Features of official voter guides, compared by state
From Ballotpedia
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This page is a comparative look at official voter guides for state ballot measures.
What is an official voter guide for ballot measures? For the purpose of this analysis, with a few exceptions as noted, a voter guide is defined as:
- Being produced by a state agency or authority
- Containing at least part of the information detailed below pertaining to ballot measures
- Being addressed specifically to voters as a guide for an election
- Being in a booklet or pamphlet format (unless it is specifically available online only)
- Referenced or published on state websites
What does not count as an official voter guide for ballot measures?
- A voter guide by a third party group, such as the League of Women Voters
- A voter guide describing only candidates for public offices
- A press release describing a ballot certification
Overview
| Contents |
|---|
| 1 Overview |
| 1.1 Voter guide features |
| 1.2 Voter guide accessibility |
| 2 Comparison of voter guides |
| 3 Voter guide accessibility survey |
Ballotpedia conducts two separate and original analyses of official state voter guides. The first is a periodical look at online voter guide availability and features of voter guides, last conducted about 2022 voter guides. The second is a telephone survey of election offices relating to voter guide availability and cost, last conducted in August 2012.
Voter guide features
Ballot measure voter guides are specific booklets or pamphlets published by state governments to educate voters on the initiatives, referendums, and referrals they will be voting on in upcoming elections. While ballots between states can vary significantly in language and form, voter guides often have certain features.
Ballotpedia has ranked each state on a six-point scale based on the availability of the features in the state's voter guides. The six features that were considered in the online voter information materials published by state governments include:
- Official ballot language - This may include the ballot title and the official ballot summary.
- Neutral explanation or analysis - This is a short summary by a governmental agency of the key points. Some summaries can run multiple pages, while others may be only a paragraph or two.
- Fiscal impact statement - This is generally a detailed explanation of how the measure will affect state finances.
- Arguments for and against the measure - These are typically statements written by support or opposition detailing their argument, but they may also be general points compiled by the agency publishing the guides. Some states allow comments from the public to be submitted as well.
- Text of the measure - This is the full text of the statute or amendment that will become law if the measure is approved; it often includes mark-ups to show exactly how the law was changed.
- Documentation in multiple languages - Official voter guides are always published in English, but some states will publish them in other languages (such as Spanish) and formats (such as audio).
Ballotpedia assigns one point for each of these six areas.
The stats
By ranking
In 2022, voters decided on ballot measures in 38 states.
- In 2022, 11 states had overall rankings of five or six:
- Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
- 15 states had overall rankings of three or four.
- 12 states had overall rankings of one, two, or did not have a sample voter guide accessible.
Voter guide accessibility
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In August 2012, Ballotpedia contacted all 41 states that featured ballot measures on the ballot from 2009 to 2011. The following information was collected from that original research:
The stats
- 20 states mail voter guides to registered voters.
- Of the 21 states that do not mail voter guides, 20 offer election information via other avenues, including state websites, local newspapers, post offices and/or libraries.
- The cost of mailing voter guides ranges anywhere from $33,000 to $2 million.
- Roughly, 32 states make voter guide information available online.
Available info
Not all voter guides publish candidate and ballot measure information together. When asked, 12 states said they publish candidates and measures separately, six publish together, 11 only publish ballot measures, and 12 did not respond.
Did you know?
- The state of Hawaii used to mail voter guides but stopped mailing them due to complaints about bias in the guides.
- Louisiana ballot language used to say "for and against," but now it says "yes or no."
- The state of North Dakota used to publish and mail voters guide but was stopped by the legislature in the 1970s because it was considered wasted money.
Comparison of voter guides
The charts below evaluate states that featured state ballot measures on the ballot. Each state was evaluated on six features, specific to ballot measures: a ballot title and official ballot summary, neutral explanation or analysis, fiscal impact statement, arguments for and against the measure, a statement of legal changes, and translations into various languages. Evaluated documents include documents that were found on the state government websites.
