Ten things to think through before sponsoring a ballot initiative: to increase the chance for success at the ballot box, issue proponents should do the necessary work prior to filing an initiative to assess whether the process is right for their issue.(Political Adviser) From: Campaigns & Elections | Date: August 1, 2003| Author: Wilfore, Kristina | COPYRIGHT 2003 Campaigns & Elections, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

The ballot initiative and referendum processes in this country provide opportunities for activists and organizations to advance a cause and pass good public policy. With shifting partisan control of state legislatures, many activists have found their usual avenues for change blocked, making the ballot issue route more attractive.

Although the initiative process can be an effective way to embed new policies into state law, like all mechanisms for political change, ballot ...