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Polling data on this issue is sparse. However, the limited data shows strong
support for the use of nationwide initiatives. Averaging the
four polls, Citizens are 63.5% in favor
and 21.3% against Initiatives.
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In a 1987
Gallup poll (Craig,
p271), the following question
was asked of U.S. citizens: “Should we trust our elected
officials to make public decisions on all issues, or should the
voters have a direct say on some issues.” The responses were 76% in favor
vs. 18% opposed, and 6% unsure.
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The
Washington Post
(Merida)
reported a 1994 poll showing 64% of those interviewed
favored a national referendum.
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In a 1997
Gallop poll (Witherow), a group of U.S. citizens
were asked: “Would you favor a constitutional amendment, similar to the laws
which 23 states already have, that would permit the citizens of the
U.S. to place a proposed law on a national ballot by collecting a
specified number of signatures on a petition and have the law take
effect if approved by a majority of the nation’s voters?” The
results were 57% in favor vs. 25% opposed, and 18%
unsure.
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In
1999-2000 Portrait of America (POA) conducted a
telephone poll for the
Initiatives and
Referendum Institute. It showed that in only four States was
public support for initiatives and referendums less than 55
percent. In the 24 States with initiatives, support was 8
percent higher than in States without initiatives.
In
answer to the specific question "Should there be a similar
process where citizens can place laws on the ballot
nationwide?", the
response was 57% in favor vs. 21% against and
22% unsure, with a margin of error of ± 3%.
In view
of the public's deteriorating view of government, and in view of a growing
awareness of wealthy special interest
groups' influence since these polls, today's
results may be even stronger. On the other hand, wealthy special
interests' abuse of the
States' signature petition method of qualifying initiatives may
taint the public's view of this planned Amendment. Any survey of
support for this Amendment should make the difference clear—this
Plan's Assembly method of qualifying initiatives
cannot be influenced
by special interests.
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