FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 28, 2025

Contact: SOS Press Office

sospress@sos.ca.gov

California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., Corrects Misinformation about Ballot Measure Processes and Encourages Civic Engagement

Sacramento, Calif. – California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., is addressing misinformation surrounding a ballot measure recently cleared for signature gathering and encouraging Californians to educate themselves about the initiative process and the measures currently in circulation.

On January 23, 2025, Secretary Weber announced the approval of a new ballot initiative for signature gathering, a routine step in California’s direct democracy process.

For statewide initiatives, the State Attorney General prepares the legal title and summary required on petitions. Once finalized, this language is sent to both the proponent and the Secretary of State, officially enabling the measure to proceed. Announcing these approvals is standard practice designed to promote transparency and encourage public awareness.

Information about California Initiative and Referendum Qualification Status as of January 23, 2025, can be found here https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-measures/initiative-and-referendum-status.

“It has come to my attention that misinformation is being circulated, falsely claiming that I am ‘organizing an effort for California to secede from the United States,’” stated Secretary Weber. “This is absolutely false. Such misinformation – whether intentional or not – is unacceptable, as it erodes trust in our democratic institutions. I urge everyone to turn to trusted sources like my office or their local elections office to verify information about ballot measures or any election-related matters.”

Secretary Weber emphasized that announcements of approved ballot measures are not endorsements but a legal requirement that supports transparency and civic engagement. 

“I encourage all Californians to educate themselves about the initiative process and to explore the measures currently in circulation. Participating in our state’s democracy is one of the most powerful ways we can all shape the future,” Weber added.

For more information about California’s statewide initiative processes and measures approved for signature gathering, visit the 2025 California Statewide Initiative Guide. 

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