Ballot Initiatives
The LWVC actively campaigns for initiatives that strengthen our democracy and mobilizes to defeat measures that create barriers to the ballot. Read more about our current ballot initiative campaigns.
California Fair Elections Act (2026)
In February 2026, the League of Women Voters of California, California Clean Money Action Fund, and California Common Cause officially launched the campaign for the California Fair Elections Act, which will appear on the November 2026 ballot. This landmark measure will lift the ban on public campaign financing in California and help ensure that everyday Californians, not just wealthy special interests, have a meaningful voice in our elections.
For decades, the League has fought to reduce the undue influence of money in politics. The California Fair Elections Act represents one of the most significant opportunities in a generation to make our elections more transparent, more competitive, and more accountable to voters. By empowering small-dollar donors and reducing the influence of large special interests, this act ensures that our elected officials are accountable to the voters they represent, not just wealthy campaign contributors.
Public financing also opens the playing field to more candidates who reflect the full diversity of California. When Latino, Asian American, and Black Californians, who make up nearly two-thirds of our population, have candidates on the ballot who speak to their lives and concerns, they have more reason to engage and turn out to vote.
About this Ballot Initiative
This ballot measure was approved for the November 2, 2026 General Election.
LWVC RECOMMENDS:
California Fair Elections Act Fact Sheet
Our detailed fact sheet covers:
- Lifting the Ban: How the act removes the current prohibition on public financing of campaigns.
- Accountability: Strict taxpayer safeguards, spending limits, and transparency requirements.
- Empowering Voters: The impact of amplifying small-dollar donations to reduce the influence of large special interests.
Our Coalition
The California Clean Money Action Fund, California Common Cause, and the League of Women Voters of California chair the new ballot measure committee, Californians for Fair Elections.
Stop the Voter ID Restriction Initiative (2026)
On March 2, 2026, the League of Women Voters of California joined a broad coalition of civil rights and community organizations to launch a campaign to defeat a dangerous voter ID initiative. If passed, this measure would impose sweeping new restrictions on how every Californian casts their ballot, targeting communities that already face significant obstacles to voting.
This initiative is not about election security—California’s elections are already among the most secure in the nation, with rigorous verification at every stage. Instead, this measure attempts to import federal-level election lies and intimidation tactics into our state. It seeks to erect bureaucratic barriers that would disproportionately harm voters with disabilities, naturalized citizens, and underrepresented communities, while making voting harder for the millions of Californians who prefer to vote by mail.
About this Ballot Initiative
This ballot measure is expected to qualify for the November 2, 2026 General Election.
LWVC RECOMMENDS:
Our Coalition
The League is proud to stand with the following partners in a growing campaign committee to defeat this measure:
- ACLU of Northern California & Southern California
- California Common Cause
- Asian Law Caucus
- California Donor Table
- Disability Rights California
- Black Power Network
- CHIRLA
- Vote Riders