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On June 13, 2005, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger called for a special statewide election for November 8, 2005.

The California Constitution gives the governor the power to call a special statewide election when an initiative has qualified for the ballot. Since 1911, 14 special statewide elections have been called in California with eight since the end of World War II, including the historic 2003 gubernatorial recall election.

In many ways, the procedures for special statewide elections are identical to those in regularly scheduled elections. By gathering the necessary signatures and meeting the qualifications and deadlines outlined by California law, individuals and organizations can place measures on the ballot. The Legislature can also put measures on the ballot.

California governors call a special statewide election by issuing a proclamation 148 days or more prior to Election Day; legislative approval is not necessary. Once the proclamation is declared, a series of deadlines arise for the special statewide election, including filing dates, ballot preparation and summary, voter registration, and legislature ballot submissions. October 24 is the last day to register to vote in the special statewide election.

For more information on special statewide elections, see "Special Elections in California" from the Institute of Governmental Studies University of California.

For more information on this special statewide election, see the California Secretary of State's Web site.