Initiative petition signature validity rates

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An initiative petition signature validity rate is the percent of signatures certified as valid by officials from the total number of raw signatures submitted by petitioners.

After initiative and referendum sponsors submit their raw signatures, the signatures for go through various verification processes depending on the state to determine how many of the submitted signatures are valid. State laws require different verification methods.

The following data contains a sampling of citizen-initiated measures from certain initiative petition efforts from 2006 through 2010, 2016, and comprehensive data (with certain exceptions) from 2017-2024.

HIGHLIGHTS
  • From 2017 to 2024, Ballotpedia analyzed signature data for 185 initiatives.
  • The average signature validity rate for initiatives certified to appear on the ballot from 2017 to 2023 was 77.06%.
  • The average percent of raw signatures submitted was 136.48% of the required number of signatures.


    • Year Average signatures required Average submitted signatures Average signatures deemed valid Average signature validity rate Average percent of number required
    2024 initiatives[1] 171,594 282,722 205,447 75.18% 160.92%
    2023 initiatives[2] 146,888 238,740 165,496 76.09% 146.89%
    2022 initiatives[3] 258,458 419,856 314,150 74.60% 122.95%
    2021 initiatives[4] 109,241 171,858 124,938 74.18% 116.01%
    2020 initiatives[5] 262,241 367,157 323,694 74.44% 165.52%
    2019 initiatives[6] 194,717 282,690 243,768 86.30% 129.40%
    2018 initiatives[7] 216,546 351,706 264,948 76.20% 124.27%
    2017 initiatives[8] 129,879 226,145 161,303 79.50% 125.90%
    Averages 2017-2024 186,196 292,609 225,468 77.06% 136.48%

    Signature validity rates by year

    Click on the tabs below to view signature validity and raw signature submission percentages for a given year.


    2024

    Note: The number of total raw signatures submitted by campaigns was unavailable for two initiatives in Florida and five initiatives in Massachusetts. Calculations on this page exclude data for these seven initiatives.

    A total of 57 citizen-initiated ballot measures were certified for the 2024 ballot in 18 states. In total, campaigns for the seven initiatives needed to gather 10,797,774 valid signatures to qualify the measures for the ballot.

    The average signature validity rate (the number of signatures deemed valid out of the raw total number of submitted signatures) was 75% and the average percent of raw signatures submitted was 161% of the required number of signatures.

    State Measure Required signatures Total submitted Signature validity rate Valid signatures Percent of number required
    Alaska Ballot Measure 1 26,705 31,719 93.51% 29,660 118.78%
    Alaska Ballot Measure 2 26,705 42,000 88.19% 37,040 157.27%
    Arizona Proposition 139 383,923 823,685 70.10% 577,403 214.54%
    Arizona Proposition 140 383,923 584,124 70.10% 409,471 152.15%
    Arkansas Issue 2 90,704 162,181 67.97% 110,234 178.80%
    California Proposition 32 623,212 1,062,568 69.50% 738,485 170.50%
    California Proposition 33 546,651 813,112 75.86% 616,827 148.74%
    California Proposition 34 546,651 926,922 72.21% 669,330 169.56%
    California Proposition 35 546,651 939,795 68.71% 645,733 171.92%
    California Proposition 36 546,651 910,441 71.62% 652,058 166.55%
    Colorado Amendment 79 124,238 187,147 85.45% 159,917 150.64%
    Colorado Amendment 80 124,238 198,450 66.12% 131,215 159.73%
    Colorado Proposition 127 124,238 187,147 78.83% 147,528 150.64%
    Colorado Proposition 128 124,238 202,130 73.03% 147,616 162.70%
    Colorado Proposition 129 124,238 207,182 68.25% 141,402 166.76%
    Colorado Proposition 130 124,238 185,889 74.37% 138,246 149.62%
    Colorado Proposition 131 124,238 209,648 67.30% 141,093 168.75%
    Idaho Proposition 1 62,895 94,795 79.11% 74,992 150.72%
    Maine Question 1 67,682 77,831 97.75% 76,080 115.00%
    Missouri Amendment 2 171,592 340,000 60.40% 205,360 198.14%
    Missouri Amendment 3 171,592 380,159 67.00% 254,707 221.55%
    Missouri Amendment 5 171,592 320,000 62.50% 200,000 186.49%
    Missouri Proposition A 107,246 210,000 75.30% 158,130 195.81%
    Montana CI-126 60,359 100,000 60.00% 60,000 165.68%
    Montana CI-127 60,359 100,000 60.00% 60,000 165.68%
    Montana CI-128 60,359 117,000 69.23% 80,999 193.84%
    Nebraska Initiative 434 123,465 205,000 66.34% 135,997 166.04%
    Nebraska Initiative 436 86,426 138,000 70.69% 97,552 159.67%
    Nebraska Initiative 437 86,426 114,367 78.66% 89,961 132.33%
    Nebraska Initiative 438 86,426 114,596 78.41% 89,855 132.59%
    Nebraska Initiative 439 123,465 207,000 65.70% 135,999 167.66%
    Nebraska Referendum 435 61,733 86,603 78.73% 68,183 140.29%
    Nevada Question 3 135,561 266,000 64.26% 170,932 196.22%
    Nevada Question 6 102,362 200,000 64.00% 128,000 195.39%
    Nevada Question 7 102,362 179,000 73.51% 131,583 174.87%
    North Dakota Initiated Measure 1 31,164 42,000 77.00% 32,340 134.77%
    North Dakota Initiated Measure 4 31,164 41,000 87.12% 35,719 131.56%
    North Dakota Initiated Measure 5 15,582 22,000 86.20% 18,964 141.19%
    Ohio Issue 1 413,488 731,306 77.29% 565,226 176.86%
    Oregon Measure 118 117,173 165,426 73.92% 122,283 141.18%
    Oregon Measure 119 117,173 156,533 76.98% 120,499 133.59%
    South Dakota Constitutional Amendment G 35,017 55,000 83.80% 46,090 157.07%
    South Dakota Constitutional Amendment H 35,017 46,500 84.47% 39,279 132.79%
    South Dakota Initiated Measure 28 17,509 25,782 86.55% 22,314 147.25%
    South Dakota Initiated Measure 29 17,509 29,030 77.70% 22,556 165.80%
    South Dakota Referred Law 21 17,509 34,000 92.00% 31,280 194.19%
    Washington Initiative 2066 324,516 533,005 81.05% 432,001 164.25%
    Washington Initiative 2109 324,516 436,474 82.11% 358,389 134.50%
    Washington Initiative 2117 324,516 466,072 77.69% 362,091 143.62%
    Washington Initiative 2124 324,516 427,481 82.28% 351,731 131.73%


    The averages for 2024 signature validity are as follows:

    Required signatures Total submitted Signature validity rate Valid signatures Percent of number required
    171,594 282,722 75.18% 205,447 160.92%

    2023

    Seven initiatives were certified for the 2023 ballot in three states. In total, campaigns for the seven initiatives needed to gather 1,018,989 valid signatures to qualify the measures for the ballot.

    The average signature validity rate (the number of signatures deemed valid out of the raw total number of submitted signatures) was 76.09% and the average percent of raw signatures submitted was 149.37% of the required number of signatures.

    Measure Signatures required Signatures submitted Valid signatures Validity rate Percent of number required
    Maine Question 1 67,682 93,837 68,807 73.33% 138.64%
    Maine Question 3 63,067 80,749 67,550 83.65% 128.04%
    Maine Question 3 63,067 80,154 69,735 87.00% 127.09%
    Maine Question 4 67,682 83,252 74,686 89.71% 123.00%
    Ohio Issue 1 413,488 710,131 495,938 69.84% 171.74%
    Ohio Issue 2 249,092 459059 264,501 57.62% 184.29%
    Oklahoma State Question 820 94,911 164,000 117,257 71.50% 172.79%
    Averages 146,888 238,740 165,496 76.09% 146.89%

    2022

    Thirty initiatives were certified for the 2022 ballot in 12 states. The average signature validity rate (the number of signatures deemed valid out of the raw total number of submitted signatures) was 74.60% and the average percent of raw signatures submitted was 122.95% of the required number of signatures.

    Of the 30 initiated measures, 20 (66.67%) were approved and 10 (33.33%) were defeated.

