Reply To: Election FAQ

[Kurt Williams]

When is the deadline for initiatives, referenda, and legislative measures to qualify for the ballot and which election ballot will they appear on?

As a result of Senate Bill 202 (Chapter 558, Statutes of 2011), from July 2011 forward, initiative and referendum measures will only appear on general election ballots.

Initiatives have to qualify 131 days before a general election. Referenda can qualify for the ballot up to 31 days before a general election.

Senate Bill 202 does not affect the placement of legislative measures on the ballot. Legislative measures can still appear on the ballot during any statewide election. Legislative measures must also be placed on the ballot 131 days before an election, unless the legislature passes legislation allowing a specific bill to be placed on the ballot after the 131 day deadline.