ballot measures

In the United States, a ballot measure is a law or question that voters decide on during statewide or local elections. Each state has its own rules for these measures because there isn't a national process for them.

Ballot measures are a great way to create significant change.

They allow people to make NEW RULES

without depending on the two main political parties,

GIVING COMMUNITIES A VOICE IN IMPORTANT DECISIONS.

There are two ways issues can be put on your ballot:

  • Citizen-initiated measures: People gather signatures to put an issue on the ballot.

  • Legislative measures: Lawmakers vote to add a new law or change to the ballot.

Ballot measures are a tool of a more direct participatory democracy, meaning a form of government that bases laws and policies of the majority of eligible voters rather than a few.

The VLABF team is focused on ballot measures that advance reproductive rights and move us towards Black liberation.

three states with ballot measures where you should pay attention:

Florida

NO - Amendment 1: Shifts school board elections to partisan races.

YES - Amendment 3: Allows access to recreational marijuana.

YES - Amendment 4: Expands abortion restrictions.

arizona

1. Require Partisan Primaries Amendment: Mandates partisan primary elections for partisan offices.

2. Signature Distribution Requirement for Initiatives Amendment: Sets new rules for signature gathering for citizen-initiated ballot measures, potentially making it harder to petition.

3. Emergency Declarations Amendment: Allows the legislature to end or modify emergency powers granted to the governor during non-war, flood, or fire emergencies.

nevada

Question 1: Removes constitutional status of the Board of Regents, giving the state legislature authority over state universities' governance.

Question 3: Implements open top-five primaries and ranked-choice voting for general elections.

Question 4: Repeals language in the Nevada Constitution allowing slavery and involuntary servitude as criminal punishments.

Question 5: Amends the Sales and Use Tax of 1955 to exempt child and adult diapers from sales tax.

This list is not a comprehensive overview and/or endorsement of any ballot measure.