Sign Up for BISCquick
The only weekly wrap-up of ballot measure news in the progressive community.
We strengthen
democracy by
Challenging structural racism, Centering impacted communities, Building state-based power, Winning progressive ballot measures nationwide
read moreWhat we do
Track the Ballot Measure Landscape
We are the progressive movement’s central repository for understanding how direct democracy is being used across the country.
learn moreProvide Assistance to Ballot Measure Campaigns
We work directly with campaigns on the ground to give them the tools they need to succeed
learn moreProtect the Ballot Initiative Process
We fight the attacks meant to undermine direct democracy in the states
learn moreTrain Ballot Measure Activists Across the Country
We help the field build the skills necessary to win successful campaigns.
learn moreDesign and Provide Groundbreaking Research
We provide the intelligence and metrics that partners need to make informed decisions.
learn moreConvene and Facilitate Collaboration Among Partners
We convene and facilitate collaboration to maximize resources.
learn moreDirect Democracy Across the Country
Initiated Statutes and Amendments
Initiated Statutes Only
Initiated Amendments Only
News
05/10/2022
California, Maine, New York, and Colorado Join the List of States Working to Protect Abortion Access Through Ballot Measures
read more05/03/2022
With SCOTUS Poised to Overturn Roe, Ballot Initiatives Offer Path to Protect Abortion Access
read more04/26/2022
BISC’S ROAD AHEAD ‘22 CONFERENCE ENVISIONS A WORLD WHERE “PEOPLE ARE NO LONGER JUST SURVIVING, THEY ARE THRIVING”
read more04/08/2022
Joint Statement on the Failed Restoration of Mississippi’s Ballot Initiative Process
read more04/05/2022
ICYMI: Ballot Initiative Strategy Center Executive Director Chris Melody Fields Figueredo’s Democracy Docket Op-Ed on the Importance of Ballot Measures
read more10/14/2021
The Ballot Initiative Strategy Center Launches Multi-Year National Defend Direct Democracy Campaign to Protect Ballot Measures Across the Country
read more06/28/2021
BISC’s Executive Director, Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, Speaks on Her 3 Year BISCiversary
read more04/20/2021
BISC Releases Statement on the Verdict in Derek Chauvin’s Trial for the Murder of George Floyd
read more01/13/2021
White Supremacy is America’s Greatest Threat: A Letter from BISC’s Executive Director
read more11/23/2020
BISC + Partners Release Executive Directors of Color Video: Relationships and Resilience Collective
read more09/19/2020
THE BALLOT INITIATIVE STRATEGY CENTER MOURNS THE LOSS OF JUSTICE RUTH BADER GINSBURG
read more08/18/2020
Ballot Initiative Strategy Center releases statement recognizing the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment
read more08/05/2020
Ballot Initiative Strategy Center releases statement as Missouri becomes the 6th state expand Medicaid through ballot measures
read more07/17/2020
Ballot Initiative Strategy Center releases statement following the Supreme Court’s decision to block hundreds of thousands of Floridians from voting this year
read more07/01/2020
Ballot Initiative Strategy Center releases statement following Oklahoma’s successful passage of Medicaid Expansion
read more06/19/2020
BISC releases statement on the importance of recognizing Juneteenth and Defending Black Lives
read more06/03/2020
Ballot Initiative Strategy Center releases statement recognizing Pride Month and the ongoing fight for equity and justice for all Americans
read more06/01/2020
BISC releases statement about the ongoing, state-sanctioned violence against the Black community
read more05/20/2020
Ballot Initiative Strategy Center Releases Statement on Successful Portland Initiative to Fight Homelessness
read more06/18/2020
Ballot Initiative Strategy Center releases statement on SCOTUS’ DACA decision and rejection of the Trump administration’s racist agenda
read more
EYES ON 2022:
Decriminalization could be on the ballot in #Washington State!
If passed, Initiative 1922 would remove Washington’s penalties for drug possession and direct more than $140 million annually in state funds toward expanded outreach, treatment, and recovery services.
As signature-gathering for Washington's November ballot continues, early polling is encouraging for activists, reports @badlin, although many voters remain undecided:
https://filtermag.org/washington-drug-decriminalization-polls/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=filter
GOOD NEWS:
A #BallotMeasure that would tax LA mansion sales to fund affordable housing has gathered enough signatures to qualify for the Nov ballot.
