On Your November Ballot: Proposition 43 Would Require Two-Thirds Approval for Citizen-Proposed Local Special Taxes

August 5, 2026

California's Proposition 43 would amend the state constitution to require two-thirds voter approval for all local special taxes, including those proposed by citizen initiatives, starting January 2027. The measure originated from a last-minute compromise between legislative leaders and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, which agreed to withdraw a broader tax-limitation initiative in exchange for lawmakers placing this narrower version on the ballot. Currently, while government-proposed special taxes require two-thirds approval, court rulings have allowed citizen-initiated special taxes to pass with simple majority support.

Who is affected

California voters who will decide on local special taxes
Local communities seeking to fund affordable housing, public transit, libraries, parks, emergency response, and infrastructure
Taxpayers and homeowners
Public service and transportation advocates
Citizens exercising initiative power to propose local special taxes
Previously approved programs that received majority but not two-thirds support (healthcare, fire protection, open-space preservation)

What action is being taken

California voters are deciding on Proposition 43 in the November election
The California Democratic Party is opposing Prop 43 following a vote at its August 2 Summer Executive Board Meeting in San Diego

Why it matters

This measure fundamentally affects how local communities can raise revenue for public services by potentially making it significantly harder to pass special taxes. The two-thirds requirement could prevent locally supported initiatives from succeeding even when they have majority support, impacting funding for critical services like affordable housing, healthcare, fire protection, and public transportation. The debate reflects a broader tension between taxpayer protections and majority rule, with implications for local government financing and community-determined priorities across California.

What's next

If approved, the two-thirds voter approval requirement for all local special taxes, including citizen-initiated measures, would take effect beginning January 1, 2027.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint