What is the purpose of a ballot initiative?

A ballot initiative is a legal mechanism for citizens to propose laws and constitutional amendments without the approval of the state legislature. Citizens have the right to initiate changes to their state’s constitution, laws, and policies by gathering enough signatures from qualified voters to put the proposed measure on the ballot. In Washington, the process of initiating a ballot measure includes collecting signatures equal to 8 percent of the number of votes cast in the last gubernatorial election in at least two-thirds of the state’s legislative districts. Once the signatures are submitted to the Secretary of State, the measure is placed on the ballot for the general election. The purpose of a ballot initiative in Washington is to empower citizens to directly propose laws, constitutional changes, and policies. This allows citizens to become actively involved in the legislative process and exercise their right to propose changes they believe are important. The process also serves as a way to hold elected officials accountable since their performance and political decision-making can be challenged by citizens through the ballot initiative process.

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What is the purpose of a ballot initiative?

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