The relationship between voter turnout and ballot measures - A research note

This research investigates the effect of initiatives and referenda on aggregate turnout in the 1990, 1994, and 1998 elections. The results suggest that voter turnout is higher in elections that include a ballot measure, after controlling for state demographics and election context. The number of measures on the ballot appears to have no effect. These findings support the "increased salience" hypothesis, suggesting that ballot measures have a mobilizing effect greater than other traditional stimuli to participation, such as the existence of a U.S. Senate or gubernatorial race.