Direct democracy mechanisms in US elections, like ballot initiatives, aim for public engagement but raise questions about voter awareness. This paper examines how citizens' understanding of these measures impacts their voting behavior.

Ballot Measure Awareness: While voters claim to be aware when asked, studies reveal inconsistent knowledge and varying levels of attention across different demographics.

Measuring the Effect: The author explores whether current measurement techniques capture genuine awareness or reflect other factors influencing vote choice. This means policymakers need more accurate assessments before implementing direct democracy reforms.