Initiative petitions

Initiative petitions are a process that allows citizens to propose new laws or amendments to existing laws by gathering signatures from registered voters. If enough valid signatures are collected within a specified timeframe, the proposed measure is then placed on the ballot for public voting, bypassing the legislature. This empowers residents to directly influence legislation and policy decisions. The exact requirements, such as the number of signatures needed and the procedures for validation, vary by jurisdiction. Initiative petitions are a key tool of direct democracy, enabling citizens to shape the laws governing their community or state.