Twenty-seven states use initiatives, referendums or both, according to the Initiative and Referendum Institute . Check the institute's map to see what your state offers. From the medicinal use of marijuana to school vouchers, the language of ballot measures can be confusing. Several sites can help you research referendums in your state. Project Vote Smart has compiled a list of ballot measures for each state.
Voters can read the text of the initiative and find links to sites of supporters and opponents.
Ballot Watch keeps track of more than 200 ballot measures. Scroll down to vital stats and click on your state to find links to its election site and voter guide. States with a large voting population tend to have Web sites dedicated to ballot measures. The California Voter Foundation and Washington's Secretary of State track ballot measures and inform the public. Despite the democratic principle behind initiatives and referendums, some people think the process is ripe for abuse from special interest groups.