III, 52(b)). 100.371), Ballot title and summary: Sponsor, approved by secretary of state, reviewed by attorney general (F.S.A. Art. 48, Init., Pt. To share with more than one person, separate addresses with a comma. Ninety days from the date marking the beginning circulation for collection, as set by the secretary of state after public posting and chance for protest, and a deadline of 90 days from the official set date from the secretary of state. 3519.01; 3519.02; 3513.10). 15, 273; Miss. Code Ann. 116.025). If a petition is insufficient, a period of 20 days is allowed for correction. Who can sign the petition: Qualified electors and every person who is a qualified voter (Const. What is on each petition: Serial number, name and address of paid circulator, and contents approved by secretary of state (F.S.A. Art. This bill would (concise description). II, 1b). 3, 50). Paid signature gatherers must register with the secretary of state and pay a fee of $20 for each petition they will be paid to circulate (SDCL 2-1-1.5 through -1.9). Art. 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. 353, 354). Petition sponsors may not gather signatures without first forming a ballot issue committee (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). 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. Revised statutes now require that signatures be equally collected among all the petition districts (congressional districts), and this was held to be constitutional (N.R.S. 4. increase the participation of African Americans in the Federal Government. 4 1, Part 1(6B), (6C) and (6D). Same must also be reported quarterly on April 15, July 15, Oct. 15 and Jan.15. And requires full disclosure of campaign staffers (21-A MRSA 1051 et. Who creates petitions: Lieutenant governor provides a copy of the referendum petition and signature sheets; sponsors print additional copies (Utah Code 20A-7-304). For amendments, 10% of total qualified electors of the state. What is on each petition: Must follow prescribed form and include the provisions for identification of the measure, space for the printed name, space for the signature, address of the committee member, notarization of the signature and affidavit (NDCC, 16.1-01-07; 16.1-01-09). Other subject restrictions: Must contain only subjects that are related or mutually dependent. II, 9(b)) and eligible registered voters (Elec. Where to file with: Secretary of state (MCA 13-27-202). IV, 1). Const. Six states do not have a law governing conflicting measures: Florida, Illinois, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota and Wyoming. Time period restrictions before placed on the ballot: Petitions cannot be filed more than 65 days before the deadline. Proponents write title. Verification: Secretary of state verifies via a random sampling (SDCL 2-1-11; 2-1-15; 2-1-16; SDCL 2-1-17). Reports of contributions and expenditures are due on a quarterly basis. 5, 1). These include filing reports and designating organization officers. 1(5)). Timeline for collecting signatures: Must be 180 days from official summary date by attorney general (Cal.Elec.Code 9014). III, 5(1) and MCA 13-27-202). Allowed to pay another for their signature: Prohibited (RCWA 29A.72.110; 29A.72.120; 29A.72.130; RCWA 29A.84.250), Number of signatures required: Eight % of the votes cast for the office of governor at the last regular gubernatorial election prior to the submission of the signatures for verification (RCWA 29A.72.150), Who can sign the petition: Legal voters (RCWA 29A.72.120), Collected in-person: Yes (RCWA 29A.72.120), Withdrawal process of individual signature: Only accepted before signatures are filed (People v. Hinkle [1924] 130 Wash. 419, 227 P. 861). Law 16-401(a)(1)). 11 5). Art II, 10 and Elec. Proponent organization and requirements: Must follow financial statutes and file with Ethics Commission (A.C.A. Does the law in question take effect before the referendum vote: The sections of a law subject to a referendum do not. Amend. Does the law in question take effect before the referendum vote: No (Const. 3, 4; Art. Four states require a filing fee in statute. 168.22e; 168.476; 168.477; 168.480). 6, 1; U.C.A. If a congressional district has 90 to 110 % of the needed valid signatures, every single signature will be verified to discern if it qualifies (V.A.M.S. The recall allows residents to remove the person in office. Art. To schedule an appointment to file an Application for a Serial Number, please contact our office at ballotmeasure@azsos.gov. 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)). Art. Art. 19-118; 19-121). Original geographical requirement found unconstitutional. Art. Const. Repeal or change restrictions: None (Const. The wording on the ballot must read: The legislature passed . 19, 2). Art. Petition title and summary creation: Petition must include a summary of 100 words or less (MCL 168.482). For indirect statutory initiatives, after turning in original 3 % of signatures, proponents must return next batch of signatures (another 3 %) within 90 days of the legislature not enacting or amending a measure. What is on each petition: A copy of the act to be referred if the number of words is 500 or fewer; the statement of approval or rejection; a statement of the minimum costs to the state associated with certification of the application and review of the petition, excluding legal costs and costs associated with any challenge to the validity of the petition; an estimate of the cost to the state of voter approval or rejection; an impartial summary of the subject matter of the act; a statement of warning prescribed in AS 15.45.330; sufficient space for the printed name, numeric identifier, signature, date of signature, and address of each person signing the petition; and other specifications prescribed by the lieutenant governor to ensure proper handling and control (AS 15.45.320). Bill No. Art. Circulator requirements: Must be an elector (Const. Const. Collected in-person: Yes (C.R.S.A. Ohio ballot board; proponents may suggest title. 