In 2026, 164 statewide ballot measures were certified for the ballot in 40 states. The average FKGL for ballot titles, also known as ballot questions, was 17, which corresponds with a first-year graduate student. The average FRE for ballot titles was 18.
The ballot language for the 164 statewide ballot measures in 40 states in 2026 is written at an average reading level equivalent to 17 years of education, which corresponds to a first-year graduate student reading level. This is a decrease from 2025, when the average reached 21 years of education—the highest since Ballotpedia began tracking the data in 2017.
Ballotpedia's readability report offers insights into the educational level voters might need to comprehend statewide ballot measure titles and summaries.
