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World
United States: Several States Seek to Toughen State Constitutional Amendment Rules
Herz — World Desk · · 30s summary · 2 min read
The essentials
In 2026, several US states are submitting ballot measures to voters — propositions placed directly on election ballots, which can take the form of citizen initiatives or legislative referendums — aimed at raising the supermajority thresholds required to approve amendments to their state constitutions. These measures would require greater than simple majority votes to modify state constitutions. Many direct democracy advocates oppose these changes, viewing them as restrictions on the popular initiative process, through which citizens can propose constitutional amendments directly. Florida pioneered this approach by establishing a 60% threshold in 2006.
- In 2026, several US states propose ballot measures raising supermajority thresholds for state constitutional amendments.
- These measures would require greater than simple majority votes to modify state constitutions.
- Direct democracy advocates oppose these restrictions on the popular initiative process.
- Florida pioneered this approach with a 60% threshold established in 2006.
What We Know
In 2026, several US states have submitted to voters ballot measures — propositions placed directly on election ballots, which can take the form of citizen initiatives or legislative referendums — aimed at raising the supermajority thresholds required to approve amendments to their state constitutions, according to NPR.
A supermajority threshold requires that a proposal receive more than a simple majority (50% + 1 vote) to be adopted. The thresholds commonly considered in this type of reform are 60%, two-thirds (approximately 66.7%), or three-quarters (75%) of votes.
Many direct democracy advocates criticize these measures, viewing them as restrictions on the popular initiative process — a mechanism by which citizens can propose constitutional amendments directly.
Background
In the United States, direct democracy refers to procedures by which citizens vote on political or institutional questions without only passing through their elected representatives.
In this context, voters can approve constitutional amendments during elections according to a majority threshold defined by law or the constitution of their state. Raising this threshold makes the procedure more demanding and mechanically decreases the chances of adoption.
Timeline
- 2006Florida adopts a measure raising to 60% the popular vote threshold required for constitutional amendments by citizen initiative, pioneering this movement to restrict direct democracy procedures.
- 2026Several US states submit to voters measures aimed at raising the adoption thresholds for amendments to their state constitutions.
What Remains Uncertain
Available information does not specify which states are involved, nor the exact threshold being considered in each state. The outcome of these votes is not yet known.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ballot measure in the United States?
It is a proposition placed directly on the ballot in an election. It can take the form of a citizen initiative launched by petition, a legislative referendum adopted by the legislature and then submitted to voters, or a recall referendum.
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