Some states will ask voters to make it harder to pass constitutional amendments
Several U.S. states are considering ballot measures to increase the vote threshold required to pass constitutional amendments from a simple majority to 60%. Proponents argue this prevents frequent, easy changes, while critics claim it undermines democratic principles and minority representation.
Why it matters
These measures could fundamentally alter how citizens directly influence state laws and constitutional rights, potentially shifting power away from popular vote initiatives.
Voters in a handful of states will weigh in on ballot measures this year that could raise the thresholds needed to pass state constitutional amendments, making it significantly harder for voters to enact policy changes themselves.
Voting rights advocates warn these measures could stifle direct democracy and give minority views outsized power.
Kelly Hall — executive director of the Fairness Project, a nonprofit that backs ballot measures that promote social and economic justice — said severe limits on constitutional amendments have become a trend.
"The theme of 2026 is the battle over direct democracy availability itself," she told NPR. "This is a really powerful tool … and one of the most frequent topics that we will see voted on this November is, can voters continue to exercise that right meaningfully?"
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