Proposal to split California into three states makes November ballot

The ballot measure does not address how to divide up the state’s extensive assets. That was before petition circulating intensified this past spring; vendors were told in March they would be paid $3 per signature – higher than numerous other proposals found on card tables set up outside stores and other public areas.

Will there soon be three Californias?

Schmidt’s worry is that Southern California would get left behind.

The new Northern California would include 40 counties, including Sacramento, San Jose and San Francisco as well as the state’s wine country and rural northern areas. Fresno County Republican Party Chairman Fred Vanderhoof understands why the idea is appealing to those frustrated with state government, says he doesn’t see a split happening, even if the voters approve. West Virginia was formed by seceding from a Confederate state over differences around slavery. According to the state’s constitution, the ballot initiative needs 365,880 signatures in order to qualify for the November ballot. Republicans won’t like the addition of four US senators – at least two of whom would likely be Democrats – which would dilute the built-in advantage their small-state strength now gives them in the upper chamber. Adding the initiative to the ballot would be the first step in a long process that would ultimately require approval from Congress.

The California Legislature would “provide for the division and transformation of California” within 12 months after Congress signed off.

“It will simply divide the state into smaller, more manageable populations”.

Amar also points to arguments made by scholars such as Michael Stokes Paulsen that a proper original textual reading of Article IV, Section 3, indicates that the clause’s second semi-colon presents “the distinct possibility- … that Article IV, Section 3 therefore prohibits the creation of new States exclusively from within the boundaries of existing ones”.

Silicon Valley venture capitalist and all-around busybody Ted Draper is back with another effort to chop up California into allegedly more manageable portions.

“Political representation of California’s diverse population and economies has rendered the state almost ungovernable”.

“That’s what we want out of California because we want political representations so we can conduct our own lives the way we want to”, Baird said.

How much money will he spend to pass it?

“This milestone is a testament to the energized spirit of Californians wanting to create a better future for themselves and their communities”, Citizens for Cal 3 spokesperson Peggy Grande said. And one of those states, based on past election results, could be won by a Republican. In 2012 and 2014, Draper tried – and failed – to get a question splitting up California into six states on the ballot.