Ballot measures have given voters the power to pass life-changing policies that lawmakers often won’t — from raising the minimum wage and expanding healthcare access, to protecting reproductive rights and curbing predatory payday lending. But now, the process itself is under threat.

• New Report: ATTACKS ON DIRECT DEMOCRACY DOUBLED IN 2025
• Ballot Measure Rescue Campaign

In this episode, I speak with Kelly Hall, Executive Director of The Fairness Project, about a new report showing how conservative lawmakers are working to undermine direct democracy. With nearly 150 bills introduced across the country, these efforts would make it harder for citizens to place initiatives on the ballot and harder to pass them once they’re there. We discuss what’s at stake, how these attacks are spreading, and why defending ballot measures is essential to protecting the will of the people.

(00:01) Attacks on Direct Democracy

Conservative lawmakers are attacking the ballot measure process, threatening direct democracy and silencing voters.

(12:57) Undermining Direct Democracy

Supermajority requirements, single-subject rules, and bureaucratic hurdles hinder direct democracy and civic engagement.

(23:33) Arkansas Advocates Protecting Ballot Measures

Missouri's political maneuvers target direct democracy and reproductive rights, including attempts to restrict abortion and gender-affirming care.

(35:19) Protecting Direct Democracy

Florida's restrictive ballot measures face challenges, but litigation and public support continue to protect direct democracy.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices