Do you want to see a piece of legislation on your next voter ballot? Referendums and propositions are two processes used to do just that.
What exactly are referendums and propositions, and what are their roles in the democratic process?
What is a Referendum?
Referendum is a general term which refers to a measure that appears on a voter ballot. It allows citizens, through the petition process, to refer acts of the legislature to the ballot before they become law.
Additionally, it permits the Legislature itself to refer proposed legislation to the electorate for approval or rejection.
There are two types of referenda; referendum measures and referendum bills.
Referendum measures are laws recently passed by lawmakers that are placed on the ballot because of petitions signed by citizens.
Referendum bills are proposed laws referred to the voters by lawmakers.
What is a Proposition?
A proposition is typically a proposed piece of legislation that a portion of the state population wishes to see enacted. They are usually a result of an initiative, a method by voters to propose new laws or amend existing ones through the petition process.
Propositions can be controversial, as groups are often willing to legislate in areas that politicians would not touch for fear of the political consequences.
Dorn Policy Group Knows Government Referendums and Propositions
Lobbying encourages people to participate in government and voice their concerns. With nearly 60 years of combined government experience, Dorn Policy Group can advocate on your behalf at the Federal, State, County, Municipal, District, and Tribal levels.
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