Benefits
Higher Voter Turnout
According to Caroline J. Tolbert and John A. Grummel of Kent State University and Daniel A. Smith of the University of Denver during the 1990s voter turnout was 7%-9% higher in midterm elections and 3% to 4.5% higher in presidential elections in states that have the initiative process over states that do not.
I&R Institute: The Effects of Ballot Initiatives on Voter Turnout in the American States.