List of states with a "NATIVE" statewide question ballot initiative ?

[kapeedmaro]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? RI


I wasn't sure what forum to put this in.

Its come to my understanding that massachusetts allows statewide laws in your original language to be put on the election day ballot with a minimum of 10 signers. However, the question has to be approved by either the attorney general in that state or the secretary. ( Without the need for the language to be approved by a state rep(s) )



What is a list of states that allow native language to be put on ballots or allow referendums to be passed with a understandable number of signatures from registered voters *WITHOUT* the use of a state rep(s) or general assembly or any other official for that matter (ie: AG/SOS) ?

Its also come to my understanding Rhode Island doesn't allow this.


Also,

Does federal law allow for such a thing ? If i recall correctly there is no mechanism for this federally.



Thanks

David

 

[LillianX]

The "which states allow this" question is one for Google. Enjoy the ride there.

As for whether federal law allows this, I assume you are talking about whether or not federal law permits this for federal level elections. There's no such thing as a federal ballot initiative. I guess that in some ways, the Constitutional Amendment process is sort of like that, but not really. I can't think of anything PREVENTING a federal level ballot initiative, but there isn't a process that exists for it.

If you're asking if there is a federal law preventing states from publishing their ballot questions in whatever languages they choose, no, there isn't. Outside of the federal laws governing elections, states are free to set their own election standards and procedures. An example is the voter's ID law RI recently passed.

The Constitution gives individual states a wide berth in many, many matters. If it is not a power specifically granted to the Federal government, it belongs to the states. I'll leave the debate as to whether or not this actually happens these days for another venue.

 

[Picklee]

What is a list of states that allow native language to be put on ballots or allow referendums to be passed with a understandable number of signatures from registered voters *WITHOUT* the use of a state rep(s) or general assembly or any other official for that matter (ie: AG/SOS) ?

I know that there are 24 states total which allow referendums/initiatives to be proposed by citizens and approved by a majority vote in any election. My native Washington is one of these states.

I think this year, we have initiatives to de-criminalize marijuana, allow residents to opt-out of obama-care, and the privatization of liquor sales among other things.

 

[kapeedmaro]

thanks, thats exactly what i wanted to know. You have been so helpful thank you.

Well i wish it was more than 24 states. It seems that rhode islands general assembly has brought up the question a number of times but its always failed to pass the state h/s , i guess the reps dont want to give up any power to the voters.

My next question is, what states have the most laxed rules for ordinary voters to file language ?

 

[racer72]

This smells like homework to me.

 

[FlyingRon]

http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=24+states+with+ballot+initiatives&l=1

 

[kapeedmaro]

This smells like homework to me.

Not HW, I wanted to file something in mass but missed the deadline by a mar 3 hours.

Picklee THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.