    State Initiative Signatures required Submitted signatures Signatures deemed valid Signature validity rate Percent of number required
    Arizona Arizona Proposition 209, Interest Rate Limit on Debt from Healthcare Services and Collection Exempt Property and Earnings Increase Initiative (2022) 237,645 472,296 333,958 70.71% 140.53%
    Arizona Arizona Proposition 211, Campaign Finance Sources Disclosure Initiative (2022) 237,645 393,490 285,144 72.47% 119.99%
    Arkansas Arkansas Issue 4, Marijuana Legalization Initiative (2022) 89,151 190,000 90,000 47.37% 100.95%
    California California Proposition 26, Legalize Sports Betting on American Indian Lands Initiative (2022) 997,139 1,400,000 1,061,282 75.81% 106.43%
    California California Proposition 27, Legalize Sports Betting and Revenue for Homelessness Prevention Fund Initiative (2022) 997,139 1,568,835 1,142,317 72.81% 114.56%
    California California Proposition 28, Art and Music K-12 Education Funding Initiative (2022) 623,212 1,030,221 711,872 69.10% 114.23%
    California California Proposition 29, Dialysis Clinic Requirements Initiative (2022) 623,212 1,018,730 725,890 71.25% 116.48%
    California California Proposition 30, Tax on Income Above $2 Million for Zero-Emissions Vehicles and Wildfire Prevention Initiative (2022) 623,212 990,608 990,608 100.00% 158.95%
    California California Proposition 31, Flavored Tobacco Products Ban Referendum (2022) 623,212 1,023,529 782,078 76.41% 125.49%
    Colorado Colorado Proposition 121, State Income Tax Rate Reduction Initiative (2022) 124,632 215,365 148,189 68.81% 118.90%
    Colorado Colorado Proposition 122, Decriminalization and Regulated Access Program for Certain Psychedelic Plants and Fungi Initiative (2022) 124,632 225,140 138,760 61.63% 111.34%
    Colorado Colorado Proposition 123, Dedicate State Income Tax Revenue to Fund Housing Projects Initiative (2022) 124,632 230,748 149,072 64.60% 119.61%
    Colorado Colorado Proposition 124, Retail Liquor Store Licenses Initiative (2022) 124,632 225,440 149,799 66.45% 120.19%
    Colorado Colorado Proposition 125, Wine Sales in Grocery and Convenience Stores Initiative (2022) 124,632 192,017 142,697 74.31% 114.49%
    Colorado Colorado Proposition 126, Alcohol Delivery Service Initiative (2022) 124,632 185,790 139,312 74.98% 111.78%
    Massachusetts Massachusetts Question 2, Medical Loss Ratios for Dental Insurance Plans Initiative (2022) 93,613 127,038 123,092 96.89% 131.49%
    Massachusetts Massachusetts Question 3, Changes to Alcohol Retail Licensing Initiative (2022) 93,613 111,893 109,289 97.67% 116.75%
    Massachusetts Massachusetts Question 4, Remove Proof of Citizenship or Immigration Status for Driver's License Applications Referendum (2022) 40,120 100,000 71,883 71.88% 179.17%
    Michigan Michigan Proposal 2, Voting Policies in Constitution Amendment (2022) 425,059 669,972 507,780 75.79% 119.46%
    Michigan Michigan Proposal 3, Right to Reproductive Freedom Initiative (2022) 425,059 753,759 596,379 79.12% 140.30%
    Missouri Missouri Amendment 3, Marijuana Legalization Initiative (2022) 171,592 385,000 214,535 55.72% 125.03%
    Nebraska Nebraska Initiative 432, Photo Voter Identification Initiative (2022) 123,966 172,000 136,458 79.34% 110.08%
    Nebraska Nebraska Initiative 433, Minimum Wage Increase Initiative (2022) 86,776 152,000 97,245 63.98% 112.06%
    Nevada Nevada Question 3, Top-Five Ranked Choice Voting Initiative (2022) 135,561 266,000 170,941 64.26% 126.10%
    North Dakota North Dakota Constitutional Measure 1, Term Limits for Governor and State Legislators Initiative (2022) 31,164 46,366 32625 70.36% 104.69%
    North Dakota North Dakota Statutory Measure 2, Marijuana Legalization Initiative (2022) 15,582 25,672 23,000 89.59% 147.61%
    Oregon Oregon Measure 113, Exclusion from Re-election for Legislative Absenteeism Initiative (2022) 149,360 184,680 155,343 84.11% 104.01%
    Oregon Oregon Measure 114, Changes to Firearm Ownership and Purchase Requirements Initiative (2022) 112,020 160,498 131,671 82.04% 117.54%
    South Dakota South Dakota Initiated Measure 27, Marijuana Legalization Initiative (2022) 16,961 31586 25,023 79.22% 147.53%
    South Dakota South Dakota Constitutional Amendment D, Medicaid Expansion Initiative (2022) 33,921 47,000 38,244 81.37% 112.74%
    Averages All 2022 measures 258,458 419,856 314,150 74.60% 122.95%

    2021

    Three initiatives were on the ballot and were defeated in Colorado. One initiative was on the ballot and approved in Maine. The table below shows the signature validity rates and raw signature submission percentages.

