Tag

Ballot Measure

All articles tagged with #ballot measure

local-government1 day ago

SF Great Highway ballot bid collapses after deadline misses

San Francisco Supervisor Alan Wong failed to gather the four required signatures to place a ballot measure to reopen the Great Highway to cars on weekdays before the deadline; only Wong, Connie Chan, and Chyanne Chen signed, with other supervisors and insiders criticizing the late, opaque process. The measure would have allowed cars on weekdays and possibly weekends under undefined “exceptional circumstances,” while the park remained pedestrian- and bicycle-focused on weekends. The failure highlights political risk for Wong ahead of a June election and suggests future efforts may need broader, earlier community consultation.

politics1 day ago

Missouri Eyes Ballot to Phase Out Income Tax with Expanded Sales Tax

Gov. Mike Kehoe proposed placing a statewide ballot question to begin phasing out Missouri’s personal income tax within five years, funded by expanding the sales tax to cover digital and modern services (excluding agriculture, health care, and real estate). The move would require constitutional changes and legislative action, and faces opposition from Democrats who warn it could amount to a large tax increase even as Kehoe argues it would boost growth and provide local tax relief.

politics3 days ago

Thiel Donates $3 Million to Fight California Wealth Tax Proposal

Venture capitalist Peter Thiel donated $3 million to a California Business Roundtable political committee opposing a proposed wealth tax on billionaires, part of a broader push by Silicon Valley elites to defeat the measure ahead of the November ballot; the donation marks the first seven-figure contribution in the effort and more large gifts are expected.

politics4 months ago

California Supreme Court Rejects GOP Redistricting Challenges Amid Political Tensions

The California Supreme Court rejected a Republican challenge to a proposed redistricting measure, clearing the way for it to appear on the November ballot. The measure, part of California's response to gerrymandering concerns, was challenged by GOP plaintiffs arguing that the independent commission should control redistricting, but the court dismissed the lawsuit. This decision follows other legal setbacks for Republican efforts to block the measure, including a rejection of a similar petition last week.

politics5 months ago

Newsom Launches California Redistricting Campaign and Calls for Special Election

California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a campaign to ask voters to approve a new congressional map through a ballot measure, aiming to counteract potential gerrymandering by Republican-led states and to oppose Donald Trump. The measure involves disbanding the current independent redistricting commission for upcoming elections and returning map-drawing power to the commission after the next census, with the goal of helping Democrats gain more seats in the House. The campaign is politically charged, expensive, and controversial, with mixed public support and opposition from some reform advocates.

politics1 year ago

California Voters Reject $18 Minimum Wage Proposal

California voters narrowly rejected Proposition 32, a ballot measure to increase the state's minimum wage to $18 per hour by 2026, marking the first defeat of such a measure nationwide since 1996. With 92% of votes counted, 50.8% opposed the measure, citing concerns over increased costs for employers and potential job losses. The California Chamber of Commerce opposed the measure, emphasizing economic concerns. Despite this, California's current minimum wage remains among the highest in the U.S., with specific sectors like fast food and healthcare having even higher minimums.

politics1 year ago

Nebraska Voters Uphold 12-Week Abortion Ban in 2024 Election

Nebraska voters have approved a ballot measure to enshrine the state's current 12-week abortion ban in the constitution, with 55% support, while a competing measure to expand abortion access received 49% support. This decision marks a setback for reproductive rights advocates in the state. The measure needed a majority and at least 35% of total votes cast to pass, with the one receiving more votes being adopted if both cleared the threshold.

politics1 year ago

Arizona Voters Secure Abortion Rights in State Constitution

Arizona voters have passed Proposition 139, a constitutional amendment guaranteeing abortion access up to fetal viability, around 24 weeks, with exceptions for the health of the pregnant person. This measure overturns the state's previous 15-week abortion ban and is expected to lead to legal challenges against other existing abortion regulations. The amendment was supported by a significant campaign effort, gathering over 800,000 signatures and raising $32 million.

politics1 year ago

California Voters Approve Tough-on-Crime Proposition 36

California voters have approved Proposition 36, a ballot measure imposing stricter penalties for repeat theft and fentanyl-related crimes, reversing some aspects of the 2014 Proposition 47. The measure, supported by major retailers and law enforcement, allows for harsher sentences and introduces a treatment option for eligible drug offenders. It is expected to cost the state hundreds of millions annually, reducing funds for anti-recidivism programs. Opponents, including criminal justice reformists and unions, were significantly outspent in the campaign.

politics1 year ago

Missouri Voters Secure Abortion Rights with New Measure

Missouri voters have approved Amendment 3, a constitutional amendment protecting reproductive rights, including abortion and contraceptives, with 53% of the vote. This comes two years after Missouri banned abortion following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The amendment, backed by Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, faced opposition from Republican leaders and groups like Coalition Life. It is set to take effect in 30 days but may face legal challenges. The amendment prohibits government interference in reproductive health care and allows abortion bans post-fetal viability with exceptions.