Proposition 208 proposes contribution limits and voluntary expenditure ceilings for candidates in state, local and legislative elections. The measure would not affect federal elections. Background Current state law limits campaign contributions for special elections only and no spending limits are in effect for state elections in California. Some local governments in California have imposed mandatory contribution limits and voluntary expenditure limits for local elective offices.
Federal law limits contributions for federal elective office.
In 1988, California voters passed two campaign finance reform initiatives, Propositions 68 and 73. Proposition 68 received fewer votes than Proposition 73 and was thus declared invalid, since the initiatives proposed conflicting reforms to the same area of law. Subsequently, the major provisions of Proposition 73 were struck down as violating the First Amendment. California consequently was left with little substantial campaign finance reform, despite strong voter support. Steady increases in spending on state campaigns and the failure of previous attempts at reform have prompted some citizens and organizations to try again.