Elections

Initiatives & Referenda

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Initiatives and referenda allow Nevada citizens to utilize a petition circulation process to propose new legislation, amend the Nevada Constitution or existing state statutes, or approve or disapprove of existing laws.  Initiatives are a device by which voters can enact or amend state and local laws, including the Nevada Constitution.  A referendum can only approve or disapprove a statute, resolution, or ordinance that was enacted by the State Legislature, Board of County Commissioners, or City Council.  Initiatives and referendums are both methods of involving voters directly in the legislative process of government.

This section includes information about the filing processes, filing dates, previous petitions, and a list of guides and resources.  The process and timelines are different depending on the type of petition and must be strictly complied with in order for the petition to succeed.

SIGNATURES NEEDED: Statewide petitions filed for the 2026 election cycle require 148,788 valid signatures from registered Nevada voters, including at least 37,197 signatures from each of the four Petition Districts in Nevada (see NRS 293.127563).  Petition Districts have the same geographic boundaries as Congressional Districts.  Click on the link below for detailed maps of all four Petition Districts in Nevada.

The 2017 Legislature approved Assembly Bill 45, which requires a person who intends to circulate a statewide initiative or referendum petition to provide certain information to the Secretary of State's office prior to collecting signatures.  The information required to be provided includes the name and signature of the person filing the petition, the names of up to three individuals who are authorized to withdraw or amend the petition, and the name of the Political Action Committee (PAC) formed to advocate for the passage of the petition.  This information must be submitted on a form at the same time a copy of the petition is filed with the Secretary of State's office.  Click on the link below to fill out and print a copy of the form prior to coming to the Secretary of State's office.

Notice of Intent to Circulate Statewide Initiative or Referendum Petition

Historical Information: