Replies

In a special election held on October 10, 1911, California became the 10th state to adopt the initiative process. That year, Governor Hiram Johnson began his term by promising to give citizens a tool they could use to adopt laws and constitutional amendments without the support of the Governor or the Legislature. The new Legislature put a package of constitutional amendments on the ballot that placed more control of California politics directly into the hands of the people. This package included the ability to recall elected officials, the right to repeal laws by referendum, and the ability to enact state laws by initiative.

The initiative is the power of the people of California to propose statutes and to propose amendments to the California Constitution. (Cal. Const., art. II, § 8(a).) Generally, any matter that is a proper subject of legislation can become an initiative measure; however, no initiative measure addressing more than one subject area may be submitted to the voters or have any effect. (Cal. Const., art. II, §§ 8(d) and 12.) An initiative measure is placed on the ballot after its proponents successfully satisfy the requirements described in this guide.

For historical information regarding initiative measures, please refer to The History of California Initiatives, which is produced by the Secretary of State. For current information about initiative measures that are in circulation or have qualified for the next statewide ballot, please refer to our website at: www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_j.htm or contact the Elections Division at (916) 657-2166.