When was referendum enacted

It must do so for any amendment to the Oregon Constitution. Since , the people have passed of the initiative measures placed on the ballot and 23 of the 65 referenda on the ballot. During the same period, the Legislature has referred measures to the people, of which have passed. Both houses of the Legislature must vote to refer a statute or constitutional amendment for popular vote.

Such referrals cannot be vetoed by the governor. To place an initiative or referendum on the ballot, supporters must get a specified number of signatures from registered voters. Political committee must file a statement of organization.

Disclosure reports must be filed 60 days before the election, on the fifth and 20th day of each month until the election, the 20th day of November after the election and the 20th of January each year. A committee must file a statement of organization within 10 days of its organization; must include a brief statement identifying the substance of each ballot question supported or opposed by the committee.

Campaign statements must be filed by the 11th day before the election, the 30th day after the election, April 25 and July 25 every year and October 25 in odd-numbered years.

A statement must be filed by a ballot issue committee supporting or opposing a measure not more than 35 days after the petition is filed. Must file a statement of organization within 20 days of becoming a committee. Reports of contributions and expenditures must be filed no later than the eighth day before the election, the 30th day after an election and the 15th day following the close of each calendar quarter.

Ballot measure committees must also provide an initial disclosure report 15 days after the committee begins raising or spending money, with subsequent quarterly reports until the pre-election report is due. A report is also due no later than the 15th day after the deadline for filing the referendum petition. A person, committee or political party that pays signature gatherers is required to file the same financial disclosures required under Title 13, Chapter Reports of expenditures and contributions received are required quarterly in nonelection years and monthly, March through November, in election years.

There is a principal circulator whose information is publicly available upon request. Persons involved in a statewide initiative or referendum process are subject to the provisions of the Nebraska Political Accountability and Disclosure Act. Records must be kept of contributions and expenditures. When formed as a ballot question committee, it must file campaign statements and other forms with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission, all on a set timeline. The committee must report on Jan.

Same must also be reported quarterly on April 15, July 15, Oct. Political committees must file a statement of organization. Reports of contributions and expenditures are due by the 15th of every April and October. In election years, instead of biannual reports, reports are due no later than the second Monday in April, May, September and October, and no later than the Thursday before an election. A post-election report is due by Jan. Sponsoring committee must file a statement of renumeration prior to circulating signatures if circulators will be paid.

The following contribution and expenditure statements must be electronically filed: drafting statement, filed at the time approval is requested to circulate petition; circulating statement, filed at the time petitions are submitted for signature verification; pre-election statement, filed between the 39th and 31st day prior to the election; and year-end statement, filed by Jan.

Prior to receiving a contribution or making an expenditure, a campaign must designate a treasurer by filing with the secretary of state.

Reports of contributions and expenditures are due on the 12th day before an election, the 38th day after an election and the last business day of January and July of every year. Reports of contributions and expenditures are due on a quarterly basis. Within three days of making an expenditure or receiving a contribution, a political committee must file a statement of organization and designate a treasurer. Electronic reports of contributions and expenditures must be filed according to a specified schedule.

If such activity occurs within 30 days of an election, a statement must be filed within 48 hours. Contributions from nonresidents of the state, political committees organized outside the state or an entity that is not filed with the secretary of state for four years preceding the contribution are prohibited.

Ballot measure committees must file pre-primary, pre-general, year-end and, if applicable, supplemental reports in even-numbered years. In odd-numbered years, year-end reports are required.

Statements of contributions and expenditures must be filed on Jan. Must file a statement of organization as a political committee within two weeks of organizing or within two weeks of the date the first contribution or expenditure is expected. Reports of contributions and expenditures are due on the 21st and seventh days immediately preceding an election and the 10th day of the first full month after an election.

Out-of-state committees that make expenditures supporting or opposing ballot propositions in Washington are required to file reports.

Must file a statement of formation as a political action committee within 10 days of formation. Reports of contributions received and expenditures made must be filed at least seven days before any primary, special or general election. States decide how the ballot title and summary are created and any requirements for the wording of the measure on the ballot. The official title of the bill that is subject to the referendum appears on the ballot. The descriptive title, which is printed below the official title on the ballot, is written by the secretary of state with the approval of the attorney general.

