X indicates availability of that referendum process in
the State
Colors show how the number of states add to 26, though some
States may chose to use one or another type of referendum.
Legislative Referendum is divided into
two categories, Legislative Amendments and Legislative Statutes. Legislative
Amendments are constitutional amendments placed on the ballot by the
legislature or government body. This includes constitutional bond issues and
amendments proposed by a constitutional revision commission. Legislative
Statues are binding and non-binding statues (laws) and statutory bonds
placed on the ballot by the legislature or government body.
All the States with the exception of
Delaware are required by their constitution to place
constitutional changes
on the ballot for voter approval—the Delaware State Legislature may make
state constitutional modifications without ratification by the electorate.
States are not required to place
legislative statutes on the ballot. The states that are marked give their
legislature the authority to place statutes on the ballot for a public vote.