    State Initiative Signatures required Submitted signatures Signatures deemed valid Signature validity rate Percent of number required Outcome
    CO Colorado Proposition 119, Creation of Out-of-School Education Program and Marijuana Sales Tax Increase Initiative (2021) 124,632 203,335 145,076 71.35% 116.40% Defeatedd
    CO Colorado Proposition 120, Reduce Property Tax Rates and Retain $25 Million in TABOR Surplus Revenue Initiative (2021) 124,632 192562 138,567 71.96% 111.18% Defeatedd
    CO Colorado Amendment 78, Custodial Fund Appropriations Initiative (2021) 124,632 195,911 135,601 69.22% 108.80% Defeatedd
    ME Maine Question 1, Electric Transmission Line Restrictions and Legislative Approval Initiative (2021) 63,067 95,622 80,506 84.19% 127.65% Approveda

    2020

    Including pre-November, November 3, and December election dates, a total of 129 statewide ballot measures were certified for the 2020 ballot in 34 states. Of those measures, 43 were citizen-initiated measures. The following chart shows the number of signatures that were required to qualify the initiative for the ballot, how many signatures were submitted by the campaign (which is often an estimated number provided by campaigns), and the number of signatures that were deemed valid by elections officials.

    Note: The valid signature count for Nebraska initiatives 429, 430, and 431 was not available as of January 28, 2021. The number of signatures submitted for Florida amendments 2, 3, and 4 were not available as of January 28, 2021.


    Measure Signatures required Signatures submitted Signatures deemed valid Validity rate Percent of number required Outcome
    Alaska Ballot Measure 1, North Slope Oil Production Tax Increase Initiative (2020) 28,501 44,624 39,174 87.79% 156.57% Defeatedd
    California Proposition 15, Tax on Commercial and Industrial Properties for Education and Local Government Funding Initiative (2020) 997,139 1,748,647 1,304,491 74.60% 175.37% Defeatedd
    California Proposition 20, Criminal Sentencing, Parole, and DNA Collection Initiative (2020) 365,880 567,452 430,617 75.89% 155.09% Defeatedd
    California Proposition 21, Local Rent Control Initiative (2020) 623,212 987,991 749,984 75.91% 158.53% Defeatedd
    California Proposition 23, Dialysis Clinic Requirements Initiative (2020) 623,212 1,012,034 739,291 73.05% 162.39% Defeatedd
    California Proposition 25, Replace Cash Bail with Risk Assessments Referendum (2020) 365,880 576,822 465,438 80.69% 157.65% Defeatedd
    Colorado Proposition 115, 22-Week Abortion Ban Initiative (2020) 124,632 186,313 153,204 82.23% 149.49% Defeatedd
    Florida Amendment 3, Top-Two Open Primaries for State Offices Initiative (2020) 766,200 Unknown 776,144 N/A N/A Defeatedd
    Florida Amendment 4, Require Constitutional Amendments to be Passed Twice Initiative (2020) 766,200 Unknown 783,582 N/A N/A Defeatedd
    Maine Question 1, Religious and Philosophical Vaccination Exemptions Referendum (March 2020) 63,067 95,871 79,056 82.46% 152.01% Defeatedd
    Massachusetts Question 2, Ranked-Choice Voting Initiative (2020) 93,613 136,268 97,751 71.73% 145.57% Defeatedd
    Oklahoma State Question 805, Criminal History in Sentencing and Sentence Modification Initiative (2020) 177,958 260,000 248,521 95.59% 146.10% Defeatedd
    South Dakota Initiated Measure 26, Medical Marijuana Initiative (2020) 16,961 34,200 25,524 74.63% 201.64% Approveda
    Washington Referendum 90, Sex Education in Public Schools Measure (2020) 129,811 264,637 239,496 90.50% 203.86% Approveda
    South Dakota Constitutional Amendment A, Marijuana Legalization Initiative (2020) 33,921 50,000 36,707 73.41% 147.40% Approveda
    Oregon Measure 110, Drug Decriminalization and Addiction Treatment Initiative (2020) 112,020 156,009 116,622 74.75% 139.27% Approveda
    Oregon Measure 109, Psilocybin Mushroom Services Program Initiative (2020) 112,020 160,963 106,908 66.42% 143.69% Approveda
    Oklahoma State Question 802, Medicaid Expansion Initiative (June 2020) 177,958 313,000 299,731 95.76% 175.88% Approveda
    Nevada Question 6, Renewable Energy Standards Initiative (2020) 112,543 230,000 133,005 57.83% 204.37% Approveda
    Nebraska Initiative 431, Tax on Gambling at Racetracks Initiative (2020) 85,628 135,000 Unknown Unknown 157.66% Approveda
    Nebraska Initiative 430, Authorizing Gambling at Racetracks Initiative (2020) 85,628 135,000 Unknown Unknown 157.66% Approveda
    Nebraska Initiative 429, Authorize Laws for Gambling at Racetracks Amendment (2020) 122,274 200,000 Unknown Unknown 163.57% Approveda
    Nebraska Initiative 428, Payday Lender Interest Rate Cap Initiative (2020) 85,628 120,000 94,468 78.72% 140.14% Approveda
    Montana I-190, Marijuana Legalization Initiative (2020) 25,468 52,000 35,458 68.19% 204.18% Approveda
    Montana CI-118, Allow for a Legal Age for Marijuana Amendment (2020) 50,936 80,000 52,315 65.39% 157.06% Approveda
    Missouri Amendment 2, Medicaid Expansion Initiative (August 2020) 172,015 341,440 269,118 78.82% 198.49% Approveda
    Mississippi Ballot Measure 1, Initiative 65 and Alternative 65A, Medical Marijuana Amendment (2020) 86,185 214,000 105,686 49.39% 248.30% Approveda
    Massachusetts Question 1, "Right to Repair Law" Vehicle Data Access Requirement Initiative (2020) 93,613 129,634 97,835 75.47% 138.48% Approveda
    Florida Amendment 2, $15 Minimum Wage Initiative (2020) 766,200 Unknown 770,458 N/A N/A Approveda
    Florida Amendment 1, Citizen Requirement for Voting Initiative (2020) 766,200 1,300,000 927,908 71.38% 169.67% Approveda
    Colorado Proposition 118, Paid Medical and Family Leave Initiative (2020) 124,632 205,660 137,999 67.10% 165.01% Approveda
    Colorado Proposition 117, Require Voter Approval of Certain New Enterprises Exempt from TABOR Initiative (2020) 124,632 196,090 138,852 70.81% 157.34% Approveda
    Colorado Proposition 116, Decrease Income Tax Rate from 4.63% to 4.55% Initiative (2020) 124,632 198,538 140,058 70.54% 159.30% Approveda
    Colorado Proposition 114, Gray Wolf Reintroduction Initiative (2020) 124,632 215,370 139,333 64.69% 172.80% Approveda
    Colorado Proposition 113, National Popular Vote Interstate Compact Referendum (2020) 124,632 228,832 183,673 80.27% 183.61% Approveda
    Colorado Amendment 77, Allow Voters in Central, Black Hawk, and Cripple Creek Cities to Expand Authorized Games and Increase Maximum Bets Initiative (2020) 124,632 209,885 138,232 65.86% 168.40% Approveda
    Colorado Amendment 76, Citizenship Requirement for Voting Initiative (2020) 124,632 200,000 137,362 68.68% 160.47% Approveda
    California Proposition 24, Consumer Personal Information Law and Agency Initiative (2020) 623,212 930,983 721,884 77.54% 149.38% Approveda
    California Proposition 22, App-Based Drivers as Contractors and Labor Policies Initiative (2020) 623,212 987,813 765,555 77.50% 158.50% Approveda
    California Proposition 14, Stem Cell Research Institute Bond Initiative (2020) 623,212 924,216 722,182 78.14% 148.30% Approveda
    Arizona Proposition 208, Tax on Incomes Exceeding $250,000 for Teacher Salaries and Schools Initiative (2020) 237,645 387,422 253,046 65.32% 163.03% Approveda
    Arizona Proposition 207, Marijuana Legalization Initiative (2020) 237,645 428,481 255,080 59.53% 180.30% Approveda
    Alaska Ballot Measure 2, Top-Four Ranked-Choice Voting and Campaign Finance Laws Initiative (2020) 28,501 41,068 36,006 87.67% 144.09% Approveda


