Citizen Initiative (CI), also known as ballot measures or questions, gives voters a powerful “direct democracy” tool enabling them to collect signatures and put a proposed law or constitutional amendment directly before voters. About half of the states have some form of CI. North Carolina, together with most Southern states, does not.
CI empowers voters to tackle issues that legislatures may set aside or fail to resolve; for example, only those states with CI have successfully created an independent redistricting commission. Recent events show how important CI can be in protecting other rights as well, such as reproductive rights in Kansas, Michigan, and Ohio. Although CI is not perfect, voters support it: no state has voted to eliminate it.
Before LWVNC actively supports an issue, such as CI, we must develop a formal position on the issue. Following two caucuses on CI at last year’s LWVNC convention that indicated strong support, the LWVNC Board authorized a statewide study.
Study Team members, recruited from across the state, have begun the work of considering a CI position. The Study Team has considered CI pros and cons and reviewed many other state LWV CI studies. Based on the Team’s initial review, the Team wants to share more information with the LWVNC membership to gather input and assess support for moving ahead to form a consensus position. Now it’s your turn to learn and let your voice be heard!
The initial statewide briefing is planned for Tuesday, May 14 at 7 pm via Zoom. Asher Hildebrand, Associate Professor in the Sanford School of Public Policy, will provide an overview of Citizen Initiative and why it is an important tool of direct democracy, as well as reviewing the pros and cons of CI. This meeting will give League members an opportunity to learn more about CI and discuss its potential benefits and drawbacks.
Please register for this CI briefing at this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK7rpKtcHlwkJBdNLeF-3Bo6C7-lWHNCgNhCdxgdoKRTyx4Q/viewform
Following the briefing and Q & A, we will move into virtual breakout rooms to discuss the following question: What do you want the Study Team to consider as we work toward a position on CI?
Don’t miss this opportunity to have input on this important policy decision!
Want to be more involved? If you're interested in joining the Study Team, please contact Jennifer Bremer at bremer.jennifer [at] gmail.com or Ellen Reckhow at ereckhow [at] gmail.com.
