DCBOE review for subject matter; public meeting; 10-day challenge period in DC Superior Court.
Subject Restrictions
No fund appropriation; no violation of Home Rule Charter or Human Rights Act; no negating budget acts.
Distribution Rules
5% of registered voters in at least 5 of the 8 wards.
Circulator Rules
18+ (or 17 if 18 by election); DC resident or registered non-resident; no whiteout/corrections (2026 rule).
Ballot Title Process
Proponents submit Short Title (max 15 words) and Summary Statement (max 100 words); DCBOE drafts final version.
Notes: DC referendum process follows same signature and distribution requirements as the direct initiative. Subject to the same Home Rule Charter restrictions.
