Where to file: Secretary of state (Const. Art. 3, 3; NRS 32-1402 and -1403, Nevada: Const. 15, 273). If you desire to vote for the retention of the act, mark X in square opposite the words 'FOR APPROVAL OF THE ACT.' Any contribution of $500 or more in last 13 days to be reported within 24 hours. Who can sign the petition: Electors of the state (OH Const. 19, 2; N.R.S. 3, 3; NDCC, 16.1-01-09). 250.036; OR CONST Art. Geographic distribution: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 (MT CONST Art. provided safe working conditions for child laborers. 4, 1, Pt. Who creates petitions: None defined, although the secretary of state reviews and processes the petition, along with the attorney general and the Supreme Court (34 Okl.St.Ann. Cannot have had a penalty for violation of title 16 (election laws) or title 19 (initiative and referendum laws) in the past five years, been convicted of treason or a felony and has not been restored to civil rights, or been convicted of any offense related to fraud, forgery or identity theft. 354). Art. Art. Submission deadline of signatures: For statute initiatives, no later than three months prior to the election the measure is to be voted upon, and must submit to the county officials no sooner than nine months and no later than four weeks prior to the final deadline (MT CONST Art. 48, Init., Pt. Time period restrictions before placed on the ballot: Certified ballot title is due at least 65 days before the election. Art. 22-24-407). Reports of expenditures and contributions received are required quarterly in nonelection years and monthly, March through November, in election years. Which election: Biennial general election (Const. The popular referendum process allows voters to approve or repeal an act of the legislature. Oregon: The Citizens' Initiative Review Commission reviews measures and may create a citizen panel to review specific items. Art. Prov., 3. Application process information: Proponents prepare ballot statements and file them (MCA 13-27-202; 13-27-312). 4. increase the participation of African Americans in the Federal Government. 901, 906; 1 M.R.S.A. Art. 902) concisely require the counting and verification of signatures, without detailed guidance. 19-121.01; 19-121.04). 905-A; M.R.S.A. 3, 3; NDCC, 16.1-01-09). 23-17-29), Missouri (V.A.M.S. Recall. What is on each petition: Petition format is addressed in Mo.Rev.Stat. Timeline for collecting signatures: Signatures are valid for two years, but a petition can circulate indefinitely (F.S.A. Lieutenant governor with assistance from attorney general, Secretary of state, approved by attorney general, Ark. To make it more difficult to place initiatives on the ballot and to ensure initiatives do not represent just the interests of heavily populated areas, some states have created a requirement that signatures be gathered from across the state. Art. Art. 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. Fiscal review: Prepared by the office of budget and management and the tax commissioner if involves taxes or expenditures (O.R.C. 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. Petitions must be submitted not later than 90 days after the final adjournment of the legislature; if that deadline falls on a Saturday, the office of the secretary of state must be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Const. V, 1(3)). Law 7-103(c)). Code 84200.8). General review of petition: Upon request, any agency in the executive department shall assist in reviewing and preparing comments on the petition (C.R.S.A. Prepared by the secretary of state, upon consultation with the Fiscal Analysis Division of the Legislative Counsel Bureau. Allowed to pay another for their signature: Prohibited (ACA 7-9-103(c)). Must include the language "a committee for/against Proposition __" in any reference to the committee required by law (Govt. III, 3). General review of petition: Proponents may request review by secretary of state (Cal.Gov.Code 12172). 21 1 and A.R.S. Art. In 2021, Idaho passed SB 1110, which would have required signatures from 6% of the qualified electors at the time of the last general election in all 35 legislative districts, but in August 2021, the Idaho Supreme Court blocked implementation of that law. Code 23-17-3), Which election is a measure on: Statewide general election (MS Const. For constitutional amendments, from 44 of 88 counties, signatures from 5 % of the votes cast for governor in each county in previous election (OH Const. Withdrawal process of individual signature: Signature may be withdrawn not later than 5 p.m. on the date the petition containing the person's signature is filed by signing a statement of intent to withdraw at the secretary of state's office, mailing a signed, notarized statement of intent to the secretary of state or drawing a line through the signature and printed name (ARS 19-113). Art II, 10 and Elec. 116.332, Const. The requirement may be waived by a two-thirds vote in each house of the legislature. What Are The Different Types And Forms Of . Code Ann. Records must be kept of contributions and expenditures. Amend. 