Unions and environmentalists push for California referendum reform
People sign petitions in Pasadena during a 2021 recall effort against Gov. California’s influential labor unions, government watchdogs and environmental advocates repeatedly accuse corporations of lying to voters in campaigns to reverse state laws and thwart the progressive Democratic agenda at the state Capitol. Assembly Bill 421 would establish new government oversight of signature collection, require more transparency about the groups funding referendum campaigns and mandate that at least 10% of petition signatures must be obtained by unpaid volunteers. The bill would also require paid signature gatherers to register with the California Secretary of State and disclose the ballot measure petitions they intend to present to voters, proponents said. He referenced a 1988 U.S. Supreme Court decision that found the circulation of petitions to be “core political speech” and called paid signature gathering “the most effective, fundamental, and perhaps economical means of achieving direct, one-on-one communication with voters.” Many states have added their own regulations to the process, such as California allowing people to ask if a signature gatherer is paid.
Corporations turn to ballot to combat California’s progressive agenda, raising alarms
Discover Related
California lawmaker announces ballot initiative campaign after voter ID bill fails
California lawmakers take steps to shield immigrants from Trump policies
California voters approve anti-crime ballot measure Prop. 36
Prop. 2, statewide bond measure to upgrade California schools, leads in early voting
Is Elon Musk breaking the law with his $1 million giveaways? Experts weigh in
California governor signs bills to bolster gun control
Court reinstates Arkansas ban of electronic signatures on voter registration forms
California is racing to combat deepfakes ahead of the election
Electronic voter registration limited in Arkansas
GOP targets a Biden executive order on voter registration ahead of the fall election
Secret negotiations heat up in Sacramento as budget, ballot deadlines loom