Proposition 43
Raise vote threshold for special tax measures
This would make it harder to impose or increase local taxes by raising the threshold for local citizen-driven special tax ballot initiatives to pass from a simple majority to two-thirds. The two-thirds threshold already applies to taxes proposed by local governments but not by individuals. The measure reflects a deal between state lawmakers and the anti-tax Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association to keep a more restrictive tax proposal off the ballot.
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Summary
Support
Anti-tax advocates have championed similar policies for years, arguing that special interest groups have exploited the simple majority threshold during low-turnout elections to pass special taxes.
Oppose
Opponents argue the measure would limit the ability to raise needed revenue for local services and make it easier for moneyed interests to block tax initiatives that the majority of voters support.
People and organizations
Support
- Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
- Reform California
Media endorsement: - Southern California News Group
Commentary
Campaign finance
Proposition committees raise money to support or oppose propositions. Outside groups can also raise and spend money independently to influence outcomes.
- Proposition committees
- Outside spending
- Difference to other side
Support
Oppose
Proposition committees
These committees are primarily formed to campaign for or against a proposition. They must identify donors who give $100 or more. There are no limits on how much donors can give. Below, we exclude donors whose contributions total less than $100.
Support
Oppose
Outside spending
Separate from proposition committees, outside groups can pay for ads, mailers and other efforts to influence voters. They can’t coordinate that spending with proposition committees. There is no limit on how much they can spend.
Support
Oppose
Ballot text
LIMITS VOTERS’ ABILITY TO RAISE REVENUES FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES. LEGISLATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT. Limits voters’ ability to pass voter-proposed local special taxes by increasing percentage of votes needed to approve such ballot measures from a majority (over 50%) to two-thirds, beginning January 1, 2027. Fiscal Impact: Possibility that local government tax revenues will not go up as much in the future due to a higher vote threshold for certain taxes.
Source: California Secretary of State
