Petitions

An initiative is a petition that proposes a new law to be put on the ballot or sent to the legislative body for approval or rejection. Local initiatives can propose laws at the county, municipal or metro township level.

A referendum is a petition that submits an existing law to the voters for approval or rejection through an election. Local initiatives can propose laws at the county, municipal or metro township level.

Sponsors need to apply with the local clerk. If it pertains to county law that is handled through the county clerk. If it applies to a municipal law that must be done through the municipal clerk, most often the city recorder.

Signatures are needed from a percentage of active voters within the jurisdiction. Because this number is always changing it will be determined based on the number on January 1, the year the petition is filed. The needed percentage varies depending on the type of petition, contact your local clerk for the specific signature requirements.