Much has been written on the US Presidential elections, but on 3 November American citizens voted on a lot more than a president. On 1 December, we discussed direct democracy in the US with experts and initiative organisers.
Watch the webinar here:
Direct democracy has a 120 years-old tradition on the state level in the US, with a majority of states allowing for citizens’ initiatives and referendums. How does it work, how have initiatives dealt with Covid-19 shelter-in-place regulations and why does no referendum instrument exist at the federal level? In a panel moderated by M Dane Waters, we heard from some of the foremost experts on direct democracy in the US.
Panelists: John Matsusaka - Author ‘Let the People Rule’, Jackie Mitchell - Ballotpedia, Paul Jacob - Citizens in Charge, Oliver Hall - Center for Competitive Democracy.
On 3 November, voters in 32 states decided on over 120 ballot measures from minimum wage, to drug legalisation, to wildlife protection. In our second panel of the evening, we heard from some of the initiatives on the ballot on their campaigns, their experience with direct democracy in the US and collecting signatures in times of Covid-19.
Panelists: Rick Ridder - Rocky Mountain Wolf Action Fund, Ben Pollara - Florida for a Fair Wage, Sam Chapman - Yes on 109 - Access to Psilocybin Therapy.
Links and resources shared during the webinar:
Initiative and Referendum Institute Ballotwatch 2020 Elections- Swissinfo: US vote 2020: the most global local election ever?
- Ballotpedia: overview of all state-level ballot measures
- Ballotpedia: Oregon Measure 109 Access to Psilocybin
- Ballotpedia: Florida Amendment 2 $15 Minimum Wage
- Ballotpedia: Colorado Proposition 114 Gray Wolf Reintroduction
- Swissinfo: Voters decide not to water down wolf protection
- Global Passport to Modern Direct Democracy
