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
This is a brief overview of the initiative process in the state of New Jersey. Most importantly, for further details regarding the initiative process please reference the New Jersey Code Title 40 and Title 40A
Initiative Process
New Jersey does not permit the initiative process to voters at a state level. However, you may have the right to local initiatives.
According to New Jersey Statutes and Rules under NJ Rev Stat § 40:41A-104 (2019) individuals who are registered to vote may propose ordinances via an initiative petition at a local county level.
Requirements
First, Submit your proposed initiative to the Board of Elections along with a signed petition that contains the proper number of qualified voters. Secondly, You will need to obtain a specific number of signatures. This number determined by the number of registered voters 40 days prior to the last primary or general election, whichever was most recent.
Lastly, due to COVID 19, Governor Murphy signed an Executive order that allows electronic petition submissions. View Executive Order No. 132. The necessary online collection form is provided by the Secretary of State.