For example, new highway spending, municipal bond issuance and other stuff gets put on the ballot. Consent to take the life of a person who has committed capital crimes should be directly granted by the people. Advocates for the inmate can campaign for leniency but voters must vote assuming guilt since the inmate is already convicted. Lack of turnout or refusal to grant consent means the inmate gets life without parole.
There aren't enough executions for this to be an issue and a person's life shouldn't depend on legalist bureaucrats.
Also, a guilty verdict alone shouldn't be enough to put their name on that ballot. Overwhelming evidence needs to be present.