Cal 3

2017 proposal to split California into 3 states

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.

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

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

change

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.

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

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  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". Reuters. Los Angeles. Reuters. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved July 3, 2018.
  3. Romero, Dennis (September 1, 2017). "Proposal to Slice California Into 3 States Already Has Haters". LA Weekly. Archived from the original on July 18, 2018. 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". Los Angeles Times.
  5. Egelko, Bob (July 18, 2018). "Splitting up California: State Supreme Court takes initiative off ballot". San Francisco Chronicle.
  6. Skelley, Geoffrey (April 26, 2018). "California Dreamin': Carving the Golden State into Thirds". Sabato's Crystal Ball. University of Virginia Center for Politics.