The measure will provide 69k affordable housing units for those experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming unhoused.
If you're a renter, you won't pay the mansion tax.
If you're a homeowner who isn't selling properties over $5 million dollars, you won't pay the mansion tax.
If you live in LA, you will benefit from the mansion tax.
Reduce homelessness. Help seniors. That's #UnitedToHouseLA 2
Michigan is home to one of the strictest #abortion bans in the country — it was written in 1846 yet remains on the books today.
However, this law could become dormant if voters pass the Reproductive Freedom For All initiative.
Follow @mireprofreedom to support the campaign!
🧵: If SCOTUS formally overturns Roe, our ballot measure campaign will be the best way to secure reproductive rights in Michigan.
So we put together a shortlist of how you can help us win this November ➡️
GOOD NEWS:
Reclaim Idaho organizers have exceeded signature-gathering goals for their education funding #BallotInitiative, which would raise more than $300M per year for public education in Idaho.
The new funds will go directly toward priorities like better pay for teachers. 👏🏾
Advocacy group @reclaimID dropped off the final signatures Monday for their education initiative that voters might see on the ballot later this year. #idedu #idpol #idleg
https://blog.idahoreports.idahoptv.org/2022/05/02/reclaim-idaho-submits-final-signatures-for-education-ballot-initiative/
Our newsletter, BISCquick, is the only weekly wrap-up of #BallotMeasure news in the progressive community.
Sign up to get it in your inbox every Friday! ➡️ http://ballot.org
Reading thru this week's @BallotStrategy BISCQuick newsletter and dreaming of all the ways Oklahomans could be using the initiative petition process to better our state. Idaho has interesting ideas (https://idahocapitalsun.com/2022/05/02/reclaim-idaho-organizers-meet-goals-turn-in-final-signatures-for-education-initiative/) as does Florida (https://www.orlandoweekly.com/news/florida-voting-rights-groups-revamp-challenge-to-gov-ron-desantis-redistricting-map-31505818)
Reading thru this week's @BallotStrategy BISCQuick newsletter and dreaming of all the ways Oklahomans could be using the initiative petition process to better our state. Idaho has interesting ideas (https://idahocapitalsun.com/2022/05/02/reclaim-idaho-organizers-meet-goals-turn-in-final-signatures-for-education-initiative/) as does Florida (https://www.orlandoweekly.com/news/florida-voting-rights-groups-revamp-challenge-to-gov-ron-desantis-redistricting-map-31505818)
GOOD NEWS:
#Connecticut lawmakers have approved a bill to expand the types of medical professionals who can provide abortions while shielding residents from facing penalties under other states' anti-abortion laws. Now it heads to the governor, who said he will sign it into law.
Lawmakers in Connecticut have approved a bill that would expand the types of medical professionals who can provide abortion services in the state and shield residents from facing penalties under other states' anti-abortion laws. https://n.pr/3KzyhAH
We did it!
Hugely important victory for Texas tonight with Austin voters voting to decriminalize cannabis and ban no-knock warrants!
I'm overwhelmed with gratitude, and even in times as dark as these, I'm inspired by what we know is possible when we organize together.
🧵: If SCOTUS formally overturns Roe, our ballot measure campaign will be the best way to secure reproductive rights in Michigan.
So we put together a shortlist of how you can help us win this November ➡️
Something I never thought I would say: Vote for me! And @BallotStrategy for @GAINPOWERORG’s Powerful IDEA Awards by May 23rd. https://twitter.com/BallotStrategy/status/1522316998281244674
We are proud to announce that BISC and our fearless leader @Fieldsy have been nominated for The Powerful IDEA (Impact on Democracy, Elections, Advocacy) Awards — @GAINPOWERORG's inaugural progressive political communications and leadership awards.
At the Supreme Court on Tuesday, @RBraceySherman of @AbortionStories had an important message for our movement:
“To all of you who have had abortions, I know this is really, really hard.
This is our moment to speak out. This is our moment to share our stories."
📸: @DevinHiett
We did it! With nearly 97K signatures submitted, we’re confident that the Quality Education Act will appear on the ballot!
This means that voters will have a chance to increase K-12 funding by $323 million annually—with no new taxes on anyone making under $250K a year. #idpol