Ballot initiative definition
A ballot initiative lets voters propose state laws or constitutional amendments through petitions, then approve or reject them at the ballot box.
A ballot initiative is a proposed law or constitutional amendment that voters place on the ballot by gathering petition signatures. Voters then approve or reject it in an election. Each state’s constitution decides whether its voters can use initiatives, and sets the rules for how they work. Ballot initiatives differ from proposed laws that legislatures put on ballots.
Initiatives change state law, not federal law.
How does a ballot initiative get on the ballot?
Supporters write the measure, then collect signatures from registered voters in favor of putting the measure on the ballot. Election officials verify those signatures before the measure qualifies for inclusion.
The number of signatures required is usually a share of the votes cast in an earlier statewide race, and it can differ by measure type. In California, for example, an initiative statute needs 546,651 valid signatures, while an initiative that would amend the state constitution needs 874,641.
Do ballot initiatives go straight to voters?
Not always. Some initiatives go straight to the voters. Others go to the legislature first, and each state's own law decides which routes its voters can use.
Washington state offers both routes. An initiative to the people goes on the next November general election ballot. An initiative to the legislature goes to lawmakers at their January session, where it has three possible outcomes. Lawmakers can adopt it, and it becomes law without a public vote. If they reject it or take no action, it goes on the ballot. They can also put a competing measure on the same ballot.
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