7-9-114). Disclosure reports must be filed 60 days before the election, on the 5th and 20th day of each month until the election, the 20th day of November after the election, and the 20th of January each year. The guidelines for the format and content of petitions vary by state. (Elec. Fourteen states do not have any process for withdrawal: Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. 1-40-106). 3, 18). Some states offer no assistance or advice to initiative proponents on the draft of their proposed law. Then Circulator oaths or affidavit required: Yes (IC 34-1807). St. 32-1405; 32-1406). Const. Timeline for taking effect: 30th day after the election at which it was passed (Const. Allowed to pay another for their signature: Prohibited (Const. Attorney general then submits petition to the secretary of state which begins the deadline clock (Cal.Elec.Code 336, 9001, 9002, 9004). 250.137; 250.139; 250.125; 250.067; 250.127). Vote requirement for passage: Majority (Const. Circulators may not receive payment greater than $1 per signature. Where to file with: Attorney general and secretary of the commonwealth once approved (M.G.L.A. Verification: Not specified: "The Secretary of State shall determine the validity of the petition and issue a written decision stating the reasons for the decision within 30 days from the date of filing of a written petition." 3, 50 and V.A.M.S. Circulator requirements: 18 years of age and a US citizen; nonresidents may be circulators but must check a box on the petition disclosing this (MCL 168.544c). An important political aim of the Progressive movement was to. 21). 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 . Through these processes, voters can adopt a change in law (an initiative), disapprove a law passed by the Legislature (a referendum), or remove an elected official from office (a recall). 5, 1), Ballot title and summary: Title board (C.R.S.A. Verification: Direct initiatives are turned into the county clerk of the county in which the initiative packet was circulate. 21 1). Mississippi: Attorney general may confer with proponents and may recommend revisions. Art. What is on each petition: Petition includes original bill number, title and affidavit signed by no more than three proponents file the measure (34 OS 1). Withdrawal process of individual signature: A registered elector who signs a petition may withdraw his or her signature from the petition by filing a written request for such withdrawal with the secretary of state at any time on or before the day that the petition is filed with the secretary of state (CRS 1-40-109(3)). Art. Verification: A random sample of 5% of the signatures is verified by county recorders (ARS 19-121.01(B)). Number of signatures required: 10% of those who voted in the preceding general election (AS 15.45.370(2)(A)). 4, Pt. Art. 3, 52(e)) with the assistance of the attorney general (Wyo. A criminal records check is conducted (ORS 250.048). It is referred to the attorney general for approval (Mo.Rev.Stat. If any pair do not match, the rest of the signatures on that page must be verified via this comparison (MCA 13-27-303; 13-27-304). Art. Referendum. Circulator oaths or affidavits: No statute, Paid per signature: May be paid (F.S.A. Art. St. 32-1410), Time period restrictions before placed on the ballot: Four months prior to the general election (Neb. 3, 52(b) and Wyo. Circulator requirements: Paid circulators must register with the secretary of state and complete training. Fiscal review: The financial estimate committee will estimate costs and consult with the legislative revenue officer (O.R.S. III, 3). IV, 1). The mayors of Detroit and Los Angeles were recalled in 1929 and 1938, respectively. Laws necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety, Acts that become effective earlier than 90 days after the end of the session, Such laws as may be necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety, or laws necessary for the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, Const. Art. Art. Const. Art. Subject restrictions: Such laws as may be necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety or support of the state government and its existing public institutions are not subject to referendum (Const. III, 5(1)). Proponent organization and requirements: Sponsor must file an affidavit that s/he is a registered voter (RCW 29A.72.010). Art. Const. Circulator requirements: Signed statement if paid and 18 years old (Cal.Elec.Code 104, 9022, 9610; Code.Civ.Proc. Const. Which election: General election, or at a special election ordered by the general assembly (Const. Constitution 48, Init., Pt. Who can sign the petition: Registered electors of the state (M.C.L.A. 101.161). The title of the act subject to the petition appears on the petition. Submission deadline for signatures: No later than six months after the adjournment of the legislature which passed the act (Const. Who can sign the petition: Registered voters (Const. Const. Stat. Art. Stat. Clerks check the names, verify they are 18 or older, and determine if they are a registered voter. VI, Subpt. 7-9-104), California (Cal.Elec.Code 9001, 9004; Cal.