California Direct Democracy Archives

Penal Provisions of the California Elections Code: Direct Democracy

February 11, 2022 3:16 pmFebruary 11, 2022 1:29 pm

There are penal, or criminal, provisions of California’s Elections Code. These laws are provided in Division 18. Chapter 7 deals with Initiative, Referendum, and Recall. Article 1 deals with Improper Signature-Gathering Tactics. Section 18600 makes every person guilty of a...

Direct Democracy Provisions Found in Statutes

May 27, 2019 7:19 amMay 27, 2019 9:15 am

Here are some interesting provisions about the three forms of direct democracy in California that are found in state statutes (along with the relevant section): Initiatives and Referenda Division 9 deals with measures submitted to the voters and contains Sections...

California’s Constitution – Its Structure and Functions

February 22, 2019 6:01 amFebruary 22, 2019 6:14 am

California’s Constitution was first adopted in 1849, just prior to California becoming a state in 1850. The current constitution was ratified on May 7, 1879. It is the governing document for the State, similar to the U.S. Constitution is the...

The Mechanics of California’s Forms of Direct Democracy

January 21, 2019 8:07 amJanuary 21, 2019 8:08 am

California has three forms of direct democracy and they are set forth in Article 2 of the state constitution. The purpose of this article is to provide information on the initiative, referendum and recall processes used in this state. The...