If there is an issue that you think should become a law, you don’t have to wait until your state legislature agrees with you. You can let the voters decide by filing a ballot initiative. Your direct action can qualify your measure to be on the ballot in the next statewide election.
Last updated on: December 9, 2020
The following is a brief overview of the limited initiative process in the state of Maryland. More detailed information can be found within Maine’s state constitution.
Initiative and Referendum
The state of Maryland technically counts as a state that has the initiative and referendum process. However, while the state of Maryland does allow the referendum process, it doesn’t currently allow the state-level initiative process.
Local Initiatives
In the state constitution, there is a provision for the local initiative process. Most importantly, the provision is for amendments to local charters.
Article XI-E, Section 4, states that the adoption of new charters and amendments to charters may be proposed through petition. The petition requires signatures equal to at least 5% of the voters in the previous relevant election.
Lastly, for details regarding timeframes and signature requirements for initiative petitions in your city, please consult your local government.