Prop 65, the 1970’s Tax Revolt, and California’s long, influential ballot measures legacy

On this episode: The third installment of our Historical Ballot Measures Factbook series! A deep dive into the Golden State’s long and influential history with ballot measures. Former host and ballot measure expert Victoria Rose returns to help us explore how California became a national trendsetter in direct democracy—covering everything from Prop 65’s warning labels to the tax revolt sparked by Prop 13. We also break down why it’s gotten so expensive to qualify a measure for the ballot, how California voters repealed English-only instruction in schools, and what to expect from upcoming measures in 2025 and beyond. Plus, a few fun facts about chiropractic laws and the only advisory question in California history.

Guest(s): Victoria Rose Ballot Measures Staff Writer at Ballotpedia

Key Highlights

1. Since 1912, California voters have decided on more than 1,300 ballot propositions, making it one of the most active states for direct democracy in the U.S.
2. The 1978 approval of Proposition 13 launched a nationwide tax revolt and continues to shape state and local tax policy today.
3. Product warning labels across the country stem from Prop 65, a California measure passed in 1986 requiring disclosures about potentially harmful substances.
4. The average cost to qualify a citizen initiative in California has surged to $14.87 per signature, according to Ballotpedia’s analysis of signature-gathering costs in 2024.

On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

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