    2019

    In 2019, a total of 32 statewide ballot measures were on ballots in nine states. Of those measures, two were citizen-initiated measures that were both on the ballot in Washington. One was defeated and the other was approved and later overturned by the state supreme court. Of signatures submitted by the campaigns, an average of around 86% were deemed valid.

    Measure Required Number of Signatures Number of Signatures Submitted Number of Signatures Verified Verification Rate Percent of Total Required Outcome
    Washington Referendum 88, Vote on I-1000 Affirmative Action Measure (2019) 129,811 213,268 184,263 86.4% 141.95% Defeatedd
    Washington Initiative 976, Limits on Motor Vehicle Taxes and Fees Measure (2019) 259,622 352,111 303,273 86.13% 116.81% Approveda/Overturnedot
    Averages 194,717 282,690 243,768 86.3% 129.4%

    2018

    A total of 167 statewide ballot measures were on 2018 ballots in 38 states. Of those measures, 68 were citizen-initiated measures. The sampling of data from 2018 includes 45 citizen-initiated measures in 20 states. Twenty-one were approved, and 24 were defeated. The average number of unverified signatures submitted was 1.6 times the average number of required signatures. On average, nearly three-quarters of the total signatures submitted were verified as valid.


    Measure Required Number of Signatures Number of Signatures Submitted Number of Signatures Verified Verification Rate Percent of Total Required Outcome
    Florida Amendment 3, Voter Approval of Casino Gambling Initiative (2018) 766,200 1,000,000 843,312 84.33% 110.06% Approveda
    Maine Question 1, Ranked-Choice Voting Delayed Enactment and Automatic Repeal Referendum (June 2018) 61,123 77,305 66,687 86.26% 109.10% Approveda
    Massachusetts Question 3, Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination Veto Referendum (2018) 32,375 50,000 34,231 68.46% 105.73% Approveda
    Oregon Measure 101, Healthcare Insurance Premiums Tax for Medicaid Referendum (January 2018) 58,789 84,367 70,230 83.24% 119.46% Approveda
    Arkansas Issue 4, Casinos Authorized in Crittenden, Garland, Pope, and Jefferson Counties Initiative (2018) 84,859 138,880 99,988 72.00% 117.83% Approveda
    Florida Amendment 4, Voting Rights Restoration for Felons Initiative (2018) 766,200 900,000 799,278 88.81% 104.32% Approveda
    Michigan Proposal 1, Marijuana Legalization Initiative (2018) 252,523 365,384 277,370 75.91% 109.84% Approveda
    Michigan Proposal 2, Independent Redistricting Commission Initiative (2018) 315,654 425,000 394,092 92.73% 124.85% Approveda
    Michigan Proposal 3, Voting Policies in State Constitution Initiative (2018) 315,654 433,069 321,755 74.30% 101.93% Approveda
    Missouri Amendment 1, Lobbying, Campaign Finance, and Redistricting Initiative (2018) 160,199 393,914 231,460 58.76% 144.48% Approveda
    Nevada Question 6, Renewable Energy Standards Initiative (2018) 112,543 230,000 133,005 57.83% 118.18% Approveda
    North Dakota Measure 2, Citizen Requirement for Voting Amendment Initiative (2018) 26,904 35,000 32,000 91.43% 118.94% Approveda
    California Proposition 11, Ambulance Employees Paid On-Call Breaks, Training, and Mental Health Services Initiative (2018) 365,880 657,744 515,539 78.38% 140.90% Approveda
    Washington Initiative 1634, Prohibit Local Taxes on Groceries Measure (2018) 259,622 381,479 312,813 82.00% 120.49% Approveda
    Washington Initiative 940, Police Training and Criminal Liability in Cases of Deadly Force Measure (2018) 259,622 359,895 302,321 84.00% 116.45% Approveda
    California Proposition 12, Farm Animal Confinement Initiative (2018) 365,880 664,969 474,289 71.32% 129.63% Approveda
    California Proposition 4, Children's Hospital Bonds Initiative (2018) 365,880 643,221 486,275 75.60% 132.91% Approveda
