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Ballot Measures Database

Search our database by state or topic area for more detailed information.

NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the nation's 50 state legislatures. To learn more about NCSL, see About NCSL.

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Database Description

Each entry contains the following information:

Ballot Number: This is the number or letter the measure is designated with on the ballot.

Title: This is the title of the measure that appears on the ballot.

Type: There are four types of measures -

Legislative Referendum - This is a measure that has been referred to the ballot by the Legislature. Most often, these are referred laws, constitutional amendments or bond questions.

Initiative - This is a measure that was placed on the ballot through the citizen petition process. It may either be a new law or a constitutional amendment. Only 24 states permit the initiative. Some permit both statutory and constitutional initiatives, while others permit only one or the other.

Popular Referendum - This is a measure that was placed on the ballot through the citizen petition process. It is a popular vote on a measure which was passed by the Legislature.

Other - In a few states, measures may make it to the ballot from other sources besides the initiative process and/or the Legislature. For example, in Arizona, the Commission on Salaries for Elective State Officers commonly places a question on the ballot regarding salaries for legislators.

Status: After the election, the pass/fail status of each measure will appear in this field.

Summary: This field contains a summary of the measure. Whenever possible, an official summary from the Secretary of State, Attorney General or Legislative Council is used.

 

For More Information:
Jennie Drage Bowser
elections-info@ncsl.org

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Washington Office: Tel: 202-624-5400 | Fax: 202-737-1069 | 444 North Capitol Street, N.W., Suite 515 | Washington, D.C. 20001