Report Interest Group Influence in the California Initiative Process By Elisabeth R. Gerber Nov 1, 1998 Perhaps the most dramatic change in the California political system over the past two decades has been the increasing use of the initiative process. Between 1976 and 1996, Californians voted on 106 statewide ballot initiatives. Spending on initiative campaigns has grown commensurately, peaking in 1996 at an all-time high of $140 million. Many observers argue that the initiative process has been captured by wealthy economic interests able to "buy" favorable initiative legislation. This background paper presents evidence to the contrary. Despite their vast monetary resources, economic interests are generally unable to enlist the sympathy of a sufficiently large number of people to pass new laws through the initiative process. Economic groups more often and more successfully use their resources to oppose ballot measures and thereby maintain the status quo.
blog post Most California Voters Say “We Know Best” By Mark Baldassare May 25, 2022 A majority of likely voters believe that policy choices made through the citizens’ initiative process are probably better than those made by state lawmakers.
blog post Anxious California Voters Will Weigh In on Climate Policy this Fall By Mark Baldassare Jul 27, 2022 Amid widespread public concern about the effects of climate change, a November ballot measure would provide funding for programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by increasing the tax on personal income over $2 million.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Special Survey on Californians and the Initiative Process By Mark Baldassare Sep 29, 2005 Some findings of the current survey Californians think that initiatives (39%) should have more influence than the legislature (32%) or governor (18%) over state policy. Most residents (74%) feel that initiatives raise important issues that elected officials have not adequately addressed. Despite their loyalty, 63% of Californians think the initiative process needs either major (29%) or minor (34%) changes. Many residents believe that special interests have too much control over the initiative process (92%), find the ballot wording for initiatives complicated and confusing (77%), and think there are too many propositions on the state ballot (62%). Half of state residents say they have less confidence now than before Hurricane Katrina that the government can handle a major terrorist attack (51%) or a major California earthquake (54%). 62% of Californians think the nation is headed in the wrong direction. November Ballot Measures: Proposition 74 (teacher tenure), 43% yes, 47% no Proposition 76 (spending and funding limits), 26% yes, 63% no Proposition 77 (redistricting), 33% yes, 50% no Proposition 78 (prescription drug discounts), 43% yes, 38% no Proposition 79 (prescription drug discounts), 34% yes, 40% no This is the 59th PPIC Statewide Survey and the second in a series of three surveys focusing on Californians and the initiative process. This special survey series is funded by The James Irvine Foundation.
Statewide Survey PPIC Statewide Survey: Special Survey on Californians and the Initiative Process By Mark Baldassare Nov 30, 2005 Some findings of the current survey: Voters Are Angry 60% of California voters considered the special election a bad idea. 68% said things in California are generally going in the wrong direction. Only 17% of special election voters think they can trust elected officials to do what is right always or most the time. 78% of the special election voters think that the state government is run by a few big interests rather than for the benefit of all of the people. Majorities disapprove of the governor’s performance in office (56%) and the job performance of the state legislature as well (66%). An overwhelming majority (76%) disapprove of the way that the two branches of government are working together in making public policy. Voters support the idea of limiting initiatives to November general ballots (53%), requiring the governor to have the approval of the legislature before calling special elections on initiatives (54%), increasing public disclosure of funding sources for initiative campaigns and signature-gathering efforts (85%), and requiring televised debates on initiative measures (77%). This is the 61st PPIC Statewide Survey and the fourth in a series of surveys focusing on Californians and the initiative process, as well as state and national issues. This special survey series is funded by The James Irvine Foundation.
blog post Californians Want Referendum Reforms By Mark Baldassare Jun 7, 2023 While most Californians—including majorities across party lines--like the state’s referendum process, most believe it needs improvement and favor proposed reforms.
press release Electorate Divided, Disgruntled—But Confident About Local Government, Initiative Process Oct 9, 2012
