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State Initiatives

State initiatives and referendum are important because they provide a direct way for citizens to propose and vote on legislation or constitutional amendments, in some cases, bypassing the state legislature. Proponents of this form of direct democracy argue that it allows voters to shape laws on critical issues, reflecting the will of the people more directly than through elected representatives alone.

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Initiatives empower citizens to propose new legislation, while referendums allow voters to approve or reject laws passed by the legislature. Both mechanisms can serve as checks on legislative power, providing a way for citizens to address issues that lawmakers may be slow or hesitant to tackle. Some proponents say they also promote civic engagement, requiring voters to actively participate in the legislative process.

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How Many States Have Initiatives?
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As of 2024, 26 U.S. states allow some form of initiative process.

 

These include both direct and indirect initiatives. The rules for how initiatives are submitted and approved vary from state to state, including differences in signature requirements, timelines, and subject matter restrictions.

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Explore the interactive map below to find out more: 

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State Initiatives 

State Initiatives allow citizens to place new state initiatives or constitutional amendments on the ballot by collecting signatures. 

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Popular Referendum 

Referendum or "veto referendum" allow voters to collect signatures to determine whether voters are in favor of upholding or repealing an enacted state law 

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What are the advantages and drawbacks of direct democracy initiatives? 

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Direct Democracy v. State Legislatures
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The Center for Constitutional Studies at Utah Valley University hosted a panel discussion on this question, and in relation to a controversial ballot initiative in Utah. The panel brought together a representative group of experts and civic leaders to talk about the legislature’s ongoing effort to roll back the Utah Supreme Court’s recent decision altering the initiative process and the proper role of direct democracy in constitutional self-government.

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  • Matthew Brogdon (moderator), UVU Center for Constitutional Studies

  • Ryan Bell, Better Boundaries Utah

  • Savannah Eccles Johnston, Salt Lake Community College

  • Derek Monson, Sutherland Institute

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Watch: 

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