Measure Information

Measures, Initiatives, and Referendums

A ballot measure is proposed legislation submitted to voters for a direct decision. Measures that appear on the ballot on Election Day may be local, countywide, or statewide.

A measure can be placed on the ballot by a local jurisdiction, governing board, or by a petition signed by registered voters.

To learn more about measures, initiatives, and referendums visit the California Secretary of State’s website.

Arguments

A measure argument is a statement written in favor or against a measure.

Arguments in Favor or Against a Measure Members of a Governing Body, members on behalf of a Bona fide Association, and any voter eligible to vote on the measure can submit an argument signed by up to five people. Only one Argument In Favor and one Argument Against can be published. If more than one argument is received the precedence above will take priority. Each Argument may be up to 300 words.

Rebuttal Arguments A Rebuttal Argument is a statement which refutes the Argument in Favor or Argument Against. Rebuttal Arguments must be signed by the same authors of the original arguments unless the original signers of the arguments authorize others to sign the Rebuttal Arguments. Each Rebuttal Argument may be up to 250 words.