Where possible, use state ballot initiatives or referenda to protect habitats (e.g. state constitutional amendments for environmental rights) and support grassroots habitat projects.
Build local and state pathways to protect habitat when federal processes stall or land-use decisions are local. Use ballot measures where they’re feasible and pair them with practical grassroots projects that protect or restore habitat on the ground. This complements federal rulemaking by creating durable, locally owned protections.
Why this works
- Direct democratic action can bypass partisan legislatures; empowers local communities to act.
American Civil Liberties Union
AdvocacyDefending civil liberties and individual rights in the United States
Mechanism
About Ballot MeasuresHow American Civil Liberties Union uses funding
- Draft and file ballot language under state rules, including early legal review.
- Gather signatures with cushion and plan for verification and challenges.
- Build a coalition and run a persuasion campaign through Election Day.
- Support implementation and defense after the vote so results materialize.
- Run grassroots habitat projects (coalitions, local funding efforts, land protection) that produce tangible wins.
Milestones
Checkpoints and the expected timing for each step
- 1
Feasibility + language drafted
0–60 daysJurisdiction and language are selected with a complete compliance plan.
- 2
Qualification operations launched
2–6 monthsSignature collection and verification strategy is active with progress tracking.
- 3
Election campaign executed
Through Election DayCoalition outreach and persuasion operations run to plan.
- 4
Implementation + defense
Post-electionThe win is implemented and defended against dilution.