27 Statewide Ballot Measures in 2017, Lowest Since 1947

Voters in nine states will decide a total of 27 statewide ballot measures in 2017. This is the lowest total since 1947.

Thirty years ago, there were 78 statewide ballot measures. Twenty years ago, there were 44. Ten years ago, there were 45. Over the last five odd-year election cycles, there have never been more than 34 such measures. Even-year election cycles consistently see more measures added to the ballot.

Just four of this year’s statewide ballot measures were put on the ballot by voter initiative. The rest were either put on the ballot by a state legislature or triggered by state law.

Twenty-two of this year’s initiatives will be decided on Nov. 7, 2017. Four will be held in October, and one took place in June. See more about the 2017 ballot measures here.

An earlier Number of the Day noted that the vast majority of spending on such measures was concentrated on just four measures.

Each weekday, Scott Rasmussen’s Number of the Day explores interesting and newsworthy topics at the intersection of culture, politics, and technology. Columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.

Scott Rasmussen is a Senior Fellow for the Study of Self-Governance at the King’s College in New York and an Editor-At-Large for Ballotpedia, the Encyclopedia of American Politics. His most recent book, "Politics Has Failed: America Will Not," was published by the Sutherland Institute in May.To read more of his reports — Click Here Now.