How many signatures are needed to put an initiative on the ballot in California?

The minimum number of signatures for an initiative petition is at least 8 percent (for an amendment to the state constitution) or 5 percent (for a statute) of the number of people who voted in the most recent election for governor.

How many signatures do you need for a petition?

You should collect more than 10 signatures to make sure that any issues with a signature or a signer’s voter registration status will not invalidate the petition.

What does a petition circulator do?

Petition circulators. (1) Existing law authorizes a person who is 18 years of age or older to circulate an initiative, referendum, or recall petition anywhere within the state.

What is the referendum process?

A referendum (plural: referendums or less commonly referenda) is a direct vote by the electorate on a particular proposal or issue. This is in contrast to an issue being voted on by a representative. It can have nationwide or local forms. This may result in the adoption of a new policy or specific law.

What is an initiative and how does it get on the CA ballot?

The ballot initiative process gives California citizens a way to propose laws and constitutional amendments without the support of the Governor or the Legislature. A simplified explanation of the initiative process follows. Write the text of the proposed law (initiative draft).

How many signatures should an initiative have?

The total number of signatures required for initiative statutes is 623,212.

What makes a petition legal?

They include a brief, clear statement of purpose, supporting facts, a request for action and signatures of citizens. Organizers should deliver them to the person, group, or department with the power to make the change that the public wants.

Can you petition on private property in California?

In 1979 the California Supreme Court said that the free speech provisions of the California constitution — which are more expansive than those of the federal constitution — protect “reasonably exercised” speech and petitioning activities in privately owned shopping centers. Pruneyard Shopping Center, 23 Cal.

How does a referendum start?

A referendum is only passed if it is approved by a majority of voters across the nation and a majority of voters in a majority of states—this is known as a double majority. Territory voters are only counted in the national majority. If a referendum is successful, the change is made to the Constitution.

Does California have a state constitution?

California State Constitutions California’s first constitution was approved in 1849 and was published in both English and Spanish. The Constitution was revised in 1879, and a new English version produced. View the Constitution of the State of California 1879 (PDF) as published in the California Statutes of 1880.

What important legislative powers does California’s Governor possess?

Duties. The governor has the power to veto bills from the California State Legislature. The legislature can override a veto by a two-thirds majority vote in both the state assembly and the state senate. The governor can veto particular items from an appropriations bill while leaving others intact.

How does the initiative process work in California?

The ballot initiative process gives California citizens a way to propose laws and constitutional amendments without the support of the Governor or the Legislature. A simplified explanation of the initiative process follows. Initiative petitions are circulated to collect enough signatures from registered voters.

What is an initiative petition?

The Initiative is the power of the People to directly propose and enact state laws and amendments to the California Constitution. In order to be placed on a statewide ballot for consideration by voters, an initiative petition must be presented to the Secretary of State, certified by local election officials…

What does it cost to file an initiative?

State law requires a proponent to furnish the Attorney General’s Office with the complete text of a proposed initiative measure for preparation of an official title and summary. The proposed measure must be submitted with required certifications, and a $2000 filing fee, which is refunded if the measure qualifies for an election ballot.

Where can I find information about local initiatives?

This guide is intended for statewide initiatives only. For information regarding the qualification of local initiatives, please contact your county elections official or city clerk. Please note: Since July 2011, initiative measures only appear on statewide general election ballots.