Ballot Initiative Strategy Center Releases Statement on Ballot Measure Work in Midst of COVID-19 Crisis

04/07/2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday April 7, 2020

PRESS CONTACTS:
Ali Javery
[email protected]

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Earlier today, Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, the Executive Director of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, released the following statement regarding the importance of continuing ballot initiatives even in the time of the coronavirus pandemic:

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected signature gathering for many ballot measure campaigns nationwide. As a result, the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center (BISC) is currently working with campaigns helping them identify what options they have to qualify for the November ballot.

There is no one size fits all model since rules and procedures vary by state. However, there is precedent for temporary changes to election processes during emergencies like natural disasters. Right now is the time to be nimble and innovative to find new ways to organize and educate voters. Even if campaigns don’t succeed in getting their initiatives on ballots this year, it does not mean the work has stopped—campaigns may be delayed, but they won’t be deterred in fighting for change.

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The Ballot Initiative Strategy Center is the only progressive organization that works across the many policy, organizing, and political organizations, with local, state, and national players to analyze and support the ballot measure landscape.