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. The attorney general may determine an act of the legislature is the same as a proposed law and will remove it from appearing on the ballot (W.S.1977 22-24-304; 22-24-319). The same title that was drafted for the petition also appears on the ballot (ORS 250.065). Art. 168.482; 168.544c). What is on each petition: Form of the petition is prescribed by the State Board of Elections. XI, 5). 8), South Dakota (SDCL 12-13-25.1; 12-13-26; 2-1-1-1; 2-1-1-2), South Dakota (SDCL 12-13-25.1; 12-13-26), Alaska: AS 15.13.040; 15.13.050; 15.13.065; 15.13.110, Arkansas: A.C.A. Circulator oaths or affidavits: Yes, and notarized (A.R.S. Constitution 48, Init., Pt. Art. Art. Referendum is a decision for the general assembly to put a bill on the ballot. In 1831 the canton of St. Gall adopted what is called the facultative, or optional, referendum. Some states place restrictions on how sponsors may pay petition circulators. Art. 72.050 and .060). Art. Britannica does not review the converted text. Validity determined by the board of elections. 3, 4). Who can sign the petition: Electors of the state (OH Const. 23-17-5). For statutory initiatives, must be submitted to be verified before appearing before the legislature on the second Tuesday in November in even-numbered years, or the next day (N.R.S. Legislature reviews the measure as submitted to it by the proponents. 1(3)). 7-9-601; A.C.A. IV, 1). And secretary of state will hold public hearings at least 95 days before the election (O.R.S. Const. Const. See ACA 7-9-126. 4, 1, Pt. 116.332). Petition includes the title of the referred law. V, 7). Collected in-person: Yes (N.R.S. 3, 18), Collected in-person: Yes (M.R.S.A. 4, Pt. Art. Art. Art. 19, 1 and NRS 295.045). St. 32-1407), Which election is a measure on: Next general election at least four months after filing the signatures (Neb. Verification: Verification method not specified, but "In considering the sufficiency of a referendum petition the burden of proving that all signatures appearing on the page are genuine and that the signers are qualified electors of the county named on the page and are in all respects entitled to sign the petition shall be upon the sponsors of the petition, if it is apparent beyond a reasonable doubt to the secretary of state that twenty percent or more of the signatures on any one page thereof are fictitious, forged or otherwise clouded, or that the challenged petitioners were ineligible to sign the petition, which fact was known or could have been ascertained by the exercise of reasonable diligence on the part of the person soliciting the signatures on that page" (NMSA 1-17-11). Stat. Art. Constitution 48, Init., Pt. Petition title and summary creation: 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. Art. The reform movements of the Progressive Era generally focused on . 48, Pt. Const. Code 9050). Majority to pass: For statutory initiatives, a majority at a single general election. The secretary of state submits the title to the attorney general for approval when signed petitions are filed for verification. Attorney general prepares abstract to be posted at polling places. And no measure that names an individual to hold office or names private corporation to perform any function. V, 1(6) and C.R.S. Code Ann. Which election is a measure on: General election, but governor and legislature may call special elections (U.C.A. For amendments, 10 % of the total votes cast for governor (M.C.L.A. 168.471; 168.472). General election, and must file by the May before the election the measure is to be voted on. 2; Neb. Referendum, however, is a measure submitted by the government to the people for their approval. Art. Does the law in question take effect before the referendum vote: If a referendum petition is filed against a part of a statute, the remainder of the statute shall not be delayed from going into effect (Const., art II, 10(a)). Attorney general writes title and summary if original is challenged in court (F.S.A. Two states require circulators to attend a training: Twenty-two states require circulators or proponents to sign affidavits or other sworn statements as to the accuracy or authenticity of the petitions: Several of these states require such information to be included on the signature petition sheets. Vote requirement for passage: Over 50% of those voting in the general election (Const. 250.015; 250.052). Submission deadline for signatures: 5 p.m. on or before the 90th day after the recess of the legislature, or if the 90th day is a weekend or holiday, by 5 p.m. on the preceding day which is not a weekend or holiday (Const. Withdrawal of petition: The sponsor may file a written notice to withdraw the initiative with the secretary of state (V.A.M.S. For constitutional amendments, 10 % of votes cast for governor in last election (Ne.Rev.St. V, 1(3)). V, 2). Timeline for collecting signatures: 18 months (W.S.1977 22-24-315). Verification: The secretary of state employs a representative random sampling by the use of questionnaires, postcards, telephone calls, personal interviews, etc., or any combinations thereof, to determine the validity of the signatures (NDCC 16.1-01-10). III, 3 and MGL ch. 15, 273 and Miss. Other subject restrictions: May not repeal/modify the state's Bill of Rights, amend/repeal provisions relating to the state's public employees' retirement system, amend/repeal right-to-work provision, or modify the initiative process, and special rules if includes expenditures (MS Const. The same safe and trusted content for explorers of all ages. Art. To place a popular referendum on the ballot, sponsors must gather signatures on petitions. Const. 