Empowering Local Decisions: Proposition 5 and the Push for Majority Rule

In California, the state constitution currently requires a supermajority of two-thirds of the vote to pass local tax or bond measures, even when they are supported by a majority of voters. This undemocratic system gives disproportionate power to a minority, allowing them to block initiatives that the broader community supports. Proposition 5 on the November 5th ballot aims to address this issue by lowering the threshold to 55%, bringing local decision-making more in line with the will of the people.

Unlocking Community Investments with Proposition 5

Majority Rule for Local Bonds

Proposition 5 would apply to bond measures put on the ballot by cities, counties, or special districts to fund affordable housing, public infrastructure, and other critical community needs. This includes a broad range of projects, from water quality improvements and broadband expansion to street repairs and disaster recovery efforts. By lowering the threshold to 55%, the measure seeks to make it more feasible for local governments to secure funding for these essential initiatives, which are often hindered by the current two-thirds requirement.The 55% threshold, while still a high bar, represents a more realistic reflection of public opinion than the existing supermajority rule. In the past, this hurdle has proven too steep for many communities, leading them to forgo bond measures altogether and miss out on vital investments. Proposition 5 aims to empower local decision-making and ensure that the priorities of the majority are better represented.

Safeguarding Transparency and Accountability

Proposition 5 includes provisions to maintain public trust and oversight. Local governments would be required to provide voters with detailed information about the projects that would be funded by the bond measures, and they would also have to appoint citizen oversight committees to ensure the money is spent as promised. Annual financial and performance audits would further enhance transparency and accountability.Even with the lower threshold, garnering support from 55% of the electorate would still require local leaders to build broad-based community support and demonstrate the value of their proposed investments. Proposition 5 recognizes that public trust is essential for successful bond measures, and it seeks to strike a balance between making the process more accessible and maintaining robust oversight.

Addressing the Shortcomings of the Current System

The current two-thirds supermajority requirement has had significant consequences for California communities. Many local governments have been unable to secure the necessary votes to fund critical infrastructure, affordable housing, and other vital projects. This has led to a lack of investment in public facilities, with fire stations, water treatment plants, and other essential services often falling into disrepair or failing to keep pace with growing needs.Moreover, the high threshold has discouraged some local leaders from even attempting to put bond measures on the ballot, knowing they are unlikely to reach the supermajority threshold. This has deprived communities of the opportunity to have their voices heard and their priorities reflected in local decision-making.Proposition 5 aims to address these shortcomings by lowering the barrier to passing local bond measures, empowering communities to make the investments they deem necessary. While the 55% threshold is still a significant hurdle, it represents a more equitable and democratic approach to local taxation and spending decisions.

Lessons from Proposition 39 and School Bonds

In 2000, California voters passed Proposition 39, which lowered the supermajority requirement for school construction and renovation bonds to 55%. This change has had a mixed impact, with some school bond measures still failing to secure the necessary support, even with the lower threshold.However, the experience with Proposition 39 suggests that a 55% requirement can still be a meaningful step towards majority rule. According to the Legislative Analyst's Office, as many as 50% more local bond measures would have passed in recent elections if the threshold had been 55% instead of 66.7%.Proposition 5 builds on this precedent, applying a similar approach to a broader range of local bond measures. While it may not be a panacea, the measure represents a significant step towards empowering local communities and ensuring that their priorities are more accurately reflected in the decision-making process.