Initiatives and referendums.
If passed, this initiative would fundamentally alter the way laws and constitutional amendments can be created or repealed in Indiana. It establishes a framework where citizens can mobilize and collect signatures (five percent of the votes cast for Secretary of State in the previous election) to place proposed measures directly on the ballot. This would incentivize increased citizen engagement and could lead to a more responsive government that reflects the will of the people rather than solely the legislative agenda.
SJR0024 is a proposed amendment to Article 4 of the Constitution of the State of Indiana, which seeks to empower the voters of Indiana by introducing provisions for initiatives and referendums. The resolution allows voters to propose amendments to the state constitution and to approve or reject statutes or parts of statutes enacted by the General Assembly through a public ballot. This proposal marks a significant shift in the dynamics of state governance, seeking to increase direct democratic participation in the legislative process.
The introduction of SJR0024 has sparked discussions on both its potential benefits and drawbacks. Proponents argue that it enhances democratic participation, giving citizens the tools to challenge or propose laws directly. However, critics express concerns about the practicality and implications of such measures, suggesting that it could lead to frequent and potentially conflicting voter initiatives. This could complicate governance by putting substantial legislative decisions into the hands of the electorate, which may not always have the comprehensive understanding required for complex issues.