List of ballot measures by topic
From Ballotpedia
Abortion
Abortion on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding abortion rights and definitions of when life begins.
Examples:
- Mississippi Life Begins at the Moment of Fertilization Amendment, Initiative 26 (2011)
- Maine Partial-Birth Abortion Initiative, Question 1 (1999)
Act of dueling
Act of dueling on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding the act of dueling and its legality.
Examples:
- Wisconsin Dueling and Disenfranchisement Amendment, Question 4 (April 1975)
- Kentucky Dueling Language Amendment (2010)
Administration of government
Administration of government on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding how the government functions structurally.
Examples:
- Utah Executive Officers Succession, Amendment A (2008)
- Nebraska State Treasurer Amendment, Amendment 2 (2010)
Affirmative action
Affirmative action on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding policies that factor in "race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or national origin."
Examples:
- Michigan Civil Rights Amendment, Proposal 2 (2006)
- California Proposition 54, the "Racial Privacy Initiative" (October 2003)
Alcohol
Alcohol on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding the sales, use, creation and prohibition of alcohol.
Examples:
Animal rights
Animal rights on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding the treatment and protection of animals, excluding hunting. Related categories include: hunting.
Examples:
- Massachusetts Greyhound Protection Act, Question 3 (2008)
- Arizona Humane Farms, Proposition 204 (2006)
Assisted death
Assisted death on the ballot: Also often referred to as "Assisted suicide," this topic refers to ballot measures regarding the consent of one person to end their life with the help of another person, such as through prescription or the administration of lethal drugs.
Example:
- Michigan Legalization of Lethal Medication to Terminally Ill, Proposal B (1998)
- Washington "Death with Dignity Act", Initiative 1000 (2008)
Bond issues
Bond issues on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding the use of bonds and bonded indebtedness by the government to pay for large projects, such as roads and building construction, school funding, or environmental conservation. Further explanation is available at - bond issue.
Examples:
- California Proposition 1A, High-Speed Rail Act (2008)
- Missouri Water and Sewer Bonds, Amendment 7 (1998)
Business regulation
Business regulation on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding regulations placed on various types of businesses by the government. Subcategories include: adult entertainment and "rules about Sunday."
- Montana Miners and Merchants Compliance, Measure I-147 (2004)
- California Proposition 44, Regulation of Chiropractors (March 2002)
Adult entertainment
Adult entertainment on the ballot: This subtopic refers to ballot measures regarding various forms of adult entertainment, such as nude venues and pornographic material sales.
Examples:
Rules about Sunday
Rules about Sunday on the ballot: This subtopic refers to ballot measures regarding what is and is not allowed on Sundays.
Examples:
- South Dakota No Performance on Sundays (1922)
- Massachusetts Retail Stores Open Hours Initiative, Question 5 (1994)
Civil rights
Civil rights on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding the protection of individual freedom and participation in civil and political life. The most notable examples include the freedom of speech, press, and assembly, and the right to vote. Subcategories include - suffrage.
- California Proposition 5, Protections for News Sources (June 1980)
- Massachusetts Incarcerated Felons Voting Amendment, Question 2 (2000)
Suffrage
Suffrage on the ballot: This subtopic refers to ballot measures regarding voting rights. It is a subcategory of civil rights and elections and campaigns.
- Wisconsin Voting Rights for Children of U.S. Citizens Living Abroad, Question 1 (2000)
- Washington Women Cannot Be Denied the Right to Vote, Amendment 5 (1910)
Constitutional conventions
Constitutional conventions on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding constitutional conventions. Constitutional conventions, also often known as ConCons, are gatherings of elected delegates who propose revisions and amendments to a state's constitution. Forty-four states have rules that govern how, in their state, a constitutional convention can be called. Some state laws require the question automatically appear on the ballot every so often. The question may appear every 10, 16 and 20 years. For more specific details and participating states read about constitutional conventions here.
Example:
Constitutional language
Constitutional language on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures that specifically refer to changes to constitutional wording, such as through changes in specific word use or placement, or the removal of irrelevant language.
Examples:
- Nevada Constitution Language on Voting, Question 7 (2004)
- Nebraska Gender Neutral State Constitution, Amendment 2 (2000)
Daylight Savings Time
Daylight Savings Time on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding the use of Daylight Savings Time.
