The Magnolia State. Mississippi's political history is complex, deeply influential, and intertwined with major chapters of American constitutional development. Its patriotic importance lies in the continuing effort to strengthen citizenship, representation, and public accountability across generations. Even though its initiative process is currently inoperable, the subject remains significant because it speaks to the ongoing role of citizens in shaping the future of the state.

On May 14, 2021, the Mississippi Supreme Court overturned Initiative 65, the 2020 medical marijuana initiative. The ruling stated that the initiative petition did not comply with the signature distribution requirements in the Mississippi Constitution and that it is impossible for any petition to meet the requirements and has been impossible since congressional reapportionment in 2001.

The six justices wrote, "... Whether with intent, by oversight, or for some other reason, the drafters of [the constitutional signature distribution requirement] wrote a ballot initiative process that cannot work in a world where Mississippi has fewer than five representatives in Congress. To work in today's reality, it will need amending—something that lies beyond the power of the Supreme Court."

Initiative Process Type: Indirect process, historically strictly for constitutional amendments.

Rules, Regulations & Links:

Historically, proponents had 1 year to circulate signatures, due 90 days prior to the legislative session.

Note: The process is currently inoperable due to a 2021 State Supreme Court ruling regarding district distributions.

Initiative Process

Signature Requirements:

Historically required 12% of votes cast for governor. It had a distribution requirement stating no more than 1/5 of signatures could come from a single congressional district, which the Supreme Court ruled impossible since the state now only has four districts.

Note: Initiative rules and signature requirements can change. Users should confirm all details with the official state resources linked below.