California Voters Feel Overwhelmed by Ballot Measures

California voters often encounter a long list of statewide and local propositions on their ballots, with the upcoming November election featuring 14 statewide measures. This volume of direct democracy has led to a love-hate relationship among residents, according to LAist.

Why do Californians have so many ballot measures? California has a long history of direct democracy, dating back to the early 20th-century Progressive Era. The system was designed to allow citizens to directly influence policy and act as a check on political machines and corporate power. John Matsusaka, executive director of the Initiative and Referendum Institute at USC, notes that the belief in the right to bring issues before fellow citizens is “in the DNA of the state.”

How do voters feel about it? Surveys by the Public Policy Institute of California show mixed signals. While 77% of respondents recently felt there were too many measures and 89% found the wording confusing, a significant majority (79%) two years prior still saw propositions as a “good thing.” They also believed these measures address important public policy issues that the governor and legislature have not adequately handled.

Does it lead to good policy? Experts like Ed Lascher, a public policy professor emeritus at Cal State Sacramento, question whether the original intent of the Progressive Era reformers is still reflected in today's system, given the vast sums of money involved and the reliance on advertising. Historically, California has passed some controversial and later overturned initiatives, including those targeting minorities. Lascher points out that while most initiatives fail, those targeting minorities have often passed.

What is the impact on voter turnout? Despite the feeling of being overwhelmed, research suggests that ballot initiatives can actually increase voter turnout by about 3% to 8% compared to states without them. Matsusaka believes this boost comes from voters who are deeply invested in specific issues. However, Lascher's research indicates that voters in states with heavy initiative use often feel less trusting and efficacious, not more empowered.

The AKUSO take: While California's ballot initiative system empowers citizens, it also creates a complex voting experience. Knowing how to navigate these choices, perhaps with the help of non-partisan guides or even future AI tools, remains crucial for Angelenos.