2023
- See also: 2023 ballot measures
| State | Official Voter Guide | Publisher | Official Language | Analysis | Fiscal Note | Arguments | Text of measure | Languages online | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Without markup | With markup | ||||||||
| CO 2023 | 2023 Colorado Blue Book | State Legislative Council | 
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English, Spanish |
| LA 2023 | 2023 Proposed Constitutional Amendments Summaries | Louisiana House Legislative Services |
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English |
| ME 2023 | Maine Citizen's Guide to the 2023 Referendum Election | Maine Secretary of State |
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English |
| NY 2023 | 2023 Statewide Ballot Proposals | New York Board of Elections |
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English |
| OH 2023 | Ohio 2023 Statewide Issues Guide | Ohio Secretary of State |
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English |
| OK 2018 | Oklahoma List of State Questions | Oklahoma Secretary of State |
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English |
| TX 2023 | 2023 Explanatory Statements for the November 7, 2023 Constitutional Amendment Election | Texas Secretary of State |
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English, Spanish |
| WI 2023 | Wisconsin Explanatory Statements for Referendum Election (April 4, 2023) | Wisconsin Secretary of State |
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English |
2022
- See also: 2022 ballot measures
2021
- See also: 2021 ballot measures
2020
- See also: 2020 ballot measures
2019
- See also: 2019 ballot measures
2018
- See also: 2018 ballot measures
2017
- See also: 2017 ballot measures
| Ballot Measure Chart | Official Voter Guide | Publisher | Official ballot language | Explanation or Analysis | Fiscal note | Pro and Con Arguments/Public Comments | Text of statute or amendment | Available languages online | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Without markup | With markup | ||||||||
| ME 2017 | November 7, 2017 Maine Citizen’s Guide | Maine Secretary of State |
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English |
| NJ 2017 | New Jersey Public Question Information Question 1 and Question 2 | New Jersey Secretary of State |
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English, Spanish, Gujarati, Korean |
| NY 2017 | New York 2017 Statewide Ballot Proposals | New York Board of Elections |
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English |
| OH 2017 | November 7, 2017 Ohio Issues Guide | Ohio Secretary of State |
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English |
| PA 2017 | Public Notice of 2017 Proposed Constitutional Amendments | Pennsylvania Department of State | |
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English |
| TX 2017 | Texas 2017 constitutional amendment explanatory statements | Texas Secretary of State | |
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English, Spanish |
| WA 2017 (advisory questions only)[3] | Washington November 7 General Election Voter's Pamphlet | Washington Secretary of State | |
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English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese |
2016
- See also: 2016 ballot measures
2015
- See also: 2015 ballot measures
2014
- See also: 2014 ballot measures
2013
- See also: 2013 ballot measures
| Ballot Measure Chart | Official Voter Guide | Publisher | Official ballot language | Explanation or Analysis | Fiscal note | Pro and Con Arguments/Public Comments | Text of statute or amendment | Available languages online | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Without markup | With markup | ||||||||
| CO 2013 | 2013 Colorado State Ballot Information Booklet | Colorado Legislative Council | |
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English & Spanish |
| ME 2013 | Maine Citizen’s Guide to the Referendum Election | Maine Secretary of State | |
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English |
| NJ 2013 | New Jersey Secretary of State Public Question Information | New Jersey Secretary of State | |
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English, Spanish & Korean |
| NY 2013 | New York State Board of Elections Proposed Constitutional Amendments Page[18] | New York State Board of Elections | |
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English |
| TX 2013 | Texas Legislative Council Voter Guide | Texas Legislative Council | |
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English & Spanish |
| WA 2013 | Washington Voters' Guide 2013 General Election | Washington Secretary of State | |
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English & Spanish |
2012
- See also: 2012 ballot measures
Note: 2012 measures prior to July of 2012 were accessed in July of 2012. Measures after July of 2012 were accessed in July of 2013.
Notable changes
- In 2012, Alaska added a third language to its voter guide list: Spanish.
- In 2012, California added three languages to its large list of languages the voter guide is available in: Hindi, Khmer and Thai.
- In 2012, Idaho added the text of statute or amendment with mark-up to its voter guide.
- In 2012, Maryland added an audio file of each ballot question.
- In 2012, Nevada added the text of statute or amendment with mark-up to its voter guide.
- In 2012, Washington made its voter guide available online in three additional language: Chinese, Spanish and Vietnamese.
2011
- See also: 2011 ballot measures
2010
- See also: 2010 ballot measures
Notable changes
- In 2010, Oregon published the Citizens’ Review Statement. The statement is a set of unofficial opinions created by the Oregon Citizen Initiative Review, a process approved by the legislature in 2009 to allow an independent citizen panel to review statewide initiatives.[75]
2009
- See also: 2009 ballot measures
Notable changes
- In 2009, Washington added a video voter's guide specifically for ballot measures. They had previously been available only for state offices.[82]
Voter guide accessibility survey
The chart below highlights details about state voter guide distribution, cost of mailing guides and information available on state guides. All 41 secretary of state offices were contacted in August 2012. As of September 11, 2012, one state, South Carolina, did not return email or phone inquiries.
