Direct Democracy

Through our collaborative efforts rooted in the vision for a state where communities are valued, supported, and thriving, we’re fighting for change through direct democracy. Nebraskans are working together to propose and pass new laws that build a strong state and protect our freedoms.

Learn more below about issues that will be on your ballot this fall:

Initiative 435 - Private Education Scholarship Partial Referendum 

Public schools serve 9 out of 10 students in Nebraska and do not discriminate against any child’s enrollment. This referendum aims to protect our public schools from tax vouchers schemes so that all Nebraska children can thrive. 

A vote to REPEAL would eliminate the voucher scheme that gives public dollars to private schools and supports all Nebraskans and our public schools. 

Sign up to volunteer with Support Our Schools Nebraska.

Initiative 436 -Paid Sick Leave 

This ballot initiative would ensure that working Nebraskans can earn and use paid time off work to care for their health and that of their families. 

A vote FOR 436 puts into law the ability for employees to earn and use paid sick leave without retaliation.

Sign up to volunteer with Paid Sick Leave for Nebraskans.

Initiative 437 -  Nebraskan Medical Cannabis Patient Protection

This ballot initiative would help thousands of Nebraska families and patients suffering from health conditions gain the freedom to access medical cannabis. 

A vote FOR 437 allows health care providers to recommend medical cannabis to a patient and provide protections for caregivers.

Sign up to volunteer with Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana.

Initiative 438 - Nebraskan Medical Cannabis Regulation Act 

A vote FOR 438 would establish the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission to regulate safe access for patients through the private industry

Sign up to volunteer with Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana.

Initiative 439 - Protect the Right to Abortion

Nebraskans have the right to make their own decision on abortion care in a way that prioritizes compassion and privacy, without any interference from the government. This ballot initiative would enshrine the right to abortion in the Nebraska State Constitution. 

A vote FOR 439 would end Nebraska's current abortion ban and put Nebraskans and their doctors in charge of personal medical decisions, not the government. Vote FOR 439 and AGAINST 434.

Sign up to volunteer with Protect Our Rights.

FAQs

What is a ballot initiative?

A ballot initiative is a citizen-initiated effort to change a state law or amend the state constitution and put it forth for a vote by the people.

What kinds of ballot initiatives are there?

There are three main types of initiatives, split into initiatives and referendums. Initiatives can be used to propose a new law or to amend the state constitution. A referendum is used to repeal a law recently passed by the Legislature.

How many signatures are required to get an issue on the ballot?

Nebraska requires a different number of verified signatures depending on the type of initiative.

For an initiative to propose a new law, signatures are required from 7% of all registered voters in the state. For a constitutional amendment, signatures are required from 10% of all registered voters in the state.  For a referendum, signatures are required from 5% of all registered voters in the state.

Statewide, signatures are required from 5% of voters in 38 out of 93 counties for any effort.

By when do signatures have to be collected?

Each campaign may face unique deadlines. For active ballot initiative campaigns in the state of Nebraska, signatures must be turned in by July 3rd, 2024.

How do I learn more and get involved?

You can learn more about individual campaign involvement opportunities and where to sign petitions on their respective websites. You can also reach out to our team by emailing brad@nebraskatable.org to learn more about the Nebraska Table’s efforts in the direct democracy space.