Examples:
Direct democracy measures
Direct democracy measures on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding direct democracy. Such measures may include questions about the initiative and referendum process, petition circulation requirements and signature filing amendments.
Examples:
- Arizona Signature Filing Amendment, Proposition 112 (2010)
- Wyoming Initiative Process, Constitutional Amendment B (2008)
Earthquakes
Earthquakes on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding earthquakes and earthquake preparedness.
Examples:
- California Proposition 127, Earthquake Safety Modifications Act (1990)
- Missouri Earthquake-Proofing Bonds, Amendment 5 (August 1992)
Economic development
Economic development on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding promotion of economic activity, generally through funding infrastructure, business and job development plans.
Examples:
- Rhode Island Question 4, Quonset Point/Davisville Bonds (2002)
- Maine Job Creation Bond Act, Question 6 (1996)
Education
Education on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding schools, students, teachers, education, and education funding. Subtopics include: school choice.
Examples:
- Washington 30-10 School Plan, Initiative 46 (1922)
- Oregon Teachers Performance Pay, Measure 60 (2008)
School choice
School choice on the ballot: This subtopic refers to ballot measures regarding the rights of a family to choose schools, and voucher programs to assist in funding student enrollment in public and non-public schools of one's choice.
Examples:
Elections and campaigns
Elections and campaigns on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding elections and campaigns. Specifically this includes campaign finance, election processes, and voting. Current subcategories include: suffrage and term limits
Examples:
Suffrage
Suffrage on the ballot: This subtopic refers to ballot measures regarding the right to vote. It is a subcategory of civil rights and elections and campaigns.
Examples:
- Washington Women Cannot Be Denied the Right to Vote, Amendment 5 (1910)
- Wisconsin Voting Rights for Children of U.S. Citizens Living Abroad, Question 1 (2000)
Term limits
Term limits on the ballot: This subtopic refers to the use, increase or decrease of term limits on public officials. Term limits are a legal restriction on the number of terms a person may serve in a particular office. Limits vary by state. State executives, state legislative representatives, judges and board officials are some of the offices with term limits.
Examples:
- South Dakota Repeal Term Limits, Constitutional Amendment J (2008)
- Nevada U.S. Congressional Term Limits, Question 17 (1996)
English language
English language on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding the use of English in various settings, such as schools and other public services. It also the covers topic of English as an official language.
Examples:
- California Proposition 63, English is the Official Language Amendment (1986)
- Oregon Public School English Immersion, Measure 58 (2008)
Environment
Environment on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding the environment, environmental protection, and the use natural resources. Subtopics include: energy, forests and parks, natural resources, Nuclear issues and water
Examples:
- Louisiana Wetlands Conservation and Restoration Fund, Amendment 1 (September 2006)
- Massachusetts Oil and Hazardous Materials Tax Initiative, Question 4 (1992)
Energy
Energy on the ballot: This subtopic refers to ballot measures regarding energy, energy production, and energy conservation.
Examples:
Forests and parks
Forests and parks on the ballot: This subtopic refers to ballot measures regarding the creation, use, preservation, maintenance and restoration of forests and parks. Many forest and park issues are also bond issues.
Examples:
- Georgia Forest Preservation Amendment, Amendment 1 (2008)
- California Proposition 180, Bonds to Acquire Park Lands (1994)
Natural resources
Natural resources on the ballot: This subtopic refers to ballot measures regarding gathering and use of natural resources, including subjects such as logging, mining and drilling.
Examples:
- Montana Miners and Merchants Compliance, Measure I-147 (2004)
- South Dakota Oil Refinery Initiative (2008)
Nuclear issues
Nuclear issues on the ballot: This subtopic refers to ballot measures regarding nuclear weapons, nuclear facilities, and nuclear waste.
Examples:
- Washington Radioactive Waste, Initiative 297 (2004)
- California Proposition 12, Bilateral Nuclear Weapons Freeze Initiative (1982)
Water
Water on the ballot: This subtopic refers to ballot measures about water, water usage, and water conservation.
Examples:
- Utah Property Tax Exemption for Water Facilities, Amendment C (2010)
- California Proposition 1E, Flood Control and Drinking Water Structures (2006)
Federal constitutional issues
Federal constitutional issues on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures about the states official position on federal constitutional issues, as well as what rights the federal government has over the state according to the U.S. Constitution.