Note: Blank sections below indicate no response by the secretary of state's office.
| State | Voter guide distribution (Mail, website, other) |
Cost of mailing guides | Voter guide info (Measures and candidate info published together? separate? Other?) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Website or request. Not mailed. | Published separately. | |
| Alaska | Mail. | $302,468.00 | Published separately. |
| Arizona | Mail. | Approx. $750,000 | Published separately. |
| Arkansas | Website. Not mailed.[83] | Published separately. | |
| California | Mail. | Published separately. | |
| Colorado | Mail. | $400,000 | Ballot measures only. Candidates are not included in the voter guide. |
| Florida | Some counties mail out voter guides and some mail out sample ballots. Also available via the state website.[84] | ||
| Georgia | Website and newspapers. Not mailed. | ||
| Hawaii | Website. Not mailed. | ||
| Idaho | Mail. | $136,000 | Ballot measures only. |
| Illinois | Mail, newspapers. | $2 million[85] | Ballot measures only. |
| Indiana | Website. Not mailed. | Published separately. | |
| Iowa | Website and newspapers. Not mailed. | Ballot measures only. No candidate info. | |
| Kansas | Website. Not mailed. | ||
| Louisiana | Website, phone app, newspapers and by request. Not mailed.[86] | ||
| Maine | Website, public libraries and by request. Not mailed. | Ballot measures only. No candidate info. | |
| Maryland | Mail and website. | Published separately. | |
| Massachusetts | Mail, website and town offices. | Currently unknown[87] | |
| Michigan | News media and counties. Not mailed. | Published separately. | |
| Mississippi | Website, by request at circuit clerk's offices and other public buildings, newspapers, radio, and television. | Published separately.[88] | |
| Missouri | Mail, website, local election authorities and newspapers. | Ballot measures only. No candidate info. | |
| Montana | Mail, website, county offices and libraries. | 2012 bid is pending. In 2010, 440,000 guides (2010's guide was considered short). 2010 print cost was $33,550. |
Ballot measures only. No candidate info. |
| Nebraska | Website. Not mailed. | Ballot measures only. No candidate info. | |
| Nevada | Mail. | ||
| New Jersey | Website. Not mailed. | "New Jersey sends out sample ballots. We do not have 'Voter Guides' and yes the questions and candidates both appear on the sample ballot." | |
| New York | Abstract published in newspapers. Not mailed. | Published separately. | |
| New Mexico | Available at county clerk offices. Not mailed. | ||
| North Carolina | Website. | $650,000 total cost to mail the guides. | Ballot measures and political candidates are published together. |
| North Dakota | Website. Not mailed. | No guides. | |
| Ohio | Website, public libraries and newspapers. Not mailed. | 2012's costs are pending. 2011 was considered an unusual year because Issue 2 was a 300+ page bill. It cost a total of $2,117,911.12 for the advertising.[89] |
Ballot measures only. No candidate info. |
| Oklahoma | Website. Not mailed. | "No publishing either one [candidates or ballot measures]." | |
| Oregon | Mail, website, town offices, county offices and libraries. | 2010 cost: $635,054 (general) + $408,496 (primary).[90] | Published together. |
| Rhode Island | Mail, website, city and town offices. | 2012: an estimated $92,000 for both printing ($77,000) and mailing ($11,000).[91] | Ballot measures only. No candidate info. |
| South Carolina | |||
| South Dakota | Website, county offices, state library, county auditors, universities, city offices, and newspapers. Not mailed. | Ballot measures only. No candidate info. | |
| Tennessee | Mail, website and newspapers. | Ballot measures only. The only candidate info that is listed is name and contact. | |
| Texas | Mail and website. | 2011: the cost for postage was $314,366, and the cost for printing was $53,800. | Ballot measures only. No candidate info. |
| Utah | Mail (postcard with link to website), website, colleges, county clerks, senior centers, libraries and post offices. | Published together; congressional, federal, and statewide candidates have position statements. | |
| Vermont | Newspapers and website. Not mailed. | Published together. | |
| Virginia | Website, sent to registrars and newspapers. Not mailed. | Published separately. | |
| Washington | Mail, website, schools, county auditors and post offices. | $1.5 million (estimate for 2012), but according to officials, could be as low as $600,000. | Published together. |
See also
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 The state governments of Kentucky, Michigan, Oklahoma, and New Jersey did not produce a voter guide featuring statewide ballot measures.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 The state governments of Indiana, Kentucky, and New Hampshire did not produce a voter guide featuring statewide ballot measures.
- ↑ The measures on the 2017 ballot were automatic advisory questions about bill increasing tax revenue. A full ballot measure guide similar to what is produced for other ballot measures was not created for these questions.