    Utah Proposition 3, Medicaid Expansion Initiative (2018) 113,143 165,000 147,280 89.26% 130.17% Approveda
    Utah Proposition 4, Independent Advisory Commission on Redistricting Initiative (2018) 113,143 190,000 150,082 78.99% 132.65% Approveda
    Nebraska Initiative 427, Medicaid Expansion Initiative (2018) 84,908 133,000 104,477 78.55% 123.05% Approveda
    South Dakota Initiated Measure 24, Ban Out-of-State Contributions to Ballot Question Committees Initiative (2018) 13,871 18,000 14,580 81.00% 105.11% Approveda
    Arizona Proposition 305, Expansion of Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Referendum (2018) 75,321 111,540 94809 85.00% 125.87% Defeatedd
    California Proposition 5, Property Tax Transfer Initiative (2018) 585,407 960,361 731,019 76.12% 124.87% Defeatedd
    Maine Question 1, Payroll and Non-Wage Income Taxes for Home Care Program Initiative (2018) 61,123 67,000 64,842 96.78% 106.08% Defeatedd
    Missouri Proposition A, Right to Work Referendum (August 2018) 100,126 321,467 250,327 77.87% 250.01% Defeatedd
    South Dakota Initiated Measure 25, Tobacco Tax Increase Initiative (2018) 13,871 19,025 15,790 83.00% 113.83% Defeatedd
    Arizona Proposition 127, Renewable Energy Standards Initiative (2018) 225,963 480,464 225,963 47.03% 100.00% Defeatedd
    California Proposition 6, Voter Approval for Future Gas and Vehicle Taxes and 2017 Tax Repeal Initiative (2018) 585,407 963,905 754,352 78.26% 128.86% Defeatedd
    Colorado Amendment 74, Compensation to Owners for Decreased Property Value Due to State Regulation Initiative (2018) 98,492 209,000 137,029 65.56% 139.13% Defeatedd
    Colorado Amendment 75, Campaign Contribution Limits Initiative (2018) 98,492 212,332 136,328 64.21% 138.42% Defeatedd
    Ohio Issue 1, Drug and Criminal Justice Policies Initiative (2018) 306,591 730,031 351,095 48.09% 114.52% Defeatedd
    Oklahoma State Question 793, Right of Optometrists and Opticians to Practice in Retail Establishments Initiative (2018) 123,725 255,000 250,000 98.04% 202.06% Defeatedd
    Oregon Measure 103, Ban Tax on Groceries Initiative (2018) 117,578 180,000 121,000 67.22% 102.91% Defeatedd
    Oregon Measure 104, Definition of Raising Revenue for Three-Fifths Vote Requirement Initiative (2018) 117,578 174,006 124,428 71.51% 105.83% Defeatedd
    Colorado Amendment 73, Establish Income Tax Brackets and Raise Taxes for Education Initiative (2018) 98,492 170,000 130,022 76.48% 132.01% Defeatedd
    Alaska Ballot Measure 1, Salmon Habitat Protections and Permits Initiative (2018) 32,127 47,000 41,999 89.36% 130.73% Defeatedd
    California Proposition 10, Local Rent Control Initiative (2018) 365,880 595,096 451,261 75.83% 123.34% Defeatedd
    California Proposition 3, Water Infrastructure and Watershed Conservation Bond Initiative (2018) 365,880 604,805 463,896 76.70% 126.79% Defeatedd
    California Proposition 8, Limits on Dialysis Clinics' Revenue and Required Refunds Initiative (2018) 365,880 569,259 405,037 71.15% 110.70% Defeatedd
    Colorado Proposition 110, "Let's Go Colorado" Transportation Bond and Sales Tax Increase Initiative (2018) 98,492 195,499 118,259 60.49% 120.07% Defeatedd
    Colorado Proposition 112, Minimum Distance Requirements for New Oil, Gas, and Fracking Projects Initiative (2018) 98,492 172,834 123,195 71.28% 125.08% Defeatedd
    Idaho Proposition 1, Authorize Betting on Historical Horse Races Initiative (2018) 56,192 114,815 59,000 51.39% 105.00% Defeatedd
    North Dakota Measure 3, Marijuana Legalization and Automatic Expungement Initiative (2018) 13,452 17,695 14,637 82.72% 108.81% Defeatedd
    Washington Initiative 1631, Carbon Emissions Fee Measure (2018) 259,622 349,063 289,373 82.90% 111.46% Defeatedd
    California Proposition 5, Property Tax Transfer Initiative (2018) 585,407 960,361 757,917 78.92% 129.47% Defeatedd
    Averages 216,546 351,706 264,948 76.20% 124.27%

