Have you ever been surprised to find items on your ballot that you weren’t expecting? Usually down at the bottom with lots of hard-to-understand language? They might be called “Ballot Measures,” “Constitutional Amendments,” or “Ballot Initiatives,” but what are they, how did they get on my ballot, and how do I know if I should vote “yes” or “no”?
What are Ballot Measures?
The question of what they are called is related to how they qualified to be placed on the ballot. There are two main methods by which these items get placed on a ballot: by legislative referral or by citizen-initiated petitions. Basically, did the state legislature ask voters to approve some legislation they are proposing, or did a group of citizens gather enough signatures to put a proposed new law onto the ballot— bypassing the legislature altogether?
The path of legislative referral is actually put in place by many state constitutions. Those we elect to represent us propose a change that then must be confirmed by a vote of the people. As an example, the Iowa state legislature has been working to get a pro-life constitutional amendment on the ballot for years. Their state constitution requires that any amendment be first passed by two sequential legislative sessions, and then it must be placed on the ballot for the voters to confirm in the next general election.
The second path of citizen-initiated ballot measures is more purely democratic, but our Founding Fathers instituted a constitutional republic for a reason. You can read our full article about it, but it came down to recognizing man’s sinful nature and that pure democracy quickly descends into mob rule. Our constitution guides ordered liberty, with laws being changed through thoughtful debate, not on emotional whims.
Citizen Initiated Ballot Measures
About a decade ago, citizen-initiated ballot measures began to see success in expanding Medicare, then in progressive criminal-sentencing reform. However, it has greatly accelerated since Roe V. Wade was overturned. It seemed like the tide turned in Ohio when the ballot measure to raise the threshold for constitutional amendments from 50% to 60% failed, setting the stage for the pro-abortion measure to pass on the next ballot. At the time, Ohio State Rep. Brian Steward said, “there does seem to be a shift nationally and amongst liberal groups that they’re going to focus more of their energy and more of the national spending on trying to achieve through ballot campaigns destructive policies that they could never get through a state legislature.”
Twenty-six states allow “citizen-initiated” ballot measures, but they frequently begin with activist groups desiring to change a law. If they collect enough verified signatures, then the measure goes on the ballot. If a majority of voters support it, then it becomes law, no matter what the state legislature says.
While this might seem like a perfectly democratic way for the “people” to instigate good laws, there are a couple problems:
- Deceptive and Confusing Language
The groups writing the measures may intentionally use deceptively vague or confusing language where the real intent is hidden. In fact, Ballotpedia found that the average readability of ballot measures in 2023 required 19 years of education—or a college degree plus 3 years of graduate school! Any deception is often amplified by the media and through advertising.
For example, “ensuring a woman has reproductive freedom” actually means that abortion is now legal up until (and sometimes after) a baby is born . . . even by abhorrent methods that were previously illegal like Partial Birth Abortion. In states where “reproductive freedom” has been on the ballot, emotional ads claim that if you don’t support a woman’s decision to have an abortion, you’re taking away her rights. What they leave out is the more important question of “What about the rights of the unborn baby?”
State laws even differ in who gets to determine the title for the measures, and with deceptive wording, the title is all some voters read or can understand. But does it really say what the measure accomplishes? Remember the “Inflation Reduction Act” passed by congress that did the exact opposite. - Outside, Dark Money Funding
Out-of-state corporate and dark money frequently pours into states. Collecting 150,000 signatures might sound like a lot to a local grassroots group, but professional signature gatherers can do it for $600,000 . . . which is a drop in the bucket for some Super PACS. Measures may be added to the ballot not because of engaged citizens but because of politically motivated billionaires.
Should you vote “Yes” or “No”?
Much of the ballot measure process is designed to confuse voters, and that’s why iVoterGuide has stepped into this space, to give voters accurate information about:
- What a “Yes” or “No” vote will accomplish, or what does this ballot measure mean.
- Arguments in favor
- Arguments in opposition
- “Follow the money” to show organizations and individuals that support a “Yes” or a “No” vote.
- Endorsements from organizations promoting a “Yes” or a “No” vote.
Just like for candidates, iVoterGuide will even rate each position to identify which vote is “conservative” and which vote is “liberal.” The goal of iVoterGuide is always to give voters the information to think for themselves and not be victim to emotional appeals with deceptive information.
This election year is important on so many levels, and one of them certainly involves ballot measures. Since Roe was overturned, ballot measures have been used to legalize abortion in 6 states and will be on the ballot in at least 10 states in November. Nebraska will have two competing ballot measures regarding abortion.
iVoterGuide is covering dozens of statewide ballot measures in at least 24 states, helping you really know what they mean before you cast your vote. Ballot measures should be thoroughly researched before supporting, and voters should approach them with skepticism as to why they are needed. Click here to view the coverage in your state.
Don’t be surprised by the confusing language at the bottom of your ballot! Use iVoterGuide to help you cut through the spin and think clearly about everything on your ballot.
