Cal 3

Map of the three Californias     Northern California (NorCal)     California (Cal)     Southern California (SoCal)

Cal 3 (also called Proposition 9) is a halted 2018 voter initiative to split California into three states. It was introduced by Tim Draper.[1] If it passed, California would not be immediately split. The U.S. Congress would need to approve.

Supporters of the split said the state is too large to govern efficiently,[2] and those against said the split is a waste of time and resources.[3]

The initiative was taken off of the ballot in July 2018 by the Supreme Court of California.[4] Tim Draper called the decision "corrupt."[5]

Analysis

California is currently a stronghold for the Democratic Party. If the state were to split in three, Southern California could become a swing state.[6] Splitting the state would also create 4 more Senate seats. The Republicans would not want all those 4 extra seats to go to the Democrats.

All three potential states voted for the Democratic nominee in the 2016 presidential election.

Polls

Date(s)

conducted

Polling organization/client Sample size Margin of error Yes No Undecided
June 26–27, 2018 SurveyUSA 916 ± 3.6% 13% 75% 12%
April 19–23, 2018 SurveyUSA 916 ± 3.6% 17% 72% 10%

References

  1. "This is why Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tim Draper wants to break California into three". USA Today. 13 June 2018. Retrieved 2 July 2018.
  2. Whitcomb, Dan; Laila Kearney (February 20, 2014). Venture capitalist in bid to split California into six states. Los Angeles. https://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-usa-california-split-idUSBREA1J22W20140220. Retrieved July 3, 2018. 
  3. Romero, Dennis (September 1, 2017). Proposal to Slice California Into 3 States Already Has Haters. http://www.laweekly.com/news/proposal-to-split-california-into-three-states-faces-organized-opposition-8603180. Retrieved July 3, 2018. 
  4. Dolan, Maura (July 18, 2018). Measure to split California into three states removed from ballot by the state Supreme Court. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-three-state-court-20180718-story.html. 
  5. Egelko, Bob (July 18, 2018). Splitting up California: State Supreme Court takes initiative off ballot. https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Splitting-up-Calif-State-Supreme-Court-takes-13085880.php. 
  6. Skelley, Geoffrey (April 26, 2018). "California Dreamin': Carving the Golden State into Thirds". Sabato's Crystal Ball. University of Virginia Center for Politics.