A ballot initiative is a process that allows citizens to propose legislation or constitutional amendments, which are then voted upon directly by the electorate. Typically, proponents collect a required number of signatures to qualify the initiative for a ballot. This mechanism empowers constituents to influence laws directly, bypassing the legislative body when necessary. Ballot initiatives can address diverse issues, from fiscal policies to social reform. However, they can also lead to challenges, such as misinformation campaigns and potential political manipulation, impacting the quality of democratic engagement.