‍Ballot Measures, Initiatives, and Referendums: What Are They — and What's the Difference?

If you've heard the terms ballot measure, ballot initiative, ballot question, proposition, and referendum used interchangeably, you're not imagining it — in many places, they really do mean roughly the same thing. But the terminology isn't used consistently from state to state, and a few of these terms carry more specific meanings in different contexts. This guide breaks down what each term means, how the underlying processes work, and where they're available.

What Is a Ballot Measure?

At its core, a ballot measure is a policy question that appears on a ballot for voters to decide directly. Instead of choosing between candidates, voters are asked to weigh in directly on a proposed law, constitutional amendment, or local charter change.

Ballot measures can show up in general elections, primary elections, or special elections. Twenty-six states and hundreds of local governments — cities, counties, and towns — have some kind of ballot measure process.

Ballot measures generally fall into two categories:

• A statutory measure adds to, amends, or repeals part of a state's or locality's statutes (ordinary laws).
  
• A constitutional measure adds to, amends, or repeals part of a state constitution or local charter — the highest level of law for that jurisdiction, which typically makes it harder to change.
  

What Is a Ballot Initiative?

A ballot initiative usually refers specifically to the citizen-led version of a ballot measure. With a ballot initiative, everyday voters — not the legislature — draft a proposed law or constitutional amendment and then collect signatures from fellow registered voters to qualify it for the ballot.
The number of signatures required, the deadline for submitting them, and any geographic distribution requirements (for example, needing a minimum number of signatures from a set number of counties or legislative districts) vary widely depending on the state, the year, and whether the proposal is statutory or constitutional.
Citizens often turn to the initiative process when state lawmakers refuse to act on a policy that has broad public support.

What Does "Referendum" Mean?

Referendum's meaning can shift depending on where you are. In some places, "referendum" is used as a general, catch-all term for any ballot question — interchangeable with "ballot measure." In others, it has a narrower meaning: a vote on whether to approve or reject a law that has already been passed by the legislature (sometimes called a "people's veto" or “veto referendum”), or a measure that a legislature has voted to refer to voters.

How Do Measures Get on the Ballot?

There are two main routes.

• Legislative referral. A state legislature, city council, or other governing body votes to put a question directly before voters. Depending on the place, this might require a simple majority (50% + 1) of lawmakers, or a higher bar — like a three-fifths (60%) or two-thirds (67%) supermajority. Some states require the legislature to pass the measure in two separate sessions before it goes to voters.
  
• Citizen initiative. Voters draft the proposed measure themselves, then collect a required number of valid signatures from registered voters and submit them by a set deadline. If election officials certify that enough valid signatures were collected, the measure qualifies for an upcoming ballot.
  

Some states use a hybrid known as an indirect initiative: citizens still collect signatures, but the proposal first goes to the legislature. If lawmakers don't act on it — or propose an alternative — the original question then goes to voters.

Not every state allows both paths. While legislatures in all states have the power to refer measures to the ballot, only some states additionally allow citizen-initiated ballot measures.

Where Are Citizen-Initiated Ballot Measures Available?

Citizen-initiated ballot measures exist in 26 states, Washington, D.C., and hundreds of local governments nationwide. The rules for qualifying a measure vary significantly from state to state.

What happens after a ballot measure passes?

Once approved by voters, a ballot measure becomes law — or becomes part of the state constitution, if it was a constitutional amendment. The measure's text often specifies how and when it takes effect. In some cases, opponents who lost the vote try to delay or block implementation through the courts or the legislature, though courts have generally upheld voters' decisions.

Are ballot measures partisan?

No. Ballot measures ask about a specific policy, not a candidate or party, and voters of any political affiliation can vote however they choose. Sometimes parties take a position; often the coalitions supporting or opposing a measure cross party lines entirely.

How can I find out what's on my ballot?

Check with your state or local election office, or look up a sample ballot ahead of Election Day so you know which ballot measures you'll be asked to vote on — and can research them before you vote.