In addition to candidates seeking to be nominated or elected for a variety of offices, there are often measures on the ballot. Some are local issues and others are state.
In 1965, Congress passed the Voting Rights Act (VRA) to break down barriers to voting. In order for minority language groups to be included and to effectively participate in the electoral process, the VRA requires certain states and counties to conduct elections in the languages protected by the VRA.
In 1972, I-276 was adopted which gave the public the right to know the financial affairs of candidates and elected officials in order to gauge whether a conflict may exist with government duties.