Changing the game

OOIDA members are known for taking action to make better their livelihood. Action taken by tens of thousands of members through the years has played a large part in improving local, state and/or federal rules. Whether it is through communication with elected officials, running for office themselves, or offering insight through testimony to various panels and committees, there are many ways to change the playbook with what happens at all levels of government.

Despite lending your voice and expertise on various issues that affect you, you may see the action or inaction of elected officials complicate progress. Do not get mired with bad play calls from officials. There are options available for you and others to get local, state or regional issues on the ballot.

When elected officials are not doing their part to address important issues, the public typically can pursue ballot measures to get issues before voters. The three types of ballot measures available are initiatives, referendums and recalls.

Initiatives are a tool for registered voters to offer proposals to change or create laws through a petition process either to the legislature or directly to the ballot.

They require the collection of a predetermined number of signatures to move forward. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, the initiative process is available in 24 states.

Using the initiative process, citizens can elicit a public vote on proposed statutes or amendments to a state constitution. The process also is used to ask advisory questions and propose memorials – nonbinding resolutions.

Referendums come in two forms. The first kind is a popular referendum. Similar to initiatives, registered voters in 23 states are required to collect a predetermined number of signatures to qualify for the ballot a question on whether to repeal a law enacted by state legislators.

The second form is a legislative referendum. Allowed in all states, this process is used by state officials or other government agencies to put before voters propositions that typically create statutes, amend the state constitution, or refer bond questions.

Recalls are initiated by the public to remove an elected official from office before his or her term expires. A predetermined number of signatures are required for a recall election.

Do not be deterred if your state does not offer an initiative or referenda process. Constituents have every right to call for their elected officials to make changes in statute to allow people greater control over their local and state rules. LL