- ↑ Note: Alabama's official "Voter Guide" only provides information about the process of voting, not about candidates or ballot measures. (Alabama Votes, "Alabama Voter Guide 2016," accessed October 23, 2016)
- ↑ A state sample ballot or voter guide were not found for Indiana in 2016.
- ↑ Note: Arguments for and against maine measures can be submitted as "Public Comments" in Maine.
- ↑ Instead of explicitly listing the supporting and opposing arguments, Minnesota's 2016 guide links to the websites of groups both supporting and opposing the measures, in accordance with Minnesota Statute 10.60.
- ↑ Note: The legislature publishes an additional voter guide on constitutional amendments.
- ↑ Note: No voter guide for the bond issue on the ballot in March 2016 was found.
- ↑ Note: Only the ballot question was found for the referendum on the ballot on June 14, 2016
- ↑ Note: Fiscal impact statements were only made available for citizen-initiated measures.
- ↑ Note: Maine's pro and con arguments take the form of "public comments."
- ↑ Fiscal statements are only created for measures that have a fiscal impact.
- ↑ Note: Alabama's official "Voter Guide" only provides information about the process of voting, not about candidates or ballot measures. (Alabama Votes, "Alabama Voter Guide 2014," accessed September 29, 2014)
- ↑ Note: Maine's pro and con arguments take the form of "public comments."
- ↑ Note: The voter guide applies to both the August 5 and November 4 elections.
- ↑ Note: The legislature publishes an additional voter guide on constitutional amendments.
- ↑ Note: New York has no voter guide in print. However, municipalities may publish their own, e.g., New York City.
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 The Alabama Secretary of State offered the amendment certificate as the information regarding ballot measures in 2012.
- ↑ Note: Alabama's official "Voter Guide" only provides information about the process of voting, not about candidates or ballot measures.
- ↑ The Alaska 2012 general election voter guide did not comply with this category, though it is not completely applicable as neither measure was a statute or an amendment. Regardless, potential specific legal language regarding the bond or convention could theoretically have been included.
- ↑ Alaska provides a distinct voter guide for each of its four geographical regions, which also contains information on candidates.
- ↑ The Arizona Election Guide notes: "State law requires the Joint Legislative Budget Committee Staff to prepare a summary of the fiscal impacts of certain ballot measures."
- ↑ Note: English Audio and English Large Print were made available on order.
- ↑ Note: Large print and audio guides were also available on order.
- ↑ Note: Basic ballot status is listed on the Florida Division of Elections website.
- ↑ Note: No information regarding the ballot measure was available for the July 31, 2012, election. See: Georgia Secretary of State, "Elections Division" accessed July 31, 2012
- ↑ The Illinois Voter Guide previously had a Spanish language option. This has been replace with Google Translate, which does not work with the PDF explanation of the measures.
- ↑ Kentucky 2012 ballot language was available on the Kentucky Secretary of State website through sample ballots.
- ↑ The 2012 Maine Citizen's Guide had space for public comments, but none were submitted for any of the measures.
- ↑ Maryland has audio files of the 2012 ballot questions, but not of any other available information.
- ↑ The explanation in Massachusetts was also printed on the ballot itself in 2012.
- ↑ Note: The Michigan Secretary of State also provided information to voters on ballot language and measure text.
- ↑ Instead of explicitly listing the supporting and opposing arguments, Minnesota's 2012 guide links to the websites of groups both supporting and opposing the measures, in accordance with Minnesota Statute 10.60.
- ↑ Note: The reference applies to both the August 7 and November 6 elections.
- ↑ Note: Nebraska defers to outside sources for much of the voter information process. See: Nebraska Secretary of State, "Nebraska General Voter Information," archived October 31, 2012
- ↑ New Jersey advertised their certification as their ballot information on the Department of State election website in 2012.
- ↑ Note: The only available voter guide was for candidates covered by North Carolina public funding programs.
- ↑ The 2012 measure in North Carolina was a new amendment and thus did not require mark-up.
- ↑ Note: Publication per North Dakota Century Code 16.1-01-17.
- ↑ Note: Also available in English audio, large print and braille upon request.
- ↑ Fiscal information in Rhode Island in 2012 is only given in relation to borrowing and bond financing.
- ↑ The explanation in South Carolina was also printed on the ballot itself in 2012.
- ↑ Note: A Video Voter's Guide with pro and con arguments is also available for some measures.
- ↑ State sample ballot or voter guide not found, as of July 2012.
- ↑ Note: A separate detailed fiscal impact statement is also available.
