Bauer supports amendment to gauge temperature on citizen-led ballot initiatives

Today, Indiana House Democrats offered an amendment to House Bill 1265 to add the question “Shall citizens be allowed to initiate a ballot referendum in Indiana” to each ballot in the November 2024 general election. This amendment failed by a vote of 27-66.

Throughout the country, Americans have had the opportunity to voice their opinions on issues such as cannabis legalization and abortion. Hoosiers currently do not have that ability.

State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) issued the following statement today after voting for the amendment:

“Earlier this year, we saw our neighboring state, Ohio, give their voters a direct line of influence through ballot initiatives. Hoosiers are looking around at other states and wondering why they have less of a say. As elected officials and community leaders, we should not be afraid of what the voters have to say. This amendment is nonbinding, simply giving us the opportunity to see if our voters are interested in direct ballot initiatives. I will never turn down an opportunity to increase the access my constituents have to our government. It is my hope that we can make some progress on citizen-led ballot initiatives in the future.”