What is Ballot Measure?

Definition and meaning of ballot measure: A ballot measure is a proposed law put before voters to decide on its passage or rejection. It is a direct democracy mechanism that allows citizens to have a say in the laws that govern them, outside of the often-limited options of the two-party system. Ballot measures can range from simple questions, such as whether to raise taxes, to more complicated ones like changing the voting system. Examples of ballot measures include the passage of a new law, the repeal of an existing law, the creation of a new tax, or the amendment of an existing law. The ballot measure process is often used to bypass the two-party system when other methods fail. In states like California and Washington, ballot measures have been used to pass laws that both parties refused to act on, such as an increase in the minimum wage. Ballot measures have also been used to overturn laws that have been actively fought by both parties, such as abortion restrictions. This makes the ballot measure a powerful tool for reform-minded citizens who wish to challenge the status quo.