    2017

    In 2017, a total of 27 statewide ballot measures were on ballots in nine states. Of those measures, four were citizen-initiated measures. All are included in the table below. The sampling of data from 2017 includes four citizen-initiated measures from two states. Two were approved, and two were defeated. The average number of unverified signatures submitted was 1.6 times the average number of required signatures. On average, almost 80 percent of the signatures submitted were deemed valid.

    Measure Required Number of Signatures Number of Signatures Submitted Number of Signatures Verified Verification Rate Percent of Total Required Outcome
    Maine Question 1, Casino or Slot Machines in York County Initiative (2017) 61,123 99,518 87,000 87.42% 142.34% Defeatedd
    Ohio Issue 2, Drug Price Standards Initiative (2017) 91,677 171,205 120030 70.11% 130.93% Defeatedd
    Maine Question 2, Medicaid Expansion Initiative (2017) 61,123 70,302 66,434 94.50% 108.69% Approveda
    Ohio Issue 1, Marsy's Law Crime Victim Rights Initiative (2017) 305,591 563,556 371,749 65.96% 121.65% Approveda
    Averages 129,879 226,145 161,303 79.50% 125.90%

    2016

    In 2016, a total of 162 statewide ballot measures were certified for the ballot in 35 states. Of those measures, 76 were put on the ballot by citizens through signature petitions. The sampling of data from 2016 includes 15 citizen-initiated measures from nine states. Ten were approved, and five were defeated. The average number of unverified signatures submitted was 1.6 times the average number of required signatures. On average, three-quarters of the signatures submitted were certified as valid.

