California Voters Express Frustration Over Length of November Ballot and Political Direction

A Public Policy Institute of California poll published on September 12 indicates that many Californians are frustrated with the length of the November ballot, which includes 14 statewide propositions. Mark Baldassare, the PPIC’s statewide survey director, noted that voters are feeling pessimistic about both the state and national direction. More than half of likely voters believe California is headed in the wrong direction, with 73% predicting economic difficulties in the coming year. Only 24% of likely voters think the nation is on the right track. President Trump has an approval rating of 27%, while Congress has a lower approval rating of 16%. Many voters lack confidence in both major political parties to address issues effectively. Nearly 80% of likely voters express frustration with the ballot's length, which includes various propositions and elections. Baldassare stated that this year features more propositions than in the past decade, leading to a consensus among voters across party lines that there are too many propositions to consider. The poll also highlights a proposal to tax billionaire assets, Proposition 40, which has a slim lead in support at 52%. However, competing measures, Propositions 41 and 42, could nullify the wealth tax if they receive more votes. Additionally, the voter ID measure is opposed by 55% of likely voters. In the gubernatorial race, 60% support Democrat Xavier Becerra, while 38% support Republican Steve Hilton. The poll surveyed 1,745 adult Californians from September 4 to September 10, with a margin of error of approximately 3 percentage points.