California proposes ballot initiative to secede, sparking debate on state independence

By bellecarter // 2025-01-28

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A ballot initiative in California seeks to make the state a sovereign country, eligible for signature gathering.
If signatures are successful, the initiative will appear on the November 2028 ballot, requiring 50 percent voter turnout and a 55 percent majority in favor.
If passed, the measure would establish a commission to study California's independence, with an estimated $10 million for the election and commission formation and $2 million annually.
Secession is deemed unconstitutional according to the Supreme Court's 1869 ruling in Texas v. White and would require a constitutional amendment approved by two-thirds of Congress and 38 states.
Public response is mixed, with the initiative's proponents needing 546,651 valid signatures by July 22, potentially indicating its success or failure early on.

A California ballot initiative seeking to make the Golden State its own sovereign country has been filed and is now eligible for signature gathering. If successful, the measure could reshape the political landscape of the United States, as it would ask voters whether California should leave the Union and become a free and independent nation. The initiative, set to appear on the November 2028 ballot if it secures the necessary signatures, poses a straightforward question: "Should California leave the United States and become a free and independent country?" The proposal, which requires a 50 percent voter turnout and a 55 percent majority in favor to pass, would symbolize a significant vote of no confidence in the U.S. government. "The idea of California seceding might seem far-fetched, but it reflects a growing sentiment that the state's interests are diverging from those of the federal government," said Dr. Sarah Martinez, a political science professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). "This initiative is a litmus test for just how much the people of California value their autonomy." According to the initiative's language, if passed, it would not immediately alter California's existing governance or relationship with the United States. Instead, it would establish a commission to study the feasibility of California's independence, estimating initial costs of $10 million for the election and commission formation, with an additional $2 million annually for ongoing operations. The concept of secession has a complex history in the United States, most notably during the Civil War when several Southern states seceded from the Union. While the Supreme Court, in the 1869 case of Texas v. White, ruled that secession was unconstitutional, the California initiative highlights the enduring tension between states' rights and federal authority. "The U.S. Constitution does not provide a legal pathway for states to secede," explained John Thompson, a constitutional law expert at Stanford Law School. "If California were to gain independence, it would require a constitutional amendment, which would necessitate the approval of two-thirds of Congress and 38 states." This constitutional hurdle presents a significant obstacle, given the current political climate and the need for bipartisan support. "Passing such an amendment would be a monumental task, to say the least," Thompson added.

Public response and signature gathering

As the initiative moves forward, public reaction has been mixed. Supporters argue that California's economic and cultural contributions warrant greater autonomy, while opponents stress the importance of national unity and the potential economic and political instability of a split. The initiative's proponents have until July 22 to gather 546,651 valid signatures. This process will be closely monitored by election officials and could provide early indicators of the measure's potential success. "Secession is not an easy path, but this initiative allows the people of California to express their feelings on the matter," said Maria Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the initiative's supporters. "It's about giving voice to the aspirations of the state." As the California ballot initiative moves towards the 2028 election, it serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing debates about state autonomy and national unity within the United States. Whether it will gain enough traction to appear on the ballot and secure the necessary votes remains to be seen. However, the mere proposal of such a measure underscores the complex and evolving dynamics of American federalism and the enduring question of what it means to be a state within a nation. (Related: California in crisis: Mike Adams forecasts five paths to state collapse.) Head over to Secession.news to read more about states wanting to formally withdraw from the United States. Watch the video below that talks about Texas' predicament during former President Joe Biden on whether to secede or nullify. This video is from the New American channel on Brighteon.com.

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Public response and signature gathering

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