Initiatives, referendums, and recalls

Residents of the City Louisville registered to vote have the right to:

• Initiate a proposed ordinance (Initiative Process)
• Refer to voters an ordinance adopted by City Council  (Referendum Process)
• Recall elected officials

Resources for an initiative process

Initiatives let voters suggest new laws in the form of ordinances. If the petitions have enough valid signatures, the Council will meet and either approve the ordinance as it is or send it to the voters of Louisville to decide.

• Resident initiative guidelines
• Initiative petition sample

Resources for a referendum process

Referendums give voters the power to challenge a decision made by the Council. If the petitions have enough valid signatures, the Council can either reconsider their decision or send it to the voters of Louisville to decide.

• Referendum summary and timeline
• Referendum petition sample

Resources for a recall process

Recalls let voters replace an elected official from their job. A recall cannot start during the first 6 months after the official takes office or within 90 days of an election for that same position.

• Recall summary and timeline
• Recall petition sample