ballot initiatives Archives | American Democracy Minute

What is a ‘Baby FARA’ and Why are States Enacting It?

April 30, 2025April 30, 2025

The federal version of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, or FARA, has been in place since 1938, but recently, states are passing their own versions, nicknamed “baby FARAs.” What are they, and how do they relate to American Democracy?

Trying to Game the System, Missouri Legislature Proposes Ballot Question Rule Changes to Head Off Reproductive Rights Question in November

April 9, 2024April 9, 2024

In the face of a reproductive rights ballot question later this year, Missouri’s legislature is the latest to try to game the system, making the passage of ballot initiatives harder, and taking power away from the voters.

After a Canadian Utility Spent $22 Million Dollars to Influence a Ballot Measure, Maine Voters Ban Foreign Money in State Elections

November 12, 2023November 13, 2023

With an astounding 86.4% vote on November 7th, Maine passed a citizen ballot initiative banning foreign campaign contributions to state candidates and ballot measures. How much foreign money could there be in a Maine election? More than you think.

Ohioans Mobilize for Aug. 8 Special Election to Defeat Assault on Citizen Ballot Initiatives

May 30, 2023May 30, 2023

Ohioans are mobilizing against Issue 1, an effort by the anti-voter state legislature raising the bar to pass a citizen ballot initiative to 60%. The legislature’s proposed constitutional amendment comes up for a vote on August 8th.