Examples:
- Washington Federal Reserve Authority Constitutionality, Referred Bill 41 (1987)
- Missouri Congressional Term Limits, Amendment 9 (1996)
Firearms
Firearms on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding regulations and rights to own, carry, use, sell, and buy firearms.
- Wisconsin Right to Keep and Bear Arms, Question 2 (1998)
- Missouri Concealed Firearms, Proposition B (April 1999)
Gambling
Gambling on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures that refer to any form of gambling such as casinos, table games, raffles and lotteries. It also encompasses the use of tax revenue collected from gambling facilities and gambling-related activities.
Examples:
- Arkansas State Lottery, Proposed Constitutional Amendment 3 (2008)
- Maine Casino in Oxford County, Question 2 (2008)
Government accountability
Government accountability on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding open meeting laws, as well as government corruption.
- Alaska Anti Corruption Act, Ballot Measure 1 (August 2010)
- California Proposition 59, the "Sunshine Amendment" (2004)
Health care
Health care on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding health care rights, laws, and health insurance. Related categories include: insurance.
Examples:
- Arizona Health Insurance Reform Amendment, Proposition 106 (2010)
- Montana Healthy Kids Plan Act, I-155 (2008)
History, culture, and the arts
History, culture, and the arts on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding funding and preservation of history, culture and art.
Examples:
- Rhode Island Heritage Harbor Museum Bonds, Question 5 (2000)
- Louisiana Exempt Art from Ad valorem Property Tax Act, Amendment 5 (2006)
Housing
Housing on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding housing assistance, low income housing, and rent control. Specifically, bond measures to provide funds for housing may appear in the the bond issues category.)
Examples:
- California Proposition 199, Phase-Out of Rent Control on Mobile Homes (1996)
- New Mexico Affordable Housing Act, Constitutional Amendment 4 (2006)
Hunting
Hunting on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding hunting, fishing, and trapping. Related categories include: animal rights.
Examples:
- South Carolina Hunting and Fishing Amendment, Amendment 1 (2010)
- California Proposition 4, Prohibition on Trapping Fur-Bearing Mammals (1998)
Immigration
Immigration on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding immigration and immigrant rights. Additionally this topic covers various issues relating to immigration such as the use of foreign language instruction in public schools, employment, birthright citizenship, law enforcement.
- Arizona Bailable Offenses, Proposition 100 (2006)
- Oregon Public School English Immersion, Measure 58 (2008)
Insurance
Insurance on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding insurance regulations and requirements. Specifically this may include measures about automobile insurance, insurance lawsuits, rates and premiums, as well business regulation. This category often crosses over with health care and business regulations.
- Oregon Insurance Companies using Credit Score to Calculate Rates or Premiums, Ballot Measure 42 (2006)
- California Proposition 30, Referendum on Right to Sue Insurers (2000)
Labor and unions
Labor and unions on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding labor practices, collective bargaining, and business regulation.
- Colorado Right to Work Initiative, Amendment 47 (2008)
- Washington Eight Hour Law, Initiative 13 (1914)
LGBT issues
LGBT issues on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people. Major topics include same-sex marriage, domestic partnerships (see marriage and family), and discrimination.
Examples:
- California Proposition 8, the "Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry" Initiative (2008)
- Oregon Governments Cannot Create Classifications Based on Homosexuality, Ballot Measure 13 (1994)
Law enforcement
Law enforcement on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding violent and non-violent crimes, prison populations, sentencing, police/sheriffs, prisoner rights and victim rights. Subtopics include: death penalty
Examples:
- Ohio Regulation of Prison Labor, Issue 2 (1978)
- Oregon Crime Victim Rights Enforcement, Measure 51 (May 2008)
Death penalty
Death penalty on the ballot: This subtopic refers to ballot measures regarding the use of the death penalty.
Examples:
- California Proposition 17, Death Penalty in the California Constitution (1972)
- Washington Mandatory Death Penalty for Aggravated Murder, Initiative 316 (1975)
Marijuana
Marijuana on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding the sales, use, and growth of marijuana. It also covers penalties imposed for possession.
Examples:
- South Dakota Medical Marijuana Act, Initiated Measure 13 (2010)
- Massachusetts Sensible Marijuana Policy Initiative, Question 2 (2008)
Marriage and family
Marriage and family on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding marriage, unmarried couples, adoption, alimony, and benefits. Subtopics include: divorce and custody and domestic partnerships.