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. Chief petitioners must file a statement declaring whether circulators will be paid (ORS 250.045). Rev. Paid per signature: No ban on initiative petitions, but a statement must appear on the petition if circulator is being paid (W.S.1977 22-24-310). Art. 2, 8), Conflicting measures: Measure receiving more affirmative votes is enacted (Cal.Const. 7-9-111). In 1911, California voters approved the constitutional processes of initiative, referendum, and recall. General review of petition: For accuracy and fairness, the attorney general may rewrite arguments for or against prepared by legislature (5 ILCS 20/2). Rarely has a recall effort against a state-level officeholder ever qualified for the ballot. Art. A statement of purpose and implication, not to exceed 135 words, and yes-no statements are drafted by petitioners and reviewed and approved by the attorney general. Const. Number of signatures required: For statutory initiatives, 6 % of the total votes cast for all candidates for governor in last general election. 106.191). Repeal or change restrictions: Laws approved by the people under the referendum provision of this section may be amended by the legislature at any subsequent session thereof (Const. Timeline for taking effect: When governor makes official declaration of vote but not later than 30 days after vote canvassing (C.R.S.A. Art. Const. Attorney general writes title and summary if original is challenged in court (F.S.A. Art. Number of signatures required: 8% of the active voters in the state on Jan. 1 following the last regular general election (Utah Code 20A-7-301(1)). What is on each petition: Petitions substantially follow the form found in U.C.A. Circulator oaths or affidavit required: Yes (Const. This ensures that measures will not be passed by a small minority of voters, either because of a low turnout or ballot-drop off (where voters only vote partway through a ballot). Art. 22-24-402). 5, 3; 34 Okl.St.Ann. Ten states do not have a geographic requirement; 14states do. 34-1807, 34-1705). What is on each petition: Petition includes original title of the act to be referred and a statement by signers. Who can sign the petition: Registered voters (Const. Sponsor, approved by secretary of state, reviewed by attorney general, 10 ILCS 5/28-5; 10 ILCS 5/16-6; 5 ILCS 20/2. For statutory initiatives, 6% of total votes cast for all candidates for governor in last general election. Cannot have been found guilty of a criminal felony or a violation of election laws, fraud, forgery or identification theft, Cannot have been convicted of or pled guilty to crimes involving forgery. Art. Const. The title of the statute or resolution that is the subject of the referendum is printed on the ballot. NCSL summarizes the results of the Feb. 21, 2023, special elections in Kentucky, New Hampshire, Virginia and Wisconsin. Same must also be reported quarterly on April 15, July 15, Oct. 15, and Jan. 15 (NRS 294A.220). Timeline for taking effect: An act rejected by referendum is void 30 days after certification. 2, 24). 3; 8). Proponents, but certified by state board of elections and reviewed by attorney general. Allowable uses of funds by ballot measure committees are specified at Elec. Types allowed: Indirect initiative for statutes, direct initiative for constitutional amendments, and popular referendum, Single subject rule: Yes (O.R.C. Code 9001, $2,000; refunded if measure qualifies for the ballot within two years. Art. Art. Circulator requirements: Registered voter (RCW 29A.72.120 and .130). For citation information, please contact the NCSL Elections and Redistricting team. The descriptive title, which is printed below the official title on the ballot, is written by the secretary of state with the approval of the attorney general. For constitutional amendments, 15% of legal voters. Submission deadline of signatures: May 1 in the year of the election that the initiative will appear on, or 18 months from the date the petitioner receives the official ballot title from the secretary of state, whichever is earlier. Oklahoma: If neither receives a majority, the one receiving more votes will be resubmitted to the next general election by itself if it received at least one-third of the total votes cast for or against the two measures. 