Government officials in Taiwan have overhauled the country’s referendum process making it simpler for people to put forth initiatives when trying to make changes to the country’s laws. How will the new system work?
Direct Democracy and Ballot Initiatives articles on Democracy Chronicles
This section has the latest DC news on direct democracy, a form of pure democracy whereby people decide policy initiatives directly as opposed to through a representative. Cooperatives (Co-ops), Democratic Workplaces, Collectives, Communes, Intentional Communities. Referendums and Ballot Initiatives are also featured right here. Also see our section on American democracy and get more info at Voting Methods Central.
Wisconsin Voters to Retain Right to Elect State Treasurer
This an issue that touches on the ability of voters to decide on important economic matters at a state level
Should America Make Changes to Model Swiss Democracy?
The Swiss model is highly regarded as one of the best models of democracy in the Western world. It is a highly unusual system where citizens themselves go to the polls and directly vote on referendums.
Move making it harder to alter South Dakota constitution advances
Constitutional amendment would increase the majority vote threshold required for a constitutional change to at least 55 percent
The trouble with Swiss direct democracy is minority rule
Switzerland is a semi-direct, not a purely parliamentary democracy and has no alternation in power between government and opposition parties
Grassroots group closer to overhauling Michigan redistricting
Reform may be coming for redistricting in Michigan. The following is from an article, “Anti-gerrymander group turns in signatures to get on Nov. ballot in Michigan“, by Kathleen Gray from the Detroit Free Press Lansing Bureau, a newspaper based in Michigan. Take a look: The anti-gerrymandering group Voters Not Politicians turned in more than 425,000 […]
Oregon Citizens’ Initiative Reviews Improve Voter Referendum
Do voters actually have all the information they need to make judgments about a measure’s likely effects?
Moving Towards a South Dakota Top-Two Voting System
South Dakota may hold a referendum on starting a top-two election system like California has
Can Technology Solve the Low Voter Turnout Problem
It is not yet clear whether voting technology actually does spur greater voter participation
Grammy Awards Online Voting Experiment Takes Flight
The Grammy Awards are transitioning to online voting and updated rules for its top category