California’s Initiative Process: Chaos & Creative Causes

California finds itself in the worst fiscal shape of its entire 159 year history and its citizens are taking notice.  With a steady stream of businesses leaving the tax-riddled state, some citizens are turning to the statewide initiative process to put certain issues directly before the voters.

With deadlines looming, more than 50 proposals have been cleared to begin gathering signatures in hope of making it to the November ballot.

Proponents of these petitions have 150 days to gather the 430,000 signatures necessary for statutory changes, and nearly 700,000 signatures for constitutional amendments.

Proposals range from banning divorce and guaranteeing Christmas carols in schools to more serious proposals such as the Citizen Power Campaign, which aims to “Unplug the Political Machine” in California.  Their ballot measure, which is a constitutional amendment, would make “illegal the use of public employee wage deductions for political activities.”

Dawn Wildman, spokeswoman for the Citizen Power Campaign, said “in order for the voters to have the same accessibility to representation that the special interests currently enjoy, we have to level the playing field by making sure everyone must go through the same process to get contributions for their causes.  This initiative puts the citizens back in control of their contributions and hopefully gives us more voice within our state government.”

Another proposal being co-chaired by Chris McKenzie, the executive director of the League of California Cities, is one that would block the state from tapping into local government and transit funds to balance the state budget.

Less than half (24) of the states in the U.S. have an initiative process like California’s, and it seems it will be put to good use.  Anywhere from 10-20 of the ballot measures are expected to qualify, which will give California voters a lot to think about come November.

Kim Alexander, President of the nonpartisan California Voter Foundation, said a crowded ballot can cause challenges for communicating to voters the implications of the various initiatives.

So it is up to us as Californians in this dire time to do our research and not just rely on a political party to vote one way or the other; but to do what is in the best interest for our state.  We are fortunate to have this control over our legislature, so let’s not let it go to waste.  Initiatives like the Citizen Power Campaign are what California needs.

Take the time to learn about the causes that are trying to qualify for the ballot in November; and don’t just vote for what you believe in – join a movement and get involved.  Our state needs you.

You can join the Citizen Power Campaign here, become a fan on Facebook here, or follow them on Twitter here.

Allan…

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