Citizens in Charge

In the “Initiative & Referendum Almanac”, the principle reference text for those of us in the world of initiative and referendum, the section on New Jersey history starts out noting that “It is ironic that New Jersey, the state where the national initiative and referendum movement originated, never adopted provisions for I&R.” It’s not only ironic, but sad, because like citizens in the other 25 states that don’t recognize initiative and referendum rights, New Jersey citizens could certainly use a process to affect their government at the ballot box.

If newly elected Gov. Chris Christie has anything to say about it, the irony will soon be over. In a recent interview with Millennium Radio New Jersey (fast forward to 36:25), the governor was asked about bringing the initiative process to the Garden State, and he was very supportive of expanding voting rights, saying

“I&R can be one of the things…that can reign in a government that has gone out of control and is dominated by one party or the other…I have always favored I&R…[Initiative and referendum] gives the people an opportunity for a voice.”

We think that bringing the ballot initiative process to New Jersey is a great idea, but like all great things, it will take time. Apparently the Governor realizes this too, because when asked if initiative and referendum is a possibility in his administration, he threw the challenge to the legislature, saying “I think you have to ask the legislature that…but I will guarantee you this, if an initiative and referendum bill comes to my desk, I will sign it.”