    Measure Required Number of Signatures Number of Signatures Submitted Number of Signatures Verified Verification Rate Percent of Total Required Outcome
    Alaska Voter Registration via the Permanent Fund Dividend Application, Ballot Measure 1 (2016) 28,545 42,000 36,907 87.87% 129.29% Approveda
    Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment, Issue 6 (2016) 84,859 106,000 97,284 91.78% 114.64% Approveda
    California Proposition 52, Continued Hospital Fee Revenue Dedicated to Medi-Cal Unless Voters Approve Changes (2016) 80,7615 1,223,888 807,984 66.02% 100.05% Approveda
    California Proposition 63, Background Checks for Ammunition Purchases and Large-Capacity Ammunition Magazine Ban (2016) 365,880 600,000 400,000 66.67% 109.33% Approveda
    California Proposition 67, Plastic Bag Ban Veto Referendum (2016) 504,760 800,000 555,000 69.38% 109.95% Approveda
    Maine Marijuana Legalization, Question 1 (2016) 61,123 100,000 51,543 51.54% 84.33% Approveda
    Maine Tax on Incomes Exceeding $200,000 for Public Education, Question 2 (2016) 61,123 88,242 66,849 75.76% 109.37% Approveda
    Maine Minimum Wage Increase, Question 4 (2016) 61,123 86,438 75,275 87.09% 123.15% Approveda
    North Dakota Marsy's Law Crime Victim Rights, Initiated Constitutional Measure 3 (2016) 26,904 44,000 34,000 77.27% 126.38% Approveda
    South Dakota Payday Lending Initiative, Initiated Measure 21 (2016) 13,870 19,936 17,222 86.39% 124.17% Approveda
    Colorado Creation of ColoradoCare System, Amendment 69 (2016) 98,492 156,107 109,134 69.91% 110.80% Defeatedd
    Maine Background Checks for Gun Sales, Question 3 (2016) 61,123 85,000 65,821 77.44% 107.69% Defeatedd
    Montana Bonds to Fund Biomedical Research Authority, I-181 (2016) 24,175 39,000 24,970 64.03% 103.29% Defeatedd
    Nebraska Death Penalty Repeal, Referendum 426 (2016) 56,708 166,692 143,000 85.79% 252.17% Defeatedd
    North Dakota Tobacco Tax Increase, Initiated Statutory Measure 4 (2016) 13,452 22,840 21,698 95.00% 161.30% Defeatedd
    Averages 151,317 238,676 167,112 76.79% 124.39%

    2006 to 2010

    The following selection of data includes 79 citizen-initiated measures in nine states from 2006 through 2010. From the 64 measures that qualified for the ballot, 23 were approved and 41 were defeated. Fifteen measures submitted signatures but did not qualify for the ballot. The average number of unverified signatures submitted was 1.8 times the average number of required signatures. On average, two-thirds of the total signatures submitted were verified as valid. These numbers include all measures approved, defeated, and those that did not qualify for the ballot.

    2006

    In 2006, a total of 226 statewide ballot measures were on the ballot in 37 states. Of those measures, 83 were citizen-initiated measures. The table below features 38 ballot measures with available signature data.

    Click show to expand the table.

    2007

    In 2007, a total of 43 statewide ballot measures were on ballots across 10 states. Of those measures, four were citizen-initiated measures. The table below features one measure with available signature data. Click show to expand the table.

    2008

    In 2008, a total of 174 statewide ballot propositions were voted on in 37 different states. Of those measures, 74 were citizen-initiated measures. The table below features 35 measures with available signature data. Click show to expand the table.

    2009

    In 2009, a total of 32 statewide ballot measures were on ballots in 7 states. Of those measures, four were citizen-initiated petitions. The table below features two measures that had available signature data. Click show to expand the table.

    2010

    In 2010, a total of 184 statewide ballot questions were on ballots in 38 states. Of those measures, 50 were citizen-initiated measures. The table below features three measures with available signature data. Click show to expand the table.

    See also

    Footnotes

    1. ↑ In 2024, 57 initiatives were on the ballot. Signature data for seven initiatives were unavailable.
    2. ↑ In 2023, seven initiatives were on the ballot. All data is represented here.
    3. ↑ In 2022, 30 initiatives were on the ballot. All data is represented here.
    4. ↑ All four initiatives on the 2021 ballot are represented here.
    5. ↑ In 2020, 43 initiatives were on the ballot. The valid signature count for Nebraska initiatives 429, 430, and 431 were not available. The number of signatures submitted for Florida amendments 2, 3, and 4 were not available.
    6. ↑ All two initiatives on the 2019 ballot are represented here.
    7. ↑ Of the 68 citizen-initiated measures on the 2018 ballot, Ballotpedia found 47 measures with available signature data.
    8. ↑ All four initiatives on the 2017 ballot are represented here.
    Signature requirements
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    Terms

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    States where signature requirements are based on votes cast for governor

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