We’re launching a new resource series for grassroots nonprofit organizations working on democracy-enhancing civic engagement and civil rights projects at the state level.

The grassroots groups we serve do amazing work on the ground, but are often quite small and don’t necessarily have access to affordable experienced counsel.

These organizations are often asked to get in involved with ballot measure controversies in their states, but doing to exposes them to a number of legal risks, and their leaders may lack experience with ballot measures. Our ballot measure series is designed to help organizations understand the risks and regulatory burdens presented by different activities, and design programming they can execute safely and effectively.

We will provide instructions and a data input form and you’ll be asked to research various elements of the state ballot measure and campaign finance statutes as well as various requirements in the following topics:
- Whether citizen initiatives are permitted on your state and what rules govern them
- What the process is for legislatively referred constitutional amendments or legislation in your state
- Whether local governments (cities and counties) have ballot measures in your state
- What test your state uses to determine whether a communication is “in support of or opposition to” a ballot measure

NO SPECIFIC PRACTICE AREA REQUIRED
Although if you have experience with political law or campaign finance, we would be happy to have your contribution!