The same ballot title and popular name that appeared on petitions drafted by sponsors is submitted by the secretary of state to the board of canvassers for certification. Full text is printed on ballot if it is words or less; if it is more than words, the secretary of state drafts a title. The title may be different from the legislative title, but in all cases the legislative title shall be sufficient. Director of elections, with approval of the state board of canvassers, drafts a statement of purpose of not more than words for the ballot.

A statement of purpose and implication, not to exceed words, and yes-no statements are drafted by petitioners and reviewed and approved by the attorney general. These serve as the ballot title. The title of the statute or resolution that is the subject of the referendum is printed on the ballot.

Proponents submit a suggested popular name, to be approved or disapproved by the secretary of state. Unclear; it seems likely that the same statement drafted by the secretary of state and approved by the attorney general for the petition also appears on the ballot, but this is not specified. Proponents draft and submit a ballot title in their original filing.

The secretary of state submits the title to the attorney general for approval when signed petitions are filed for verification. The attorney general may approve the title or revise as necessary to comply with the law.

Unclear; the statute describing the titling process by the attorney general specifically mentions initiative measures and constitutional initiatives but does not mention popular referenda. Lieutenant governor forwards petitions that are qualified for the ballot to the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel, which drafts an impartial title of not more than words summarizing the contents of the proposal.

The ballot title may be distinct from the title of the law that is the subject of the petition. States vary in the way popular referendum questions are posed. Secretary of state drafts ballot language that fairly and accurately explains what a vote for and what a vote against the measure represent; approved by attorney general. The wording on the ballot must read: The legislature passed.

Bill No. This bill would concise description. Should this bill be: Approved. The requirements for an election with statewide ballot measures vary by state.

States also decide which election a ballot measure will be voted on and any time restrictions before a measure is placed on a ballot. In some states, the legislature or governor may order a special election for a measure. In all states, a qualified popular referendum may be placed on the ballot in a statewide general election. Six states California, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Ohio and Wyoming require a certain number of days, ranging from 30 to , to pass between the date the petition qualifies and the election.

The first statewide election held more than days after adjournment of the session during which the act was passed. Next general election at least 31 days after the measure qualifies or at a special statewide election held prior to that general election; the governor may call a special statewide election for the measure.

Next statewide or general election, whichever comes first that is not less than 60 days after the petition is submitted. At the next ensuing election held throughout the state for members of the U.

House of Representatives. Next state election, if 60 days intervene between the date when such petition is filed and the date for holding such state election; if that is less than 60 days, then the law must be submitted to the people at the next state election, unless it is repealed before then.

Next succeeding election at which the question may be voted upon by the voters of the entire state. Next statewide election unless a special election is called by the legislature or the governor for the express purpose of considering a referendum. All 23 popular referendum states require a simple majority to pass a popular referendum. Five states impose an additional threshold. These states require that in addition to receiving a majority of the votes cast on the measure , those votes must be equal to or more than a specified percentage of the total votes cast in the election.

This ensures that measures are not passed by a small minority of voters, either because of a low turnout election or ballot-drop off where voters only vote partway through a ballot. The details for those states are below:. The legislature shall not have the power to repeal a referendum measure passed by a majority of the voters.

Amending or diverting funds from a referendum measure requires a three-fourths vote of the members of each house of the legislature, and the amendment must further the purposes of the measure. NV Secretary of State. Select a topic from the column at left in the above graphic for more information.

Select a state in the map above to see state-specific information. In the indirect initiative process, a proposed initiative is referred to the legislature after proponents have gathered the required number of signatures.

The legislature has the option to enact, defeat or amend the measure. Depending on the legislature's action, the proponents may continue to pursue placement on the ballot for a popular vote. In three states Massachusetts, Ohio and Utah , proponents must gather additional signatures to place the measure on the ballot; in the others, it automatically goes to the ballot. States may limit the subject matter of ballot measures. States sometimes limit how soon a measure can be re-attempted. Aside from single-subject rules, seven states have no additional subject restrictions on what can be in initiatives: Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah and Washington.

Other states vary when it comes to restrictions, ranging from specific vote thresholds on certain topics to disallowing certain issues. Some states limit the number of sections of code or the constitution that may be altered.

Seventeen states have subject matter limitations other than the single-subject rule:. Dedicate revenue, repeal appropriations, create courts, define court rules or jurisdictions, or enact local or special legislation. If includes expenditures, must also include sufficient increased revenue sources that cannot come from general fund. Measure provisions cannot be dependent upon meeting certain vote percentage.

