Ballot Integrity Reform: Higher Standards
Many states have a very low standard for filing ballot titles and language. In some states, initiative sponsors submit multiple versions of an initiative with only slight word changes, “shopping” for favorable ballot titles and summaries while wasting taxpayer money. States should discourage frivolous filings by requiring a bare minimum number of signatures be submitted to election authorities before any taxpayer money is spent developing titles and summaries.
In other states, initiative proponents pick the ballot title and language without any opportunity for either to be challenged by the public or elected officials, often leading to intentionally misleading titles and language. Every state needs a process ensuring that clear and accurate ballot titles and language are presented to voters when they are being asked to amend their state constitution and statutes.
Voters deserve higher standards for the important questions they must answer on Election Day. Ballot titles and language should inform voters, not mislead or deceive them, and campaigns should not be allowed to waste taxpayer money in an effort to “shop” for more favorable language.
Higher Standards (total 4 points maximum):
1. Are ballot measure proponents required to submit a reasonable amount of signatures to dissuade frivolous filings but still leave the process accessible to grassroots operations?
Yes- OH, OR
No- AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, ID, IL, MA, ME, MI, MO, MS, MT, ND, NE, NV, OK, SD, UT, WA, WY
2. Is there a process to create a clear, impartial ballot title?
Yes- AK, AR, CA, CO, ID, MA, ME, MI, MO, MS, MT, ND, NE, NV, OH, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY
No- AZ, FL, IL, OK
3. Does the ballot title process include an opportunity for public input?
YES-CO, ME, NV, OH, OR
NO- AK, AR, AZ, CA, FL, ID, IL, MA, MI, MO, MS, MT, ND, NE, OK, SD, WA, WY, UT
4. Is there a clear process for the public to challenge ambiguous, confusing, or misleading ballot titles?
YES- AK, AR, CA, CO, FL, ID, MA, ME, MI, MO, MS, MT, ND, NE, NV, OH, OK, OR, SD, WA, WY
NO-AZ, IL, UT
