Direct Democracy 50-State Survey

In Wisconsin, legislatively referred constitutional amendments are the only available form of statewide direct democracy. A legislatively referred amendment must be approved by two consecutive sessions of the legislature and then submitted to the voters …

In West Virginia, legislatively referred amendments are the only form of statewide direct democracy available. The legislature has substantial control over how proposed amendments are submitted to voters. For instance, the legislature may decide to …

Washington has direct and indirect statutory initiatives (but not constitutional initiatives), veto referendums, and legislatively referred amendments. The timing of an election may vary depending on the type of ballot measure. Although submission at general …

In Virginia, legislatively referred amendments are the only form of statewide direct democracy available. The legislature has substantial control over how proposed amendments are submitted to voters. It may determine the manner in which a …

In Vermont, legislatively referred amendments are the only form of statewide direct democracy available. Notably, constitutional amendments may only be proposed by the Vermont Senate, and only every four years. A proposed amendment must be …

Utah has statutory initiatives (but not  constitutional initiatives), veto referendums, and legislatively referred amendments. For statutory initiatives, Utah allows sponsors to decide whether to submit their proposal directly to voters through the direct initiative, or …

In Texas, legislatively referred amendments are the only form of statewide direct democracy available. The legislature has substantial control over how proposed amendments are submitted to voters. For instance, the legislature may call a special …

In Tennessee, legislatively referred amendments are the only form of statewide direct democracy available. Proposed amendments must be submitted to voters at a general election for the Governor. The Tennessee legislature drafts the ballot question, …

South Dakota has statutory and constitutional initiatives, veto referendums, and legislatively referred amendments. The timing of an election may vary depending on the type of ballot measure; while most ballot measures must be submitted to …

In Rhode Island, legislatively referred amendments are the only form of statewide direct democracy available. Proposed amendments are submitted to voters at the next general election, including the amendment’s full text and a statement of …