Lee Hochberg of Oregon Public Television has the initiative story. In 24 states, gathering signatures has become as regular a part of the election process as kissing babies. Political workers hover outside malls and city squares, seeking signatures for ballot initiatives-proposed new laws generated outside of the legislature, that go to the election ballot if they generate enough popular support. As long ago as 1911, Oregon women used an initiative campaign to win the right of suffrage. Oregonians have approved some 90 initiatives to do things like raise cigarette taxes and legalize doctor-assisted suicide.
Voters seem to love the process.
I think it's very valuable for the individual voter who does not have an in with the legislature. But now has come a backlash, both in Oregon and other states. Lawmakers are trying to restrict the initiative process. Missouri's legislature shortened the circulation period for gathering signatures. Mississippi, Wyoming, North Dakota, and Maine passed laws restricting the right to pay signature gatherers.