And no measure that names an individual to hold office or names private corporation to perform any function. Amendments that propose a tax or fee not in place in November require a two-thirds vote to pass. ILCS Const. State Board of Elections If there are insufficient state funds and the measure does not provide a source, it is effective 45 days after next regular legislative session.

Must contain only subjects that are related or mutually dependent. Cannot relate to: religion, the judiciary, specific appropriations, local or special legislation, the 18th amendment of the constitution, anything inconsistent with the Declaration of the Rights of the Inhabitants of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Cannot stop emergency laws passed by the legislature or appropriations to support state departments or institutions. Cannot "pass a law authorizing any classification of property for the purpose of levying different rates of taxation thereon or of authorizing the levy of any single tax on land or land values or land sites at a higher rate or by a different rule than is or may be applied to improvements thereon or to personal property. Cannot dedicate revenues, make or repeal appropriations, create courts, define the jurisdiction of courts, prescribe court rules, enact local or special legislation, or enact legislation prohibited y the Wyoming constitution.

Of course, in some of the above states, timelines concerning filing, signature gathering and deadlines for signatures and the indirect initiative process may impose limits not otherwise spelled out in statute. Seven states impose explicit limits for how much time must pass before a measure is re-attempted, ranging from 12 months to five years:.

Five years on any measure that is "substantially the same as that defeated by" the previous measure. Most states require proponents of a proposed law to follow guidelines. These guidelines may include an application process, registering a certain number of sponsors, submitting the full text and an explanation of the measure, affidavits, the office or offices to file with, registering a proponent or opposition organization, campaign finance issues and the process for withdrawing an initiative.

Seven states require filing an initial number of signatures or registering of sponsors as part of an application to fully circulate an initiative:. Two states require proponents to file application materials with the lieutenant governor:. Five states require proponents to file application materials with the attorney general:. All 24 citizen initiative states require political organizations supporting or opposing a ballot measure—almost always considered political action committees—to follow state campaign finance laws.

The following is not a legal, comprehensive list of every campaign finance law governing the initiative process in each state, but rather provides a starting guide of where to find relevant statutes:. Nine states have an explicit process for withdrawal of an initiative from circulation:.

Proponents may any time before measure qualifies for the ballot, days before the general statewide election. File a letter with secretary of state, signed by designated representatives, no later than 60 days prior to the election. In every state, petitions must follow guidelines, which vary by state. Petition sheets also always include space for signatures. Other requirements may include a legal warning, a statement that the petition circulator is paid, a summary of the proposed measure, the full text of the measure, the county or district where the signature was collected and more.

Details on who or which offices write the title and summary are listed below:. Title board, comprised of secretary of state, attorney general and director of the office of legislative legal services. Prepared by sponsor, approved by secretary of state. Attorney general writes title and summary if original is challenged in court. Attorney general certifies submitted title and measure and summary by secretary of state, with attorney general oversight. Statutes for petition contents for each state:.

Every state includes requirements for circulators operating in the state. Cannot have had a civil or criminal penalty for a violation of election code in the last five years; been convicted of treason or a felony and not restored civil rights; been convicted of any criminal offense involving fraud, forgery or identity theft. Cannot in last five years have been convicted of a crime involving fraud, forgery, or identification theft or subject to a civil penalty due to an election offense.

Gessler , the court upheld the requirement that a circulator present to the notary a specific type of identification. Clark Twenty-two states require circulators or proponents to sign affidavits or other sworn statements as to the accuracy or authenticity of the petitions:. Several of these states require such information to be included on the signature petition sheets. Several states have or had statutory bans on paying circulators either per signature or in general.

Most of these bans have been overturned by the courts. Furthermore, statutes allowing or requiring paying per signature have been overturned by the courts. There has been one exception: The case Initiative and Referendum Institute v. Jaeger in North Dakota upheld the ban on paying per signature. All citizen initiatives require the collection of a certain number of signatures, although states vary in the number of signatures and the baseline used to determine that number.

Some states also include signatures to be gathered from across the state, although some of these requirements have been found to be unconstitutional.

Every state also includes requirements as to how the authenticity of signatures are verified, and constitutional amendments often require more signatures than statutory changes. Some states have what's called an indirect initiative process. In these states, sponsors gather a smaller number of signatures to reach the first stage of qualification and, once enough valid signatures are gathered to meet this threshold, the initiative goes before the state legislature. If the legislature enacts the proposal, no further petition takes place and the proposal becomes law.

