On the Ballot

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2009 & 2010 Landscape

We have prepared our 2009 and 2010 maps that will give you an idea of the many real and potential battles ahead.

- 2009 Ballot Initiative & Referenda Map

- 2010 Gubernatorial Races and Initiative States

- 2010 Senate Races and Initiative States

- States That Allow for the Ballot Initiative Process

 

2009 Election Recap: Ballot Measures

In 2009, 26 measures were on the 2009 November ballot across 5 states. Eight of the 26 measures were citizen petitioned initiatives (including popular referenda or citizen vetos). Eighteen of the 26 were referred to the ballot by state legislators or other administrative bodies.

Click here to download a chart detailing the number of ballot measures over the years and their passage rate.

2008 Election Recap: Ballot Measures

In 2008, 153 measures were on the 2008 November ballot across 35 states. Sixty-one of 153 measures were citizen petitioned initiatives (including popular referenda or citizen vetos). Ninety-two of the 153 were referred to the ballot by state legislators or other administrative bodies.

While it's been reported that the number of ballot measures were significantly down in 2008, that analysis is inaccurate. Ballot measure usage in a given year should be compared to previous election years of the same kind (i.e. Presidential to Presidential, midterm to midterm, odd year to odd year and so on).

Click here to download a chart detailing the number of ballot measures over the years and their passage rate.

Ballot Measure Usage In Presidential Years

2008
153 measures
(61 initiatives)
2004
162 measures
(55 initiatives)
2000
204 measures
(71 initiatives)

Six more ballot initiatives qualified for the 2008 election compared to the Presidential election of 2004. In fact, what's notable about 2008 is how many measures were attempted, but failed to gain steam or were kicked off the ballot despite serious efforts to qualify (29 in all). Had those 29 measures made it on the ballot, 2008 would have been close to matching the most active ballot initiative year in history (1996 when 92 initiatives qualified).

The reality is that ballot measures, no matter the year, are a permanent part of American politics. Initiative campaigns have become more complicated, expensive and impactful. Furthermore, ballot initiatives have become more political in nature - often helping voters draw distinction among candidates and influencing the debate on a particular subject matter, or in the case of mid-term elections in particular, increasing voter turnout. 


Click here to download the 2008 BISC Post-Election Report. 

Click here to download the 2008 BISC Pre-Election Report.