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A coalition of Nebraska petitioners who have had success with recent ballot measures officially launched a campaign Monday proposing a constitutional amendment aimed at protecting voter-approved laws.
The Respect Nebraska Voters petition proposes raising the legislative threshold required to amend or overturn voter-approved laws and applies the higher threshold to changes in the ballot initiative and referendum process.
Jo Giles, executive director of the Women’s Fund of Omaha and an official sponsor of the petition, said the amendment to the state constitution would protect voter-approved measures from potential restrictions or changes imposed by the Legislature.
“It makes sure that when Nebraskans approve a law, politicians cannot change it or overturn it unless at least a four-fifths of the state senators agree to do so,” Giles said. “And it protects the process itself. Our initiative requires the same four-fifths threshold to change elements of the ballot initiative and referendum process. And it prevents legislative actions that would restrict the process.”
Currently, the threshold required for the legislature to overturn or amend voter-approved laws is a two-thirds majority, or 33 senators.
Dawn Essink, a cosponsor of the ballot initiative, said it is a direct response to state lawmakers “undermining” laws approved by Nebraska voters.
“Ultimately, we wouldn't be here if lawmakers would just do what we want them to do: respect Nebraska voters,” Essink said. “So, we're taking this to the people, and I can tell you, qualifying anything for the ballot takes hard work. It's a team effort... Together we can do this.”
Organizers cited recent ballot measures, including ones approving paid sick leave, minimum wage increases, and medical marijuana, that Nebraska voters approved but have since faced legislative debate, modifications or delays in implementation.
The group officially filed language with the Nebraska Secretary of State’s office last November, beginning the process of qualifying for the November 2026 ballot.
To get the proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot, organizers must collect signatures from about 10% of Nebraska’s registered voters, including at least 5% of registered voters from 38 different counties, by the first week of July.