CIR first came to the USA in South Dakota way back in 1898. Since then it has been adopted, in various forms, in no less than 24 states. The frequency of referendums varies a great deal between the states due mainly, it seems, to the fact that in some states the number of petitioners required is just too high. 

Possibly the next state to get CIR will be Texas. Certainly there is much support as the following survey reveals:

74% in favour, 12% against 14% undecided. There is no difference in support between men & women but there is greater support for CIR from ethnic minorities, Democrats, younger voters and poorer voters. For more information about Texas please see

Some states have gone decades without a single referendum whilst others, particularly California and Oregon, have regular and vigorous referendums on any number of matters. It is said in favour of CIR that voter turnout is higher in CIR states and that on occasions more votes have been cast for referendum issues than for the political candidates. Of course this isn't a consideration in Australia where compulsory voting applies.

Everything anyone could ever want to know about CIR in the USA can be found at the Initiative & Referendum Institute, University of Southern California. To find out more please see