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Low Awareness, Strong Appetite: New Polling on Ballot Initiative Access in 10 Non-Initiative States
A new survey commissioned by Political Reform suggests a key barrier to adopting a ballot initiative process is a lack of awareness.
When Lawmakers Won’t Act, Voters Can
Maresa Strano was interviewed on the Democracy Lab podcast about the past, present, and future of ballot initiatives.
Why California’s Prop 50 Is a Victory for Democracy—Even in Its Irony
Maresa Stano writes on how California’s Prop 50 proves the importance of direct democracy in building voters’ power.
Expanding Citizen Led Ballot Initiative Access with Maresa Strano New America
Maresa Strano was on Digital Politics with Karen Jagoda to discuss the intricacies of ballot initiatives.
Episode 13: What Are Ballot Initiatives and How Are They Used?
How can citizens put laws to a ballot vote and what’s threatening that right? Maresa Strano and Chris Melody Fields Figueredo explain.
Once Again, Politicians Are Choosing Their Voters. It’s Time for Voters To Choose Back.
Maresa Strano wrote for The Fulcrum on the importance of citizen-led ballot initiatives in the fight against democratic backsliding.
Give Wisconsin voters more say through ballot initiatives
Maresa Strano and Matt Rothschild wrote for Wisconsin State Journal, arguing for instituting citizen-led initiatives in Wisconsin.
A Case for (Responsibly) Expanding Citizen-Led Policymaking in the United States
As we consider bringing ballot initiatives to more U.S. states, what can we learn from the past century of experience with direct democracy?