Ballots requested by voters who are overseas or who are in the armed forces are required to be mailed 45 days before an election, while ballots mailed to all other persons within the United States are normally sent beginning three weeks before an election. A voter may request an absentee ballot for one election or a voter may receive an absentee ballot until they no longer wish to vote absentee. To request an absentee ballot, a voter must submit a written request to the county election official or the secretary of state. These include more than just the election of officials. Initiatives and referenda may also be on the ballot.
Initiatives are measures initiated by the voters.
Referenda refer, by petition, new laws passed by state and local governments to the voters for a final decision. To place an initiative or referendum on the ballot, supporters must obtain a specified number of signatures from registered voters. The number required is determined by a fixed percentage of the votes cast for all candidates for governor at the general election proceeding the filing of the petition. Referrals may also appear on the ballot for general, primary, and special state elections. Referrals are statutory changes or constitutional amendments referred by state and local governments to the voters.