Ballot Initiatives in Nevada

Ballot Initiatives in Nevada

Ballot initiatives in Nevada are a form of **direct democracy**, allowing citizens to propose and vote on laws and constitutional amendments. Alongside legislative referrals and referendums, they give voters a direct role in shaping Nevada law and public policy.

The process is outlined in the **Nevada Constitution** and regulated by state law.

Types of Ballot Measures

Nevada recognizes several types of ballot measures:

• Initiative Statute: Citizens propose a new state law or change to an existing law.
• Initiative Constitutional Amendment: Citizens propose a change to the Nevada Constitution.
• Legislative Referral: The Legislature refers a proposed law or amendment to voters for approval.
• Referendum: Citizens attempt to repeal a law passed by the Legislature by placing it on the ballot for a public vote.

Initiative Process

To propose a **citizen-initiated statute or amendment**, the following steps are required:

1. **Draft the petition** and submit it to the Secretary of State for approval. 2. **Collect valid signatures** equal to **10% of the total votes cast in the most recent general election**. Signatures must be collected from at least four of Nevada’s congressional districts. 3. For **statutory initiatives**, the measure is first submitted to the Legislature. If lawmakers do not pass it within 40 days, it goes on the next general election ballot. 4. For **constitutional amendments**, the measure must be approved by voters in **two consecutive general elections** to become law.

Referendum Process

• A referendum seeks to **repeal a law** already passed by the Legislature.
• To qualify, petitioners must gather valid signatures equal to **10% of the previous general election's total votes**—again across at least four congressional districts.
• If successful, the challenged law is put on hold and placed on the next general election ballot for voters to approve or reject.

Legislative Referrals

• The Nevada Legislature may vote to place a proposed constitutional amendment or statute on the ballot.
• Constitutional amendments referred by the Legislature must also be approved by voters in **two consecutive general elections** to take effect.

Notable Ballot Measures

Some historic and high-profile initiatives in Nevada include:

• 2000: Medical Marijuana Legalization – Approved by voters and later expanded by legislation.
• 2002: Education funding protections – Placed limits on how gaming taxes are allocated.
• 2016 & 2020: Renewable Energy Mandate (Question 6) – Required 50% of electricity to come from renewables by 2030. Passed in two cycles to amend the Constitution.
• 2022: Ranked-Choice Voting & Open Primaries (Question 3) – Passed first approval and set for a second vote in 2024.

Signature Requirements and Deadlines

• The exact number of signatures required varies by year, based on **10% of the previous general election’s voter turnout**.
• Deadlines for submission are typically in the **late spring or early summer** of the year before the general election.

The Secretary of State’s office publishes updated signature thresholds, district breakdowns, and legal guidance each election cycle.

Legal Challenges and Review

• Initiatives may be challenged in court over issues such as:

 * Subject matter (Nevada requires "single subject" initiatives)
 * Signature validity
 * Ballot title or summary language

• Measures that qualify for the ballot are reviewed by the **Legislative Counsel Bureau (LCB)** and **Secretary of State** for formatting, fiscal impact estimates, and placement.