Examples:
- Mississippi Marriage Definition, Amendment 1 (2004)
- Alabama Interracial Marriage, Amendment 2 (2000)
Divorce and custody
Divorce and custody on the ballot: This subtopic refers to ballot measures regarding divorce and custody.
Examples:
Domestic partnerships
Domestic partnerships on the ballot: This subtopic refers to ballot measures regarding the legal recognition of domestic partnerships, and the rights provided to people in such relationships. This is also a sub topic of LGBT issues.
Examples:
- California Proposition 8, the "Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry" Initiative (2008)
- Arkansas Unmarried Couple Adoption Ban, Proposed Initiative 1 (2008)
Motto and symbols
Motto and symbols on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding city and state mottoes and symbols.
Example:
Obscenity
Obscenity on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding the concept of "obscenity." In other words, some measures ask whether certain acts or materials are considered to be "indecent" or "repulsive." Furthermore, other questions ask whether those acts or materials ought to be banned. This category often crosses over with adult entertainment in regard to pornographic materials, and civil rights in regard to free speech.
Examples:
- Oregon Ballot Measure 13, Obscenity and Sexual Conduct (1974)
- Washington Prohibit Stores that Sell Obscene Material, Initiative 335 (1977)
Pension
Pension on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding public and private pensions, as well as use of public pension funds.
- Montana Protection of Public Pension Assets, Amendment C-25 (1994)
- South Carolina Public Employee Pension Plans, Amendment 2 (2008)
Property
Property on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding property, property rights, property acquisition, property use and zoning, property development and property sales by individuals, companies, and governments. Subtopics include: eminent domain
Examples:
- Washington Land Use Planning, Initiative 547 (1990)
- Georgia Industrial Property Designation, Amendment 5 (2010)
Eminent domain
Eminent domain on the ballot (Eminent domain): This subtopic refers to ballot measures regarding the power of the state to seize land, the sale and use of seized land and property rights.
Examples:
- Nevada Eminent Domain Amendment, Question 4 (2010)
- California Proposition 99, Rules Governing Eminent Domain (June 2008)
Recall measures
Recall measures on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding the creation and revision of laws and other provisions for recalling elected officials.
Examples:
- New Jersey Right of Recall, Public Question 1 (1993)
- Wisconsin Recall Primary Elections Amendment, Question 1 (April 1981)
Redistricting measures
Redistricting measures on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding the process, guidelines and commissions related to redistricting. Redistricting involves the redrawing of boundary lines for state legislative and U.S. Congressional districts.
Examples:
- California Proposition 11, Creation of the California Citizens Redistricting Commission (2008)
- Florida Congressional District Boundaries, Amendment 6 (2010)
Religion
Religion on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding religion and religious rights. Specifically, measures have included questions about the employment of chaplains at hospitals and health care facilities; the use of public dollars for religious funding.
Examples:
- Washington Chaplains, Amendment 88 (1993)
- State of Washington Religious Freedom, Amendment 34 (1958)
State and local government budgets, spending and finance
State and local government budgets, spending and finance on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding all things monetary, excluding bond issues. Specifics include public endowments, public finance, state spending, spending caps, state budgets, and TIF (tax increment financing). Currently this topic includes a large number of measures. However, in the future this will be subdivided for greater specificity.
Examples:
- Nebraska TIF Project, Constitutional Amendment 6 (2006)
- Oregon Limiting of State Spending, Ballot Measure 48 (2006)
State executive official measures
- State executive official measures on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding State executive officials, including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Treasurer, Controller, Auditor, Superintendent of Schools, and a variety of Commissioners. Measure variety widely in topic, from how the executive officers are elected or appointed, to what powers they hold, to whether or not the office shall even exist.
Examples:
- Ohio Issue 1, Lieutenant Governor Vacancies (1989)
- Wisconsin Partial Veto, Question 1 (2008)
- Alaska Lieutenant Governor/Secretary of State Amendment (1970)
State judiciary
State judiciary on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding state judicial systems, including judges, courts, lawyers, juries, judicial authority, requirements for judicial appointment and the ability to file civil law suits. Subtopics include: tort law
Examples:
- Washington Judge Bail Authority Amendment, HJR 4220 (2010)
- Maryland Orphan's Court Judges in Baltimore Amendment, Question 3 (2010)
Tort law
Tort law on the ballot: Sometimes referred to as "tort reform," this subtopic refers to ballot measures regarding tort. Tort is "a wrongful act, not including a breach of contract or trust, that results in injury to another's person, property, reputation, or the like, and for which the injured party is entitled to compensation." That is to say, ballot measures regarding one's ability to sue for damages, and the amount that can be awarded in such cases.[1]
Example:
- Colorado Construction Liability Act, Amendment 34 (2004)
- Oregon Health Care Damage Limit Measure 35 (2004)
State legislatures measures
State legislatures measures on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding state legislatures. Specifically, such measures have included questions about legislative pay, expenditures, procedures, session length and authority.