If the legislature fails to enact the proposal as written, sponsors then go through a second stage of signature gathering. Massachusetts, Ohio and Utah use this sort of process.

Missouri and Nebraska have unique signature requirements. In Missouri, signature requirements are based entirely on congressional districts. That means the total number of signatures required for ballot access will vary depending upon which congressional districts sponsors put together to reach the total of six.

In Nebraska, the total number of signatures is based upon the total number of registered voters in the state. Since the total number of registered voters is constantly changing, with new voters being added and ineligible voters being removed, that presents a dilemma for the state. The state must essentially pick a point in time at which to capture a snapshot of the total number of registered voters. If the legislature does not enact the statute, another round of signatures is required equaling 0.

To make it more difficult to place initiatives on the ballot and to ensure initiatives do not represent just the interests of heavily populated areas, some states have created a requirement that signatures be gathered from across the state.

The criteria for these requirements vary wildly. States with geographic requirements using entities that are unequal in population, such as counties or even state legislative districts, are more likely to have the requirement challenged in court for example, see Montana. Geographic entities based on U. House districts, which are required to be highly equal in population, have been ruled to be constitutional for example, see Nevada. Ten states do not have a geographic requirement; 14 states do.

The maximum number of signatures counted from any individual congressional district is one-fifth of the total number required. In each of two-thirds of the congressional districts, and each petition page must only contain signatures from a singular county. Original geographical requirement found unconstitutional.

Revised statutes now require that signatures be equally collected among all the petition districts congressional districts. This was held to be constitutional. For indirect statutory initiatives, signatures must be collected from at least 44 of 88 counties, equaling 1.

States vary a great deal in how they verify collected signatures. Most state statutes include some type of sampling, such as in the cases of Arizona A. Nine states do not include a process in statute for an individual to withdraw his or her signature. Most states only allow an individual to withdraw a signature before the official filing of the petitions. There are exceptions, such as in Mississippi, where someone can withdraw a signature if it was signed as a result of fraud, coercion, or being intentional mislead as to the substance or effect of the petition Miss.

Formal processes vary greatly, such as the requirement of a formal sworn statement in Missouri V. Indirect initiatives can require two rounds of signature gathering, so timelines and deadlines for these are more complex. In three states Massachusetts, Ohio and Utah , proponents must gather additional signatures to place the measure on the ballot after the first round.

In the others, the measure goes directly to the ballot after it is submitted to the legislature. Each state has a unique way of handling the timeline and deadline for signature gathering. Not more than 24 months for collection with a deadline of four months before the election, and by 5 p. Unlimited, but if number of filed signatures is deemed insufficient, sponsors have 30 days to collect more.

And must be filed four months before election. From official summary date by attorney general, days to collect and must be filed at least days prior to the next general election the measure is to be voted on. Six months to turn in signatures once petitions have been titled and certified for circulation, and filed no later than three months and three weeks before the election and made by 3 p.

Signatures are valid for two years, but a petition can circulate indefinitely, and filed at least 30 days before Feb. Eighteen months or until April 30 of the year of the next general election, whichever is earlier, for collection, and a deadline of May 1 in the year of the election that the initiative will appear on, or 18 months from the date the petitioner receives the official ballot title from the secretary of state, whichever is earlier.

Must also file with the secretary of state not less than four months before the election at which initiatives are to be voted on. Eighteen months, but cannot start collecting more than two years before the election, and a deadline of six months before the general election.

One year for collection and must address written petition to the legislature. Signatures must be filed with the secretary of state by the 50th day of the first regular session or by the 25th day of the second regular session.

Signatures must be submitted no later than 18 months after the petition form was furnished by the secretary of state, and each signature is only valid for one year. Must also be submitted to the appropriate officials of cities, towns or plantations, or state election officials as authorized by law, 10 days before it's due with the secretary of state.

Constitution 48, Pt. Deadline of days before election for amendments; days before election and not less than 10 days before legislative session for statutes; and days to collect. And no signature "collected prior to a November general election at which a governor is elected shall not be filed after the date of that November general election. Petitions are valid for one year, and deadline of 90 days before the first day of the legislative session.

Eighteen months for collection, and then sponsors must submit signatures no later than six months before the election and can only start collecting the day after the previous general election. One year, but proponents must submit to the county officials no sooner than nine months and no later than four weeks prior to the final deadline. For statute initiatives, no later than three months prior to the election the measure is to be voted upon, and must submit to the county officials no sooner than nine months and no later than four weeks prior to the final deadline.