1-40-111). Reports of contributions and expenditures are due quarterly in calendar years without elections. Art. 23 States have a popular referendum process. Secretary of the state and attorney general. However, voters submit two preferences: (1) to approve or reject both measures and (2) deciding between the measures. Subject restrictions: Cannot be used on laws necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety, and appropriations for the support and maintenance of the departments of state and state institutions (Const. Single subject rule: Yes (OR CONST Art. The maximum number of signatures counted from any individual congressional district is one-fifth of the total number required. Maine: If neither receives a majority, the one receiving the most votes, if it receives more than one-third of the votes given for or against both, will appear at the next statewide election to be held not less than 60 days after the vote (M.R.S.A. Which election is a measure on: The next statewide election unless the legislature or governor convenes a special election for it or the governor designates a vote at the primary election (OK Const. Withdrawal process of individual signature: Secretary of state verifies the signatures for total number and from two-thirds of the counties (W.S.1977 22-24-316). Which election: Next statewide election, unless a special election is called by the legislature of the governor for the express purpose of considering a referendum (Const. Time period restrictions before placed on the ballot: See timeline and deadlines. Accessible across all of today's devices: phones, tablets, and desktops. Const. Therefore, rules restricting the ability to change or repeal measures apply to statutory measures, which are available in 21 states. IV, 1, Pt. Secretary of state and attorney general jointly make a more descriptive ballot question summary to be sent to voters. The same safe and trusted content for explorers of all ages. Art. If 20 % or more of signatures on any part are invalid, then the burden to prove the rest are valid falls on the sponsors (Ark. Art. Rev. II, 1g). 3, 9; 2011 N.D. Op.Atty.Gen. 11 5). Collected in-person: Yes (W.S.1977 22-24-312). Circulator requirements: Any Maine resident who is a registered voter (21-A MRS 903-A). VI, 1 and Utah Code 20A-7-102 and 20A-7-305). Allowed to pay another for their signature: Prohibited (Const. 5, 7). Conflicting measures: Measure with the most affirmative votes prevails (OH Const. Art. A fee of $500 is required; fee is deposited in general fund (Const. 3, 52(f)). The president of the Senate and the speaker of the House of Representatives have authority to designate groups of members to prepare arguments for and against amendments to the Ohio Constitution proposed by the General Assembly, a person or persons to prepare an argument for any law, section, or item submitted to the electors by referendum petition, and a person or persons to prepare an argument against any constitutional amendment proposed by initiative petition. Circulator requirements: US citizen and at least 18 years old (CRS 1-40-112). 7-9-105), Withdrawal process of individual signature: No statute. Art. 22-24-405). 23-17-5). 1953 20A-7-702; 20A-7-204.1; 20A-7-701-706). 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 percent of signatures are to be collected between mid-May and July and must be submitted to the local registrars two weeks before submission to the secretary of state. 3, 4; Art. Paid circulators must file an affidavit with secretary of state indicating they are paid before circulating a petition (MCL 168.482a) NOTE: The affidavit requirement has been declared unconstitutional and nonbinding by AG opinion 7310, May 2019. Who creates petitions: Sponsors create the petition. Who creates petitions: Lieutenant governor (Const. Withdrawal process of individual signature: By crossing out his or her own signature at any time prior to the time when the petition is presented to the county clerk for signature verification, or at any time after presentation of the petition to the county clerk but prior to verification of the signature, by presenting in writing or submitting electronically to the county clerk a signed statement that the signer desires to have his name removed from the petition. Human Rights democracy and rule of law Democracy. IV, 1). Subject restrictions: May not be applied to appropriations of money (Const. Paid per signature: May be paid but not on number of petitions circulated or signatures obtained. Prepared by state auditor, and proponents may submit proposed review. Art. 2, Sec. General election, or at a special election ordered by the general assembly. VI, Subpt. Art. Initiative, Referendum, and Recall Applications for the 2024 Election Cycle. Art. North Dakota: The secretary of state reviews and if the office deems it insufficient, the committee of petitioners has 20 days to correct it. 168.32). Proponents submit a suggested popular name, to be approved or disapproved by the secretary of state. Art. Art. 4, Pt. 5 1; 7-9-122), Maine (M.R.S.A. Clerks follow specific guidelines as to verification decisions in code. Which election is a measure on: General election (F.S.A. A statement of 100 words or less by