Examples:
- Nevada Rules Governing Legislative Special Sessions, Question 10 (2006)
- Alaska Legislature Increase Amendment, Ballot Measure 1 (2010)
Stem cells
Stem cells on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding stem cell creation and use, as well as funding for stem cell-related research.
Examples:
Supermajority requirements
Supermajority requirements on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures that ask voters if a "supermajority" vote is required of the state legislature or a public vote in order to enact certain state laws. This category should also be applied to ballot measures about whether or not a local political jurisdiction must receive a supermajority vote on a bond measure or tax measure for it to be approved. Supermajority requirements vary, such as 60% or 2/3rd majority. Supermajority requirements have been implemented to enact taxes, laws and/or constitutional amendments.
- Nevada Legislative Supermajority for Tax Increases, Question 11 (1996)
- Michigan Legislature 2/3 Vote Amendment, Proposal 2 (2000)
Taxes
Taxes on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding the creation, elimination, increase, decrease and exemption of taxes. Additionally, some measures refer to the use of specific tax money.
Examples:
- Hawaii Tax Rebates Amendment, Question 2 (2010)
- Nevada Sales and Use Tax Amendment, Question 3 (2010)
Tobacco
Tobacco on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding cigarette and tobacco use, sales, taxes, and public eduction on the topic. Subtopics include: smoking bans
Examples:
- North Dakota Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Program Initiative, Measure 3 (2008)
- South Dakota Increase Taxes on Tobacco (2006)
Smoking bans
Smoking bans on the ballot: This subtopic refers to ballot measures regarding public bans on smoking, such as in restaurants, government buildings, etc.
Examples:
- Nevada Smoking Ban Including Food Service, Question 5 (2006)
- Washington Smoking Ban, Initiative 901 (2005)
Transportation
Transportation on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding transportation, including vehicle laws, road and railway construction and construction bonds, and vehicle taxes and highway tolls.
Examples:
- California Proposition 1A, High-Speed Rail Act (2008)
- Rhode Island Transportation Bonds, Question 1 (2008)
Utilities
Utilities on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding creation, regulation, and sale of public utilities. Subtopics include: water.
Examples:
- Washington District Power Measure, Initiative 1 (1930)
- Colorado Public Utilities Commission, Amendment 1 (1954)
Veterans
Veterans on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding veterans, veteran assistance, veteran affairs, and tax exemptions.
Examples:
Wages and pay
Wages and pay on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding the establishment or increase of employee wages, for example. Additionally, the topic includes measures regarding paycheck protection. Subtopics include minimum wage and paycheck protection.
Examples:
- Colorado Limitation on Public Payroll Deductions Initiative, Amendment 49 (2008)
- New Jersey Wage Assessment Amendment, Public Question 1 (2010)
Minimum wage
Minimum wage on the ballot: This subtopic refers to ballot measures regarding minimum wage. Specifically this has included the increase and establishment of minimum wage.
Examples:
Paycheck protection
Paycheck protection on the ballot: This subtopic refers to ballot measures regarding whether public employers (state government agencies, city and county governments, and public school districts) can deduct such things as union dues, any part of which will go into political activity, from public payroll checks without the advance authorization of the employee from whose paycheck the deduction is being taken.
Examples:
- Colorado Limitation on Public Payroll Deductions Initiative, Amendment 49 (2008)
- Oregon No Public Resources To Collect Political Funds, Measure 64 (2008)
War and peace
War and peace on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding war and anti-war related activities such as cruise missile tests. Subtopics include: Nuclear issues.
Examples:
- Maine Cruise Missiles Ballot Question (1989)
- Oklahoma Charter Amendments to United Nations, State Question 344 (1951)
Welfare
Welfare on the ballot: This topic refers to ballot measures regarding welfare assistance, social security, unemployment compensation and other entitlements.
Examples:
