Rep. Vikki Goodwin - Citizen-Led Ballot Initiatives

Overview

In the U.S., 26 states allow for citizens to engage directly in democracy through the initiative or referendum process. Across the country, citizen initiatives allow constitutional or statutory proposals on the ballot if enough signatures are collected. However, this powerful tool is not available for Texans. This results in critical decisions being made without adequate input from those affected and limiting our ability to participate in the legislative and policy-making process. Allowing citizens to propose and vote on specific issues, we ensure that the will of the people is reflected in the policies that govern our state. Our goal is to give Texans the opportunity to advocate for, and vote on, the policies they care about most. This includes increasing access to reproductive healthcare, ensuring we are being good stewards of our environment, and choosing between Daylight Savings Time or Standard Time.

Solution

Representative Goodwin is introducing the Empowering Texans Ballot Initiative Act during the 89th Legislative Session. This act will enable Texans to propose statewide ballot initiatives. By gathering a required number of signatures from registered voters, citizens can bring important issues directly to the ballot. This process will return the power to Texans so they can have a direct say in the laws and policies that impact their daily lives.

Under the Empowering Texans Ballot Initiative Act, Texas citizens can actively participate in the democratic process and get important legislation on the ballot such as: 

• An amendment to protect access to reproductive healthcare including abortions in Texas

• The Stewardship Amendment, which guarantees the right to a clean and healthy environment

• Expanding access to Medicaid

• Establishing an independent, nonpartisan Redistricting Commission

• Ending the practice of changing our clocks twice a year by voting on either Daylight Savings Time or Standard Time