What are ballot initiatives and referendums?

#Three main types

• Initiative: citizens gather signatures to put a proposed law or state constitutional amendment on the ballot.
• Popular (veto) referendum: citizens gather signatures so voters can keep or repeal a law the legislature recently passed.
• Legislative referral: the legislature itself sends a measure to voters. In every state except Delaware, a change to the state constitution needs voter approval.

#Which states allow citizen measures

In the 2025–2026 election cycle, 26 states allowed a statewide initiative, a popular referendum or both. Of these, 24 have an initiative process, though Mississippi’s has been unusable since a 2021 state Supreme Court ruling. Popular referendums are allowed in 23 states. Some initiative states allow only new laws, a few allow only constitutional amendments, and most allow both. Voters may also decide local measures.

#How a measure reaches the ballot

For a citizen measure, supporters collect a set number of voter signatures by a deadline. The number differs by state. In some states, the proposal goes to the legislature first and reaches the ballot only if lawmakers do not adopt it. An official, often the attorney general or the secretary of state, writes the title and summary that voters see.

#Reading the question

The meaning of a “yes” vote depends on the measure. On an initiative, “yes” means you approve the proposal. On a veto referendum, “yes” keeps the law in most of the 23 states that allow one, but in Alaska, Maine and Wyoming, “yes” repeals it. Read the official ballot wording, and any voter guide your state publishes, before you vote.

#No national ballot measures

US voters cannot pass a federal law or amend the US Constitution by national vote. Federal laws are passed by Congress. Amendments to the Constitution are proposed by Congress or by a convention, and then ratified by three-fourths of the states, through their legislatures or conventions.