Which Way, L.A.?
Is California's Initiative Process Out of Control?
California voters are faced with 11 initiatives on next month's ballot, four supported by lone millionaires with their own ideas and interests.
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenCalifornia voters are faced with 11 initiatives on next month's ballot, four supported by lone millionaires with their own ideas and interests. But the initiative process was designed as direct democracy, to give ordinary voters a check on special interests or government actions they don't like. Has it become a system of making laws only for those who can afford it? Why do voters love it anyway? Is there any way it can be restored to its original purpose? On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, Obama and Romney on foreign policy with two weeks left to go.
Banner image: California Secretary of State's Facebook logo, encouraging state residents to register to vote.
In this episode
2 storiesIs California's Initiative Process Out of Control?
California's initiative process was designed 100 years ago by progressive Governor Hiram Johnson. The goal was protection of voters against the predatory practices of the so-called railroad barons, who controlled the legislature.
Read the story27 minThe Last Debate: Foreign Policy
The debates are over and it's on to the swing states in a presidential campaign that's almost over. Is last night's debate on foreign policy likely to make a difference?
Read the story24 min
