Category Archives: direct democracy

“California tobacco bills spurred hardball political threats”

March 12, 2016, 2:35 pmcampaign finance, campaigns, direct democracyRick Hasen

Sacramento Bee: Tobacco industry lobbyists threatened to scuttle unrelated ballot initiatives if California lawmakers passed sweeping anti-smoking measures, health advocates said on Friday. While lawmakers said bills now on Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk to raise the tobacco-buying age to 21… Continue reading

“Governor Brown seeks urgent Supreme Court intervention regarding ballot measure”

February 26, 2016, 4:52 pmdirect democracyRick Hasen

At the lectern: The Supreme Court had just yesterday finished its review of one controversial ballot proposition, when another one landed on its docket today. Governor Jerry Brown is asking the Supreme Court to overturn a superior court order,… Continue reading

“November’s big ballot probably won’t be downsized by California’s new election law”

January 31, 2016, 5:34 pmdirect democracyRick Hasen

John Myers for the LAT: In a state where direct democracy is considered a birthright, activists have often bypassed legislators and asked voters to write laws at the ballot box. But one year after the enactment of what was hailed… Continue reading

“Ballot Manipulation”

January 12, 2016, 7:58 amcampaign finance, direct democracy, Supreme CourtRick Hasen

Joel Fox: The California Supreme Court decision to allow an advisory measure on the statewide ballot may appear to promote democracy. However, there is little doubt that the proposed ballot measure is another in a line of maneuvers by the… Continue reading

“Bloomberg Law: Advisory Measure Can be Placed on Ballot (Audio)”

January 11, 2016, 5:01 pmcampaign finance, direct democracy, Supreme CourtRick Hasen

Ken Gross and I talked to June Grasso of Bloomberg Law about Citizens United, and the anti-CU ballot measure likely headed to the CA ballot. Listen.

“How Democratic are Ballot Initiatives?”

January 6, 2016, 8:15 amcampaign finance, direct democracyRick Hasen

The Atlantic explores.

“‘Citizens United’ advisory measure can go on ballot, California high court says”

January 4, 2016, 8:29 pmcampaign finance, direct democracyRick Hasen

Maura Dolan reports for the LA Times.

Interview on @KCRW Which Way, LA? Talking CA Supreme Court Citizens United Ruling

January 4, 2016, 6:21 pmcampaign finance, direct democracyRick Hasen

Listen.

David Ettinger on Today’s Citizens United Ballot Measure Decision of CA Supreme Court

January 4, 2016, 1:45 pmcampaign finance, direct democracyRick Hasen

Read it here.

California Supreme Court, on 6-1 Vote, Allows Anti-Citizens United Measure to Go on the Ballot

January 4, 2016, 10:10 amcampaign finance, direct democracy, Supreme CourtRick Hasen

You can read the majority opinion, three concurring opinions, and dissenting opinions at this link. This is a purely advisory measure, which would advise the California legislature whether to support or oppose an amendment to “overturn” Citizens United. If… Continue reading

CA Supreme Court to Issue Opinion Monday on Anti-Citizens United Initiative

December 30, 2015, 10:34 amcampaign finance, direct democracyRick Hasen

Appellate guru David Ettinger explains.

“On gun control, Newsom seems to be following Bloomberg’s strategic lead”

November 23, 2015, 7:23 amcampaigns, direct democracyRick Hasen

Another California politician hitching his wagon to a potentially popular ballot measure.

“California’s ballot could be a blockbuster next November”

November 8, 2015, 7:05 pmdirect democracyRick Hasen

John Myers for the LAT: The list of measures is very much a work in progress. Most campaigns are still gathering voter signatures or waiting for their proposals to be vetted by state officials. But political strategists have identified at… Continue reading