors, based on the total number of votes cast for governor at the last preceding gubernatorial elections (Const. 1. Semiannual statements of contributions and expenditures are due July 31 and January 31. 19, 2; Art. Timeline for taking effect: The first day of July after the completion of the official canvass (SDCL 2-1-12). 3, 1 and Const. 116.180). The ballot title may be distinct from the title of the law that is the subject of the petition (Utah Code 20A-7-308). Ballot title and summary: Secretary of state in consultation with the attorney general, but the full text of the measure is included if it is not too long (NDCC, 16.1-06-09). Art. 4, Pt. 48, Init., Pt. Art. and the remainder of the required signatures shall be filed not later than the first Wednesday of the following December. After review by legislature, the second 0.5 % of signatures are to be collected between mid-May and July. IV, pt. Idaho: Within 20 days after initial petition filing, attorney general reviews and recommends revisions in an advisory capacity. Initiative, referendum, and recall are three means by which the people may bring their will to bear directly on the legislative process and the machinery of government. Conflicting measures: The measure with the most affirmative votes becomes law (NDCC Const. Circulator requirements: Name and address must be on petition if paid (F.S.A. The increase in any such appropriation for maintaining or aiding any public institution shall only take effect as in the case of other laws, and such increase or any part thereof specified in the petition, may be referred to a vote of the people upon petition (Const. 168.482; 168.544c). Original title of the act that is subject to the referendum is included (A.C.A. 295.009. 19, 1 and NRS 293.127563). Art. Application process information: State Board of Elections is empowered to adopt regulations specifying procedures for filing and circulating petitions (Elec. Must have full text of the measure and names and addresses of the sponsors (NDCC Const. Must file quarterly reports. CONST. Who can sign the petition: Qualified voters (SDCL 2-1-6). Code 18680. Art. The same title that was drafted for the petition also appears on the ballot (ORS 250.065). Which election is a measure on: Regular election unless otherwise ordered by Legislative Assembly (OR CONST Art. II, 1(b)). Const. 3519.01). Updated on June 03, 2021. Art. Const. Petition sponsors may not gather signatures without first forming a ballot issue committee. A referred measure may be voted upon at a statewide election or at a special election called by the governor. Conflicting measures: The measure receiving a majority of the votes passes (RCWA Const. Electronic reports of contributions and expenditures must be filed according to a schedule specified in ORS 260.057. 168.472a). For constitutional amendments, signatures must be gathered from 10% of qualified electors in each of two-fifths (40) of the state's 100 legislative districts. 15, 273). General review of petition: After the hearings the proponents and Governor's Office of Management and Budget may revise (U.C.A. May be withdrawn by any of the people authorized to do so in the original application; withdrawal is made via a form prescribed by the secretary of state. 22-24-414). Withdrawal of petition: None, the withdrawal process specified in statute applies only to initiative petitions (CRS 1-40-134). Paid per signature: Cannot be paid based on the number of signatures collected, but can be paid in general (NDCC 16.1-01-12(1)(j)).