In August 2022, a statewide referendum in Kansas saw citizens overwhelmingly reject a plan to insert anti-abortion language into the state’s constitution. It comes as a slew of similar votes on abortion rights are planned in the coming months – putting the issue directly to the people after the Supreme Court struck down the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling.
But are referendums and citizens initiatives good for democracy? It may seem like an odd question to pose, especially at a time when many feel democracy is imperiled both in the U.S. and around the world.
