Voting FAQs

A ballot measure is a policy question that appears on a ballot for voters to decide. Ballot measures allow voters to directly adopt or reject proposed laws and constitutional amendments. Ballot measures usually appear towards the end of a ballot, after you select candidates for office. Ballot measures can be voted on in general elections, primary elections, or special elections.

Twenty-six states and hundreds of local governments — cities, counties, and towns — have some kind of citizen-initiated ballot measure process. State legislatures in every state can also refer questions to the ballot for voters to decide.