Voter Information Guide (VIG)







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Ballot Measures Defined

Initiatives

Often referred to as “direct democracy,” the initiative process is the power of the people to place measures on the ballot. These measures can either create or change statutes (including general obligation bonds) and amend the California Constitution. If the initiative proposes to amend California statute, signatures of registered voters gathered must be equal in number to 5% of the votes cast for all candidates for Governor in the most recent gubernatorial election. If the initiative proposes to amend the California Constitution, signatures of registered voters gathered must be equal in number to 8% of the votes cast for all candidates for Governor in the most recent gubernatorial election. Initiatives must qualify for the ballot 131 days before a statewide election. An initiative requires a simple majority of the public’s vote to be enacted.





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