- ↑ 47.0 47.1 47.2 After the Secretary of State receives the approved proposal, he or she transfers the measure to the Office of Budget and Management (and/or Tax Commissioner if the measure involves a tax). The office (and/or commissioner) then estimates the fiscal impact of the measure. This estimate (or joint estimate) is ultimately posted on the Secretary of State's website 30 days prior to the election.
- ↑ Note: The analysis is not specifically addressed to voters.
- ↑ Note: Online edition only
- ↑ Note: Video Voter's Guide with pro and con arguments is also available.
- ↑ Note: Also contains information on candidates.
- ↑ Note: Online version only
- ↑ Note: Large Print and Audio guides were also available on order.
- ↑ Note: Basic ballot status is listed on the Florida Division of Elections website.
- ↑ After preliminary signatures have been collected and proponents have submitted a ballot title and summary, the Secretary of State must submit the proposal to the Financial Impact Estimating Conference. The Conference, after allowing for public input, must draft a concise statement of the effect of the proposed measure on revenue and expenditures. The Conference must also draft a more detailed financial statement of the measure's predicted effects and the methods used in the analysis. Read more here.
- ↑ Online version is in English.
- ↑ Available online only as confirmed by Ballotpedia staff with the Illinois State Board of Elections via phone on July 10, 2012.
- ↑ A state sample ballot or voter guide were not found, as of July 2012.
- ↑ A state sample ballot or voter guide were not found, as of July 2012.
- ↑ Note:Online version only
- ↑ The explanation in Massachusetts was also printed on the ballot itself in 2010.
- ↑ Note: During the attorney general's review, he or she must determine if the bill affects state revenues or expenditures. If so, the budget director must prepare a short fiscal note for inclusion on the petition and ballot.
- ↑ Note: Montana allows for support and opposition to submit rebuttals to the initial arguments of the opposite side.
- ↑ Note: Available online only at Nevada Secretary of State.
- ↑ North Dakota's ballot information page is no longer accessible as of July 2012. It was available online only.
- ↑ The North Dakota Legislative Council prepares a fiscal analysis of each measure after certification and prior to the election. This information is made available to the public by the Secretary of State.
- ↑ A 2010 Spanish voter guide was emailed to Ballotpedia by the Rhode Island Secretary of State's Office on Sept. 25, 2012. An online link is unavailable.
- ↑ The explanation in South Carolina was also printed on the ballot itself in 2010.
- ↑ On April 6, 2012, the office of the attorney general released an opinion statement that included an analysis. Available here.
- ↑ Note: Online version only
- ↑ Note: Utah allows for support and opposition to submit rebuttals to the initial arguments of the opposite side.
- ↑ Note: The Statewide Candidate Information Publication contains information on candidates and a sample ballot, but no separate section on the ballot measure was listed.
- ↑ Note: Online edition only
- ↑ Note: Video Voter's Guide with pro and con arguments is also available.
- ↑ Oregon Secretary of State, "Voters’ Pamphlet: Oregon General Election," November 2, 2010
- ↑ Note: Large Print and Audio guides were also available on order.
- ↑ A state sample ballot or voter guide was not found, as of July 2012.
- ↑ Note: Sample ballot published by local clerks.
- ↑ Note: The analysis is not specifically addressed to voters.
- ↑ Note: Online edition only
- ↑ Note: Video Voter's Guides for Referendum-71 and I-1033 with pro and con argument are also available.
- ↑ TVW, "Search Results"
- ↑ Arkansas: According to state officials, issue groups in the state of Arkansas send out informational packets prior to the election.
- ↑ Florida: According to state officials, Florida relies on newspapers and local issue groups for most distribution of information.
- ↑ Illinois: $2 million includes the budget for translation into many different languages and publication in newspapers).
- ↑ Louisiana: According to state officials the private, nonprofit Public Affairs Research Council provides information about constitutional amendments.
- ↑ Massachusetts: Will be available once all of the mailing has been completed for 2012.
- ↑ "Candidate Info is posted on page after qualifying. When we have measures to be placed on the ballot, the guides are posted here."
- ↑ Ohio: In addition to this, according to state officials "we elected to send the insert (we printed overruns of the same thing that ran in the newspaper) to public libraries, county boards of elections, county departments of job and family services – all places where voters might look for the information." That additional cost was a little more than $8,900.
- ↑ Oregon: 2008 cost - $1,153,223 (general) + $436,191 (primary). 2006 cost - $1,226,040(general) + $368,221 (primary).
- ↑ The 2012 estimate was updated after email communication with Chris Barnett on September 25, 2012. Previous estimate was = "Roughly $150,000 for printing and mailing."
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