History
Alaska became the 20th state to adopt a statewide initiative process
when it became a state in 1959. However, the procedure does not
include the right to make appropriations or amend the state constitution.
In 1974 voters approved an initiative to relocate the state capitol.
Without an appropriation, this decision could be implemented only if the
legislature acted. Since the legislature failed to respond, voters passed
another initiative in 1978, this time requiring the state government to
determine the cost of relocation and stipulating that any bond issue to
finance that cost be subject to voter approval. The bond issue went to
the voters in 1980, but they rejected it, with the result that Juneau is still the
state capital, despite its great distance from the major population center,
Anchorage. However, there is a strong likelihood that Alaskans will once
again vote on an initiative to move the capitol in 2002.
In 1976 Alaskans passed an initiative to abolish one house of their
legislature and create a unicameral lawmaking body like Nebraska’s.
Unfortunately, a constitutional amendment was needed to accomplish
this change, and Alaska’s initiative procedure does not allow
amendments. Members of the legislature, not wishing to abolish their jobs,
predictably ignored the measure. They did pay heed, however, to an
initiative sponsored by the Libertarian Party to abolish the state personal
income tax. The initiative qualified for the November 1980 ballot but was
enacted by the legislature on September 25 of that year, thus making a
popular vote unnecessary.
Excerpted from the Initiative & Referendum Almanac by M. Dane Waters.