BOISE (Feb. 7, 2025) – The Democratic caucus has issued the following joint statement in response to SJR 101 passing out of committee today. If it becomes law, it would undermine the citizen-led ballot initiative process.
“Idaho’s ballot initiative is the only recourse our citizens have against an increasingly extremist, out-of-touch GOP-supermajority Legislature. Only 15 ballot initiatives have passed since 1936, and Idaho’s process is already among the most restrictive in the nation.
“We were thankful to see H85 fail 7-7 today in committee, which would have allowed the governor to veto any ballot initiative, but we urge voters to contact their lawmakers to oppose SJR101, which passed 5-3. That bill would make it nearly impossible to qualify initiatives for a ballot. Currently, the law requires valid signatures from 6% of voters in 18 legislative districts, but this amendment would increase the requirement to 6% of voters in all of Idaho’s 35 legislative districts, a barrier that is insurmountable for all practical purposes. This bill is a blatant attack on citizen participation and undermines direct democracy. It is an underhanded attempt to trick Idaho voters into giving up the fundamental rights that were recognized in 2021 by the Idaho Supreme Court.
“As Democrats, we will always work to protect your voting and ballot initiative rights, and will oppose the GOP-led onslaught of attacks on those rights.”