A powerful tool for advancing health and racial equity is under attack
But as more states and communities find pathways for progress at the ballot box, a growing number of state legislatures are trying to restrict voters’ ability to create and pass ballot measures. In 2024, state legislators introduced 103 bills that sought to change the rules and make it more difficult to pass these measures.
In Arkansas for example, the state legislature recently passed a slew of laws aiming to limit ballot measure access. Some of the onerous new requirements include that canvassers must verify signers' identities with photo ID, read the full ballot title aloud or ensure the signer reads it, and warn signers about the legal consequences of petition fraud.
In other states, legislators are introducing bills to increase signature requirements, raise the voting threshold needed to pass an initiative once it is on the ballot, or set administrative requirements that increase the cost and time needed to pass measures, among other measures designed to thwart their use. And as many states wrap up their 2025 legislative sessions, at least 79 bills are in play to take power away from the people by limiting direct democracy. They protect the status quo and roll back progress toward a more just future.
Philanthropy must act
Despite these setbacks, we have an opportunity to protect this vital tool that enables states and communities to advance meaningful change, even amid federal rollbacks.
When we protect ballot measure access, we protect opportunities to break partisan gridlock and deliver meaningful results. For example, in 2024, while 59 percent of Nebraskans voted for Donald Trump, 75 percent also passed paid sick leave via ballot measure. The issue of paid sick leave was not decided along partisan lines, but through unified support from a supermajority of Nebraskans.
The philanthropic sector has an important role to play in helping Americans drive the changes they want and deserve. Perhaps most importantly, if philanthropy doesn’t engage, ballot measures may no longer be an option for many communities that are trying urgently to advance their health and wellbeing.
Organizations are taking action on the frontlines of democracy
The stakes could not be higher, which is why any funder working to advance equity should support and invest in nonprofits that are protecting the ballot measure process. There are numerous organizations on the front lines of this fight. National RWJF partners such as the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center Foundation and The Fairness Project Education Fund, as well as state organizations are working to defend the ballot measures process through non-lobbying advocacy, mobilization, public education, legal efforts, and research. These organizations are doing critical on-the-ground work to educate voters, organize communities, and stand up to power in order to defend their right to direct democracy.
With sufficient resources, these and other partners can successfully defend access to the ballot measure process. Protecting direct democracy isn’t a side issue. It’s essential to advancing justice and giving everyone a fair and just opportunity to thrive. For funders focused on addressing economic inequality, promoting gender equality, or, in RWJF's case, advocating for health equity, the fight to protect and expand ballot measure access is your fight, too. Join us.