Initiatives & Referendums

This graphic depicts people lining up to vote.

Citizen-initiated ballot measures give Palo Alto residents the power to propose laws and charter amendments. Citizens may also refer a law to the ballot for voters to decide whether to uphold or repeal the law. Below is a simplified explanation of the process and is not intended to be a complete statement of the law governing ballot measures. Interested parties are advised to review with an attorney before proceeding.

Citizen-Initiated Ballot Measures

There are currently no Citizen-Initiated Ballot Measures for the next general municipal election.

How to Initiate a Ballot Measure as a Citizen of Palo Alto

Ballot Measures include both Initiatives and Referendums

Initiative

The initiative process allows citizens to directly propose and enact new laws and charter amendments. In order to be placed on a ballot for consideration by voters, an initiative petition must be submitted to the City Clerk and certified to have been signed by a specified number of qualified registered voters.

Please review our Initiative Petition Reference Guide for more information on how to start a petition.

Referendum

A referendum asks voters whether to approve or reject a law or regulation enacted by City Council. In order to be placed on a ballot for consideration by voters, a referendum petition must be submitted to the City Clerk and certified to have been signed by a specified number of qualified registered voters.

Please review our Referendum Petition Reference Guide for more information on how to start a petition.