Ballot measure

Ballot measure is a piece of proposed legislation that is decided by eligible voters, rather than legislatures or elected officials. Ballot measures are also known as referendums, initiatives, or propositions, depending on the process by which they are brought to the ballot.

Types of Ballot Measures

There are two primary types of ballot measures: direct and indirect.

Direct ballot measures are proposed laws or constitutional amendments that are placed on the ballot by citizens or organizations, often after a petition process. If the measure receives a majority of votes, it becomes law.

Indirect ballot measures are proposed by legislative bodies. These can include laws that the legislature wants to put to a public vote, or constitutional amendments that require voter approval.

Process

The process for getting a ballot measure on the ballot varies by jurisdiction, but typically involves a petition process. This usually requires gathering a certain number of signatures from eligible voters in support of the measure. Once the required number of signatures is gathered, the measure is placed on the ballot for the next election.

Impact

Ballot measures can have a significant impact on public policy. They can be used to enact laws or constitutional amendments that might not otherwise pass through the legislative process. They can also be used to overturn laws or decisions made by elected officials.

Criticism

Critics of ballot measures argue that they can lead to poorly drafted legislation, as they are often written by citizens or interest groups rather than lawmakers. They also argue that they can lead to voter fatigue, as voters are asked to make decisions on a wide range of complex issues.

See Also

• Direct democracy
• Indirect democracy
• Referendum
• Initiative (political)
• Proposition (politics)