secretary of administration and finance regarding fiscal consequences of the measure. XVI, 4). Submit initiative draft to the Attorney General for official title and summary . Application process information: A petition requesting a referendum and suspension of the law must be signed by ten qualified voters and filed not more than 30 days after the law that is the subject of the petition has become law (Const. South Dakota has a unique statute regarding pay: may pay based on hourly wage or salary, express or implied minimum signature requirements for the circulator to meet, may terminate someone's employment if they do not meet "certain productivity requirements," and may pay discretionary bonuses based on reliability, longevity, and productivity. (SDCL 12-13-28). Art. Collected in-person: Yes (Wyo. II, 9(b)) and eligible registered voters (Elec. Ohio: Reviewed by attorney general and Ohio ballot board, which also writes pro or con statements if not supplied. A petition's sponsor must file a campaign finance report at the time a petition is filed under 6-205, and a committee opposing a ballot measure must file a campaign finance report within 10 business days after the petition is filed under 6-205. Petition title and summary creation: Lieutenant governor (Const. Art. 14, 9; MCA 13-27-503; 13-27-504). 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)). Number of signatures required: For statutory, 5 % of total vote for governor in the last election in each of two-thirds of the state's congressional districts. Allowed to pay another for their signature: Prohibited (Elec. Withdrawal of petition: Proponents may do so any time before measure qualifies for the ballot, 131 days before the general statewide election (Cal.Elec.Code 9033, 9604). Withdrawal process of individual signature: None specified. 2, 10), the legislature cannot change or alter measures on its own and must resubmit changes to the people unless the original measure passed by voters waived this requirement. What would happen if the US had direct democracy Quora. Time period restrictions before placed on the ballot: If 60 days do not so intervene between submission of the petition and the date for holding the next state election, then such law shall be submitted to the people at the next following state election, unless in the meantime it shall have been repealed (Const. Registration must include the circulator's full name, residence address, phone number and email address; the petition for which the circulator will gather signatures; a statement that the circulator consents to the jurisdiction of the courts of Arizona in resolving any disputes concerning the circulation of petitions by the circulator; the address of the committee in Arizona for whom the circulator works and will accept service of process related to disputes; a notarized affidavit by the circulator (ARS 16-118). Vote requirement for passage: Majority (SDCL 2-1-12). 2, 3; Const. Art. There are exceptions, such as in Mississippi, where someone can withdraw a signature if it was signed as a result of fraud, coercion, or being intentional mislead as to the substance or effect of the petition (Miss. Code 9006). General election, and must file by the May before the election the measure is to be voted on. Proponent financial disclosure requirements: Prior to receiving a contribution or making an expenditure, a campaign must designate a treasurer by filing with the secretary of state (ORC 3517.10(D)). Art. Art. Recall, the device by which voters may remove public officials from office, also originates with the people. Art. Art. 1953 20A-7-211). II, 1b; Art. Const. During the 14 days before the election, reports of any communication exceeding $5,000 in the aggregate are due within one business day. Unclear; it seems likely that the same statement drafted by the secretary of state and approved by the attorney general for the petition also appears on the ballot, but this is not specified. Ballot title and summary: A statement of purpose and implication, not to exceed 135 words, and yes-no statements are drafted by petitioners and reviewed and approved by the attorney general. 116.120). Petitions must be submitted not less than four months prior to the next general election. Who creates petitions: Lieutenant governor provides a copy of the referendum petition and signature sheets; sponsors print additional copies (Utah Code 20A-7-304). II, 1(d) and RCW 29A.72.030 and .160. 19-121), Submission deadline of signatures: Four months before election (A.R.S. 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. Ethics Commission rules 2.79, 2.80, 2.103, 2.109, 2.122. What is on each petition: Names of 10 original signers in the application and deadline for submission of signatures and follow guidelines of Administrative Rules 950 CMR 48.00 (M.G.L.A. Colo. Const. Art. Art. Art. In most states, this must be done on or before the date the petition is submitted for verification and is done by filing a form with election officials. 