Citizens in Charge

As state Democrat Party leaders push yet again to restrict California voters’ access to their state ballot, a new poll finds the public wary of legislative action. According to the L.A. Times:

A June poll conducted by good-government groups found that although voters support bids for more transparency in the initiative process…they strongly oppose those that would give the Legislature more power.

Voters also like the state’s protection of voter-enacted statutes (something Missouri activists would like to see in their state):

Only 37% liked the idea of giving lawmakers the authority to amend an initiative after it has passed, even if the measure’s proponent agrees.

And as always, those who have affected public policy through the process continue to support it:

Marc Klaas, whose daughter’s abduction and murder helped fuel the “three-strikes” initiative in 1994, said citizen lawmaking is a critical check on unresponsive legislators.

“The initiative process … exists so the people of California can have the kinds of laws they want,” he said.

As for the restrictions now on the governor’s desk, Jon Coupal of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association hits the nail on the head:

The long-term agenda is to neuter direct democracy in California under the guise of reforming the system.