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State supreme courts in Utah and Michigan recently issued twin landmark decisions limiting the legislature’s power to quash citizen initiatives. These decisions spell major victories for direct democracy — that is, citizens’ power to change their laws by popular vote. In the immediate future, the Utah decision paves the way for the lower court to reinstate citizen-initiated redistricting reform; under the Michigan decision, citizen-drafted worker protections will soon take effect.
But both decisions also hang in the balance this coming election. In Utah, the legislature has referred a Hail Mary ballot measure asking voters to overrule the court; voting rights groups, in turn, have sued to block the legislature’s measure from being tallied.
In Michigan, one member of the narrow majority is up for a retention election, meaning the court could reverse course in a future ruling should that justice lose her position.
More from the Direct Democracy collection
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Arizona Legislators Maneuvering to Take Abortion Decision Away from Voters
The move mirrors efforts in other states to thwart ballot initiatives. -
Politicians Take Aim at Ballot Initiatives
Some lawmakers and other elected officials are making a concerted effort to reduce citizens’ power to enact policy through ballot initiatives. -
Ohio Abortion Vote Shows Value of Direct Democracy
The ballot initiative process is a crucial way for the public to make its voice heard, especially when gerrymandering gets in the way.
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