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LWV CA Ed Fund LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF CALIFORNIA EDUCATION FUND
Nonpartisan Pros & Cons of

Proposition 219

BALLOT MEASURES. APPLICATION.

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Legislative Constitutional Amendment

THE QUESTION

Should ballot measures apply uniformly in all parts of the jurisdiction and should they be prohibited from changing their provisions on the basis of the approval of a specified percentage of voters in a jurisdiction?

THE SITUATION

Some recent ballot measures have specified different provisions depending on the percentages of votes they received in each jurisdiction.

State and local ballot measures usually apply uniformly to all areas within the state, county, or local community. However, in 1993 Proposition 172 proposed a sales tax increase for all counties, but funds would be distributed only to counties in which the measure passed by more than 50 percent. The measure also contained a provision enabling the boards of supervisors in counties where a majority opposed it to make a declaration of support and receive their funds.

A recent county measure proposed two alternatives to increase sales tax: If two-thirds of the voters approved it, funds would go to a specific purpose; if only a majority approved, funds would go into the general fund.

THE PROPOSAL

Proposition 219 would not permit state or local ballot measures to:

  • include or exclude a political subdivision from its provisions on the basis of a specified percentage of votes from that jurisdiction for or against the measure

  • contain alternate provisions that depend on the percentage of votes favoring the measure.

FISCAL EFFECT

Unknown.

SUPPORTERS SAY

  • Ballot measures should not be allowed to punish or reward part of a jurisdiction on the basis of their approval or rejection.

OPPONENTS SAY

  • Alternate proposals, dependent on whether a measure receives a majority vote or specified higher percentage, can save the cost of a second election.
(Analysis prepared by the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund.)

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Last updated: April 22, 1998
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