For direct constitutional amendments, it is nine months and three weeks. For indirect statutory initiatives, it is roughly 11 months and two weeks. For direct constitutional amendments, a timeline beginning on Sept. For indirect statutory initiatives, the timeline begins on Jan. One year after the petition is approved by the secretary of state for collection, and deadline of days before the election it is to be voted upon. No collection timeline except when collecting the second 3 percent of signatures of votes in last election for governor, the deadline is 90 days, and deadline of days before the election generally.

For indirect statutory initiatives, after turning in original 3 percent of signatures, proponents must return next batch of signatures another 3 percent within 90 days of the legislature not enacting or amending a measure.

If the petition is insufficient, the sponsors have 10 extra days to collect more signatures. Ninety days from the date marking the beginning circulation for collection, as set by the secretary of state after public posting and chance for protest, and a deadline of 90 days from the official set date from the secretary of state.

For collection, if the petitions were filed at least days before the election and the signatures are deemed insufficient, they may collect more, and deadline of four months prior to the general election. Twelve months for collection, and no signatures may be obtained prior to 24 months before the general elections that it is to be voted upon.

Signatures must be filed one year prior to the election. Collectors have days after the day on which the application is filed or the Feb. For direct initiatives, six months to collect submit proposed measure within 10 months with deadline to submit four months out from the general election. For indirect initiatives, about nine months proposed measure submitted within 10 months of the session it is to be submitted at with a deadline of 10 days before the session.

Some states offer no assistance or advice to initiative proponents on the draft of their proposed law. And, in some states, the review is purely technical; the proposal is reviewed to ensure it meets the legal requirements for format and style and adheres to drafting conventions. However, in about half of the 24 initiative states, proponents can get drafting assistance to improve the quality and consistency of initiative proposals. In these states, sponsors may take a draft, or even just an idea, to a legislative office for assistance with the form and content of the initiative before submitting the proposal to the appropriate state official.

States also have varying processes for reviewing petitions. Fiscal statements are the most common type of review, giving estimates and analysis on the likely fiscal impact the proposed measure will have on the state. Other types of review might include recommendations on wording.

And many states include some type of public review or notice of proposed measures, as well. For indirect initiative states, this review process involves the legislature and can be quite extensive. A statement of words or less by secretary of administration and finance regarding fiscal consequences of the measure. Prepared by the secretary of state, upon consultation with the Fiscal Analysis Division of the Legislative Counsel Bureau.

The legislative council determines the estimated fiscal impact at least 90 days before the measure is to be voted on. Prepared by the office of budget and management and the tax commissioner if involves taxes or expenditures. The financial estimate committee will estimate costs and consult with the legislative revenue officer. Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst conducts an estimate and description of funding sources. Prepared by the office of financial management, in consultation with the secretary of state, the attorney general, and any other appropriate state or local agency.

These requirements vary widely, most often including newspaper publication, other public displays such as posting on the internet, or public comment periods. Public notice requirements are found in the following statutes. Only one state does not require this type of action:. Before a measure is placed on a ballot, states decide which election it will appear on, how the ballot title and summary are created and any time restrictions involved. The first statewide general, special, special runoff, or primary election after the petition has been filed, a legislative session has convened and adjourned, and a period of days has expired since the adjournment of the legislative session.

Only regular state, congressional and municipal elections, and filed at least four months before election. Next general election held at least days after signatures are certified. Governor may call a special statewide election for the measure. Biennial regular general election, with submission deadline three months and three weeks prior to election.

General election, and signatures must be verified no later than Feb. Next statewide or special election after the legislative session concludes sine die, and signatures submitted to appropriate state officials at least 10 days before submitted to secretary of state, which is the 50th day of the first regular session or the 25th day of the second regular session. Next state election, and depending on type, must be submitted by September, then December, and then possibly July see deadlines and timelines topic.

For statutes: If not passed by the legislature within 40 days, it is placed on the next general election's ballot. Same if an alternate measure is proposed. A statewide special election may be called for amendments.

Restrictions included days before election for amendments, and days before an election and not less than 10 days before legislative session for statutes. Statewide general election, and 90 days before the first day of the legislative session and the first five measures make it on the ballot.

At general elections except when a special election is ordered by the legislature, and must be filed at least six months before the election it is to be voted on. General election, while petitions cannot be filed more than 65 days before the deadline. For amendments, must be submitted for verification by the third Tuesday in June of the general election year.

