Initiative/Referendum Question

I do not agree that states such as Colorado and California should abolish their use of initiative. The use of the initiative gives citizens a direct say in their government just as the constitution says "for the people, by the people..." The initiative is a way for voters to have an impact in their government without representation. Whether the citizens are voting for "pregnant pigs" or "gambling lotteries" the initiative allows voters to express their opinions while getting involved in their government.

According to "Ballot Measures Preview" the 2004 election proved that presence of the initiative on the Ohio ballot made an impact. The main issue on the ballot was a ban on same sex marriage. This, being one on the main issues of debate today, made a huge impact on the presidential election. Many people believe that George W. Bush's win of Ohio of nearly two points is credited to the presence of the initiative.

It is proven that states with the initiative have a higher voter turn out by 3-5% than states without the initiative. The increase in voter turnout shows that having the initiative on the ballot makes Americans feel that they have a larger say in the election process. If the initiative can increase the voter turnouts by that margin in only 36 states, I believe that every state should adopt, not abolish the initiative to increase involvement in future elections.