3, 6; NDCC 16.1-06-09; and NDCC 16.1-01-17). 22-24-407). IV, 1). Repeal or change restrictions: Two-thirds vote required to amend or repeal, and governor may not veto (Ne.Rev.St. For amendments, must be submitted for verification by the third Tuesday in June of the general election year. Conflicting measures: If the governor believes that two approved laws, or parts laws, are entirely in conflict, they proclaim the measure to be law that has received the greatest number of affirmative votes (U.C.A. Timeline and deadlines for collecting signatures: First 10 signatures must be turned in by the first Wednesday of the September before the assembling of the general court . Const. Legislature or other government official review: The chief petitioner may amend the initiative without having to re-submit if the attorney general reviews the changes and certifies that it does not change it substantially (O.R.S. What is on each petition: The cover of the petition must contain the name and address of the chief petitioners, the measure summary and a statement as to whether circulators are being paid. Other Subject restrictions: Cannot dedicate revenues, make or repeal appropriations, create courts, define the jurisdiction of courts, prescribe court rules, enact local or special legislation, or enact legislation prohibited by the Wyoming constitution (Const. 168.482; 168.544c). Code 9607). 250.125; 250.067; 250.127). Art. Proponent organization and requirements: Lists of circulators and notaries who notarized the petition sections must be filed with the secretary of state. Art. 901 and 1 M.R.S.A. Where to file with: Attorney general and secretary of the commonwealth once approved (M.G.L.A. The sponsor may file a written notice to withdraw the initiative with the secretary of state. Q. Collected in-person: Each person must sign "in his own proper handwriting" (NMSA 1-17-1). 116.060). Legislature reviews the indirect statutory initiatives. Where to file with: Secretary of state (W.S.1977 22-24-302). Who can sign the petition: Registered voters of the state (ACA 7-9-103). Geographic distribution: The maximum number of signatures counted from any individual congressional district is one-fifth of the total number required (MS Const. Verification: The secretary of state has 35 days to verify. Subject Matter Excluded From Popular Referendum, Dedications of revenue, appropriations, local or special legislation or laws necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety, Laws immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health or safety, or for the support and maintenance of the departments of the state government and state institutions, Urgency statutes, statutes calling elections or statutes providing for tax levies or appropriations for current expenses of the state, Laws necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety, and appropriations for the support and maintenance of the departments of state and state institutions, Laws making any appropriation for maintaining the state government or for maintaining or aiding any public institution, not exceeding the next previous appropriation for the same purpose, Const. 116.153; 116.025). Art. Proponent financial disclosure requirements: 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 (ARS 19-905(C)). The recall allows residents to remove the person in office. Unlimited, but if number of filed signatures is deemed insufficient, sponsors have 30 days to collect more. concerning (statement of subject) and voters have filed a sufficient referendum petition on this bill. 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. II, 1). Proponent organization and requirements: Proponents and opponents register with board of elections (10 ILCS 5/28-9). Designated representatives must, within 10 days of filing a completed petition, file a report containing information about paid circulators and any other expenditures made in relation to circulating petitions. Art. Some states limit the number of sections of code or the constitution that may be altered. If the petition is insufficient, the sponsors have 10 extra days to collect more signatures. Legislature or other government official review: After certification for the ballot, the joint committee on legislative research holds a public hearing in Jefferson City to take public comments regarding the measure (V.A.M.S. Art. See Const. Const. Collected in-person: Yes, In-person (21-A MRS 902). Which election: Regular election (State, congressional, or municipal) or a special election called by proper official or when 15% of voters petition for one (Const. And no signature "collected prior to a November general election at which a governor is elected shall not be filed after the date of that November general election" (M.C.L.A. Stat.