For statutory initiatives, must be submitted to be verified before appearing before the legislature on the second Tuesday in November in even-numbered years, or the next day.

A referred measure may be voted upon at a statewide election or at a special election called by the governor. The next regular or general election occurring subsequent to the days after filing signatures. The next statewide election unless the legislature or governor convenes a special election for it or the governor designates a vote at the primary election.

Regular election unless otherwise ordered by Legislative Assembly, and restrictions of four months prior to the general election. General election, but governor and legislature may call special elections, and certified ballot title is due at least 65 days before the election. For direct initiatives, signatures must be submitted by Feb. The next general election after signature petitions filed, a legislative session has convened and adjourned, and days after the legislative session adjournment.

Board of Election commissioners and then certified to the secretary of state. Attorney general prepares abstract to be posted at polling places. Secretary of state and attorney general jointly make a more descriptive ballot question summary to be sent to voters.

Proponents write title. Proponent and approved by the attorney general, is the title for both the petition and ballot. If attorney general does not approve the statement, he or she prepares one. Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel numbers propositions and proposes a descriptive title summarizing the contents of the measure.

The requirements for an election with statewide ballot measures vary greatly by state. States have statutes covering conflicting or competing measures, the percent of the vote needed to pass a measure, and repeal or change restrictions.

Seventeen states have a statute in place noting that if two or more conflicting measures are on the same ballot, the measure receiving the most votes passes.

Additional stipulations:. In Idaho and Nebraska, the law states that the entire measure might not be superseded and that only conflicting parts of the measure may supersede one another. In Maine, Oklahoma and Utah, the law includes additional requirements to those governing conflicting measures:. Colorado and Florida require a supermajority to pass a constitutional amendment: 55 percent of voters in Colorado C.

In Nevada, a constitutional amendment needs only a majority but must be approved in two consecutive elections N. Illinois requires either 60 percent of those voting on the amendment itself or a majority of those voting in the election as a whole ILCS Const.

Oregon requires the election as a whole to have had at least 50 percent voter turnout, but only requires a majority to pass OR Rev. Rader from Pierce County introduced the first resolution to amend the Constitution to include the provision for the initiative and referendum that session. The initiative and referendum were part of a reform program widely discussed across the nation.

South Dakota was the first state to adopt direct legislation, followed by Oregon in The Oregon example was widely touted in Washington through a shared newspaper distributed by the State Grange.

Grangers were primed to support just such a grass-root approach and took an early lead in promoting this new political tool. The Klondike Gold Rush helped pull the country out of recession, but other issues still troubled many in the state. In , the State Grange worked with labor interests to shower the Legislature with petitions favoring the initiative and referendum reform.

Again a bill was introduced; it passed the House, but failed in the Senate. The direct primary law—another plank in the direct democracy program—was passed that year, however, with broad-based support. While working for various reforms, Grange Master Kegley had learned the value of collaborating with labor groups and others. Kegley pushed for the formation of the Joint Legislative Committee in to work for progressive legislation.

They met continuously during the session to track legislation, plot strategy and discuss issues. The Committee then printed a report that outlined their activities during the session and detailed their successes and failures.

They were able to achieve part of their program of reform, but their greatest success was in presenting a united front to win the passage of the initiative. With this tool in hand, other reforms would follow. The Grange was not alone in this effort but it provided the keystone for the arch.

By providing the means for direct legislation by the people, it strengthened democracy in America. It seemed to the former Populists that additional control by the voters over public officials and legislation was the best answer… Avery, p.

The State Grange and State Federation of Labor campaigned vigorously for their passage, however, and by the legislators were convinced that they were desirable procedures and referred the question to the voters who approved their adoption as constitutional amendments. Avery, p. It was then referred to the Committee on Constitutional Revision. Denman moved that the committee on Constitutional Revision be discharged from further consideration of HB , and that the bill be returned to the House.

A roll call to table the motion was defeated , 11 absent. Todd failed in his motion that consideration of the bill be made a special order of business.

A motion to report the bill from the Committee in three days passed. The minority report from the Committee recommended it pass without amendment.

The opposing side filibustered, stalled by calling for time-consuming roll call votes and resorted to name-calling in their efforts to defeat the bill. He also moved that the bill be put on final passage, which was accepted. Although a call of the House slowed the process, the bill was passed with 5 abstentions and sent to the Senate.