WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- The Ballot Initiative Strategy Center said Friday it expected November turnout to surge as voters register their opinions on 163 ballot measures nationwide.
"In what is one of the most contentious presidential races in recent history, ballot initiatives are playing their part in attracting voters to the polls," said Kristina Wilfore, BISC's executive director. "They are likely to have a significant impact on turnout in the November election," she predicted.
Of the 163 measures on the ballot, 57 were put forward by citizen-petitioned signature drives and 106 were referred by state Legislatures, with California leading the pack with 16.
Rhode Island has 14 bonds, enough for second place, while Oklahoma is in third with nine referenda.
The group has published a preview of ballot measure in the 2004 election that can be found on the Internet at ballot.org.
