In 2023, voters in eight states decided on 41 statewide ballot measures—the highest number of state ballot measures for an odd-numbered year since 2007. Voters approved 33 (80.49%) and rejected eight (19.51%). The average number of statewide measures on the ballot in odd-numbered years from 2011 to 2021 was 33.
- Between March and October 2023, voters in four states decided on nine ballot measures. Voters approved seven and rejected two of these measures.
- On Nov. 7, voters in five states decided on 28 ballot measures, including six citizen-initiated ballot measures (two in Ohio, and four in Maine). Voters approved 23 and rejected five ballot measures.
- On Nov. 18, the last statewide ballot measure election of 2023, voters in Louisiana decided on an additional four constitutional amendments. Voters approved three and rejected one constitutional amendment.
The approval rate for legislative ballot measures was 82.35% (28 of 34), while the approval rate for citizen-initiated ballot measures was 71.43% (5 of 7). During the last three odd-numbered years, the average approval rate for state ballot measures was 68.52%, including 84.00% for legislative referrals and 41.67% for initiatives. This year’s elections featured a higher-than-average approval for citizen-initiated ballot measures.
