Ballot measures in U.S. elections

Some 155 measures, from the minute, to the extreme, were decided by U.S. voters in their November elections. Oklahoma voted upon whether that state should allow "sharia" law. In South Dakota they voted upon a ban upon smoking of cigarettes in restaurants and bars. In California they voted upon the legalization of small amounts of marijuana; (this measure did not pass, though it was originally expected to).
Several states had votes about climate change policy. In California, which had passed a few years ago, after considerable effort by such as former governor Schwarzenegger, very tough high standards about greenhouse-gas emissions, there was a proposition trying to reduce those standards. The effort to alter was being brought by some who felt that it unduly fettered employment in that state. Technically the alteration was to continue only until unemployment fell to a more acceptable level (5.5%).
Several states tested issues about taxes. Some tried to cap them; others to raise them. But, Washington had a decision of some historic significance. It is one of but seven states that has no income taxes - it relies mostly on just sales taxes. On one side of that issue is Bill Gates arguing in favour, while many others at Microsoft are arguing for the other . Some say that it will help state schools; others argue that though at the moment it only plans to tax the "rich" that soon it will ensnare almost every taxpayer.
A very positive measure was to be in California. (according to the Economist magazine of Oct. 23 which reported these issues). This related to the establishment of an independent commission to alter the gerrymandering of electoral districts. This is a rather obvious flaw within that state's constitution, which the legislators themselves have been unwilling to resolve.
Another important issue was to occur in California also. This was to alter the law there about supermajorities being required both to pass a budget and to raise taxes.
In many of the United States the citizens themselves certainly do get involved in what is gong on - clearly to good effect, and clearly a truer form of democracy!