Process Available

Legislative Referendum

Elections Division

I&R Constitutional and Statutory Provisions

The Progressives and labor unions never won enactment of statewide initiative and referendum rights, and had to settle for a 1913 law granting such rights to residents of a few municipalities.

In the 2002 election cycle, one of the most controversial issues in Tennessee history was voted on through a statewide referendum.  By a large majority, the citizens adopted the creation of a statewide lottery system.

This state history is based on research found in David Schmidt's book, Citizen Lawmakers: The Ballot Initiative Revolution.