California ballot initiatives

California ballot initiatives are a process that allows residents to propose and vote directly on new laws or policy changes. Citizens can gather signatures to qualify a measure for the ballot, and if enough signatures are collected, the proposal is put before voters during elections. If the majority votes “yes,” the initiative becomes law. This system enables public input on important issues outside the traditional legislative process, fostering direct democracy. Initiatives can address a wide range of topics, from taxes to social policies, and require careful planning and grassroots effort to succeed.