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Our Defend Direct Democracy Campaign

Defend Direct Democracy: What We Mean

Direct Democracy is the will of the people.

No matter who we are or where we’re from, we all want the freedom to make decisions on important issues that impact our lives.

The citizen-initiative process, or direct democracy, allows voters to exercise that freedom by giving everyday people the power to directly propose and pass new laws by putting them up for a vote.

Direct democracy is an essential tool for passing people-centered policies at the state and local level. Further, we believe direct democracy is a critical part of building an inclusive, participatory, and thriving democracy.

It is a process that is truly by the people and for the people.

Ballot Initiative Voter Attitudes Research

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Attacks on Direct Democracy

In recent years, some politicians and their allies have worked to undermine  direct democracy by introducing hundreds of bills to make it harder to propose and pass new laws through citizen initiatives.

What Does The DDD Campaign Do?

BISC is leading a national, multi-year, multi-phase, coordinated strategy to #DefendDirectDemocracy.

BISC’s Defend Direct Democracy campaign is deeply rooted in the states, and our foundation is built on long-term partnerships and plans at the state and national level that also include our strategic funding partners.

As the only nationwide organization focused on using ballot measures to build and support multi-racial, multi-issue, people-powered movements, BISC is best positioned to work with our partners to lead a well-funded, coordinated, nationwide, strategic campaign to protect the People’s Tool as a critical part of the larger efforts to protect and strengthen our democracy.

Direct Democracy Across the Country

Initiated Statutes and Amendments

Initiated Amendments Only

Initiated Statutes Only

*Note: Although the Mississippi Constitution allows for ballot initiatives, a 2021 Mississippi Supreme Court decision effectively voided that avenue by finding it incompatible with other provisions of law.

How Can You Join the Movement to #DefendDirectDemocracy?

Help us spread the word and keep tabs on the campaign by using the hashtag #DefendDirectDemocracy and following @BallotStrategy on Instagram, and find us on LinkedIn and YouTube.

For press inquiries or to schedule an interview with a policy expert, please contact [email protected].

What Our State Partners Have To Say:

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We must develop a coordinated response to protect and expand our access to ballot measures if we are to continue to make progress on important issues like education funding and living wages and benefits for hardworking Arizonans. We are thrilled to be partnering with BISC who is leading the charge to defend direct democracy.

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- Emily Kirkland, Former Executive Director, Progress Arizona

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In the past two election cycles, voters have made progress for the people of Missouri by raising the minimum wage and expanding access to healthcare. The initiative process is a tool for Missourians to make real and immediate improvement in our lives, and we are proud to partner with BISC to protect our 100-year-old constitutional right to ballot measures.

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- Richard Von Glahn, Organizing Director, Missouri Jobs with Justice

Direct Democracy in the News