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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 20, 2020

As a registered voter in Nebraska, you can both propose and enact laws through the ballot initiative in Nebraska. The following information is a brief overview of the initiative process and guidelines. For a more detailed description visit the Initiative and Referendum pamphlet provided by the secretary of state. 

Start Your Ballot Initiative

You will first designate a sponsor and file the purposed initiative with the secretary of state who submits for revisions to the Revisor of Statutes.  Then, you will receive any suggested changes for the initiative within 10 days of filing. Sponsors do have the ability to approve or deny the modifications and the secretary of state authorizes for circulation. 

Petitioning in Nebraska

The number of votes cast for governor in the latest general election will determin the number of signatures you will need to collect. The type of initiative you are presenting will determine the percentage of votes you need. You will need seven percent for statues and ten percent for constitutional amendments. Both require the two-fifths rule.

Voting

If the next general election is greater than 4 months from the date of filing, your measure will be placed on the ballot. Finally, when approval is received from the majority and is greater than 35% of the votes cast the law is enacted or amended. 

For help with filing a ballot initiative in Nebraska, contact Let the Voters Decide today.