Initiative Process

Article XIV, Section 11 — Power of Initiative Reserved to the People

The Constitution of the State of San Andreas reserves to the people the power to propose laws and constitutional amendments through the initiative process. This authority exists independently of the General Assembly and the Governor and serves as an expression of popular sovereignty.

Before an initiative may be circulated for signatures, the proposed measure must proceed through a review and title-setting process intended to ensure clarity, transparency, and fairness for voters.

Introduction

An initiative begins when a qualified elector drafts a proposed statutory measure or constitutional amendment. The proposal must first be submitted for review and comment before it may be circulated for signatures.

The purpose of this process is not to approve or reject the substance of the proposal, but to ensure that the measure is written clearly, that its legal effects are understood, and that voters receive an accurate and impartial description of the proposal when it appears on the ballot.

Initiative Process Steps

Step 1: Submission of Proposal for Review and Comment

The proposed initiative shall be submitted to the Legislative Council for review and comment. The submission must include the full text of the proposed measure and any supporting materials required by law.

The Legislative Council performs a nonpartisan analysis and does not approve or disapprove of the proposal.

Step 2: Review and Comment Meeting

A public review and comment meeting shall be conducted by the Legislative Council. At this meeting:

• Staff identify potential legal or drafting concerns,

• Interested parties may offer comments,

• Proponents may receive recommendations to improve clarity or consistency.

This step is advisory only and does not prevent the initiative from proceeding.

Step 3: Submission of Revised Proposals

Following the review and comment meeting, proponents may revise the proposal to address issues identified during review. The revised proposal may then proceed to filing.

Step 4: Filing with the Secretary of State

The initiative is formally filed with the Secretary of State, who reviews the submission for compliance with procedural requirements.

The Secretary of State performs only administrative functions and does not evaluate the policy merits of the proposal.

Step 5: Title Setting

The proposal is submitted to the Title Board, which establishes:

• The official ballot title,

• A fair and impartial summary, and

• Any fiscal impact statements required by law.

The title and summary must clearly inform voters of the measure’s purpose and effect without advocating for or against the proposal.

Step 6: Revision of Proposal After Title Board Meeting

If necessary, proponents may revise the proposal following the title-setting meeting to resolve issues identified by the Title Board.

Step 7: Rehearings of Title Board Decisions

Any interested party may request a rehearing of a Title Board decision within the time prescribed by law if they believe the title or summary is unclear, misleading, or incomplete.

Step 8: Appeals of Title Board Decisions

Following rehearing, decisions of the Title Board may be appealed to the Supreme Court of the State of San Andreas. The Court reviews only whether the title and summary comply with constitutional and statutory requirements.

Step 9: Signature Gathering

After final approval of the title and summary, proponents may begin circulating petitions to gather signatures from qualified electors.

Signature requirements are:

• 10% of votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election for statutory initiatives.

• 15% of votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election for constitutional initiatives.

Step 10: Submission of Petitions to the Secretary of State

Completed petitions must be submitted to the Secretary of State within the circulation period established by law.

Step 11: Verification of Signatures

The Secretary of State verifies signatures to determine whether the initiative has met the constitutional threshold for ballot qualification.

Step 12: Protesting the Secretary of State’s Determination

Any interested party may file a protest challenging the Secretary of State’s determination regarding signature sufficiency or procedural compliance. Such protests are resolved in accordance with law.

Step 13: Placement on Ballot

If the petition is determined sufficient, the initiative shall be placed on the ballot at the next general election. If approved by a majority of voters, the measure becomes law or part of the Constitution, as applicable.