Republicans want to make it harder to use, or even eliminate ballot initiatives key to America’s grassroots tradition of direct democracy.
Direct Democracy and Ballot Initiatives articles on Democracy Chronicles
This section has the latest DC news on direct democracy, something akin to a pure democracy, a form of democracy whereby people decide policy initiatives directly as opposed to a representative democracy. Cooperatives (Co-ops), Democratic Workplaces, Collectives, Communes, Intentional Communities, Referendums and Ballot Initiatives are also featured right here until we build more content for this neglected area of democratic experimentation. Also see our section on American democracy and get more info at Voting Methods Central.
Swiss Public Petitions: Seemingly Toothless Yet Fundamental
The oldest democratic tradition in Switzerland is petitioning. Every year, petitions with tens of thousands of signatures are sent to parliament.
Japan Bill To Amend Constitutional Referendum Law Proceeds
Japan’s Diet is expected to pass a new piece of legislation that amends the national referendum law on constitutional reform.
Small Scale Use Of Sortition In Governments Picks Up Steam
Sortition was crucial to Ancient Athens’ democracy, but stayed largely unknown in recent history until the recent surge in interest.
Ranked Voting Proposed For Puerto Rico Self-Determination
A new bill aims to allow Puerto Ricans to choose their political future through a democratic process that includes ranked choice voting.
States Are Moving To End Public Referendum Voting
At least 123 legislative proposals concerning ballot initiatives, veto referendums, referrals, local ballot measures, and recall were introduced.
The Solution to Labor Exploitation Is Workplace Democracy
Even if voluntary, “human rentiership” is innately similar to slavery. Workplace democracy is the secret to finding a solution, David Ellerman.
Share Your Opinions At The Workplace – For The Sake Of Democracy
Some studies, particularly in the U.S., have confirmed the correlation between workplace participation and democratic participation.
Two Ways Politicians Are Making It Harder To Pass Ballot Initiatives
Politicians are making it more difficult to vote. 24 states have adopted legislation to make it more harder to pass ballot initiatives.
Secretive Out-of-State Group Pushes Utah Bill To End Voter Initiatives
Supporters of a bill tightening the rules for ballot measures said the law would shield Utah from outside control this legislative session.