California counties are scrambling to prepare for the presidential primary in June, and a large number of ballot initiatives have increased the pressure.
Counties are in charge of administering the state’s elections, and this year that’s turning into a huge job. First, California’s unexpectedly important presidential primary is predicted to bring out lots of voters. Second, as many as 21 initiatives and referendums may qualify for the November ballot. And counties have to verify the signatures turned in to qualify them for the ballot.
“That volume alone is unprecedented," said Los Angeles County Clerk Dean Logan at a state Senate hearing on the cost of the upcoming election. "But the impact of checking the petitions, in parallel to administering the presidential primary, will put a strain on county resources.”
Changes to California’s initiative process moved most initiatives to general election ballots and extended the process. That means counties now receive many signatures just as they’re preparing for primaries.
Secretary of State Alex Padilla says the high number of initiatives could lead to a 200-page voter guide in the fall.