Are ballot measures getting less or more complicated?

On this episode: Our annual Ballot Measure Readability report explores the complexity of statewide ballot measure titles and summaries to determine the educational level voters might need to fully understand what they’re being asked to weigh in on. We use the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) and Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) scales to determine how accessible these texts are based on objective factors, such as the number of syllables, words, and sentences in a text (Note: These scores focus solely on language structure, NOT the complexity of the ideas themselves). 

For the 159 statewide ballot measures certified in 41 states for elections this fall, we found that the average FKGL was 16, which correlates with a bachelor's degree. The average FRE for ballot titles was 20, which also corresponds with college graduates. 

Is that a big deal?

Ballotpedia’s Ryan Byrne runs through a handful of example measures from around the country while unpacking how developing measures works in different states and recent legislation aimed at making measures easier to understand for the average American.

Check out the report to see the readability scores for measures in your state: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballot_measure_readability_scores,_2024 

Sign up for our Newsletters: https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia_Email_Updates 

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*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.