19, 3 and NRS 295.0575). Geographic distribution: Yes. IV, pt. Tit. Art. Amend. Once an initiative is on the ballot, An example of an advisory referendum is Question 5, Gathering Information: Monitoring Your Progress. Art. 7-9-107), Legislature or other government official review: No statute, Public review or notice: Notice to be posted in statewide newspaper five months before election at expense of petitioners (Ark. Sponsor or group who receives contributions or spends over $500 for the passage or defeat of the referendum must file a statement of organization as a ballot question committee. 5, 1). To allow opportunity for referendum petitions, no act passed by the legislature shall be operative for 90 days after the close of the session of the legislature enacting such measure. Art. St. 32-1405). Circulator requirements: According to secretary of state's. When formed as a ballot question committee, it must file campaign statements and other forms with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission, all on a set timeline. Like the initiative and referendum, recall originated in Switzerland, where it was made applicable to the entire legislature as well as to individual officials. Const. Circulator requirements: Must be qualified to register to vote pursuant to 16-101. Const. Petitions must be submitted to counties for verification four weeks before this deadline. Who creates petitions: Secretary of state (Wyo. The use of the initiative and referendum (I&R) process has ebbed and flowed throughout U.S. history. Repeal or change restrictions: Cannot veto, and legislature may not repeal. Majority to pass: Yes (Ark. The following contribution and expenditure statements must be electronically filed: drafting statement, filed at the time approval is requested to circulate petition; circulating statement, filed at the time petitions are submitted for signature verification; pre-election statement, filed between the 39th and 31st day prior to the election; and year-end statement, filed by Jan. 31 of the year following the election. Does the law in question take effect before the referendum vote: For the purposes of the second paragraph of Const. Proponents, but certified by state board of elections and reviewed by attorney general. 53 7). What is a RECALL? Code Ann. 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)). Vote requirement for passage: Majority (Const. 3519.08). Otherwise the secretary of state in consultation with the attorney general writes a concise summary (NDCC 16.1-06-09). Fiscal statements are the most common type of review, giving estimates and analysis on the likely fiscal impact the proposed measure will have on the state. Legislature or other government official review: The legislature may determine method of determining fiscal impact (NDCC Const. For example, when a school district wants to issue bonds for building construction, it goes to the voters with an obligatory referendum. Question 3. III, 3). Out-of-state committees that make expenditures supporting or opposing ballot propositions in Washington are required to file reports. Const. 34-1802). If the petition is insufficient, the sponsors have 10 extra days to collect more signatures. 8). Const. Art. Submission deadline of signatures: Ninety days from the official set date from the secretary of state (34 Okl.St.Ann. 19, 3; N.R.S. Const. Amend. Law 13-202). Art. Majority to pass: Initiative amendments proposed by the people and their legislative substitutes must receive at least 30 % of the total number of ballots cast in the election and a majority of the voters voting on the measure (Massachusetts Constitution 48, Init., Pt. For amendments, 10 % of the total qualified electors of the state (MT CONST Art. CONST. Proponents are required to ensure that all circulators receive instruction on the requirements and prohibitions imposed by state law with respect to signature gathering (Elec. 1-45-103, 1-45-108.3, 1-45-111.5 1-45-117). LXXXI, 4). Four states require measures to pass with a majority of voters, but the measures must also have been voted upon by a certain percentage of the total number of voters who voted in that election. 250.048; OR CONST Art. Art. Timeline for collecting signatures: Six months to turn in signatures once petitions have been titled and certified for circulation (C.R.S.A. Art. III, 3 and NDCC 16.1-01-09(3)). It fails to qualify if under 90% and qualifies if at least 100%. 168.482; 168.544c). IV, 1). Art. 3519.07). Proponent financial disclosure requirements: Include but may not be limited to groups supporting or opposing ballot measures are treated as political committees, no statute found limiting contributions to ballot measure political committees, designation of a treasurer, filing statements of organization, and follow account and reporting requirements (O.R.S. Must include official language from attorney general, the measures full text, and the legislative district from which the signatures were collected (I.C. Verification: The circuit clerk of each county in which the petition was circulated will verify the name of every qualified voter who signed the petition (Miss. 48, Pt. Cannot stop emergency laws passed by the legislature or appropriations to support state departments or institutions. Const. 1-40-116). What is on each petition: The format of the petition may be submitted to the chief election official of the appropriate election authority, in advance of filing the petition, for a determination of its sufficiency (Elec. Petition title and summary creation: Secretary of state and approved by attorney general (NDCC, 16.1-01-07). Circulator requirements: 18 years of age (NRS 32-629 and -1404). 4, Pt. Where to file: Secretary of state (Const. This ensures that measures are not passed by a small minority of voters, either because of a low turnout election or ballot-drop off (where voters only vote partway through a ballot).