It gives voters a stronger voice on issues, he says. Referendum, used less often, is a ballot measure that allows for final voter approval of a newly enacted law, by petition, from the Legislature. In both cases, the process enables the electorate a more direct, immediate say on public policy matters such as tax, campaign finance and tort reforms. The people used the forums to place ordinances and other issues on the agenda for discussion and a vote. In either case, the proposed amendment must be placed on the ballot for voter approval.
Opponents point to California to justify their disdain for the process.
Once a bill is given an official title and summary by the state Attorney General's Office and circulated, it can't be amended by anyone, including its proponents, for any reason, even if mistakes are found. Westen's organization is trying to pass a ballot initiative in 2000 that would build greater flexibility into the process. Dale Maharidge, a journalism professor at Stanford University, is. In his book The Coming White Minority, Maharidge examines how some propositions pander to peoples' xenophobic fears, especially those of wealthy whites over the age of 50 who comprise 42 percent of Californias electorate. The disadvantages outweigh the advantages.