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Public Policy Research

About Ballot Measures

As explained on the California Secretary of State website under Ballot Measures, there are two ways a measure can be places on a ballot for people to vote:

  • The Legislature has the ability to place constitutional amendments, bond measures, and proposed changes in law on the ballot
  • Any California voter can put an initiative or a referendum on the ballot by following initiative procedures and requirements 

A statewide ballot measure can be approved by a majority vote of the people. Certain local ballot measures require approval by a 55% or a two-thirds vote of the electorate.

More information can be found by visiting the California Secretary of State website.