(June 9, 2010) Californians yesterday voted on a series of five ballot initiatives in the primary election, passing two California Chamber of Commerce-supported measures.

With 100 percent of precincts reporting this morning Proposition 13, which promotes equity among taxpayers who reconstruct or improve structures to comply with local ordinances relating to seismic safety, passed 84.5 to 15.5 percent.

Voters also passed Proposition 14, 54 percent to 46 percent. Proposition 14 changes the primary election process for congressional, statewide and legislative races. The measure allows all voters to choose any candidate regardless of the candidate’s or voter’s political party preference. Finally, the proposition ensures that the two candidates receiving the greatest number of votes will appear on the general election ballot regardless of party preference.

CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg highlights the importance of the passage of Proposition 14, at a June 8 press conference called by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (left). Behind Zaremberg is Lieutenant Governor Abel Maldonado, author of the measure.

“The voters agree that the status quo is unacceptable,” Zaremberg said. “The decisions facing California today require a broad outlook and candidates who understand the connection between business-friendly policies, jobs and a strong economy. Proposition 14 will certainly help California to get more pro-jobs candidates to Sacramento. This measure is a victory for all Californians because it will ensure accountability to the electorate.” 

Zaremberg concluded by explaining that Proposition 14 will, “fix a big problem with the current elections process by making sure everyone’s vote counts in the November general election. In most legislative and congressional districts today, most people’s votes just don’t matter in the general election.” 

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a statement Tuesday night saying that he is “thrilled California voters have decided to make a historic change and give equal access to the same ballot for all by passing Proposition 14. This sends a clear message that Californians are tired of partisan gridlock and dysfunction and want a system where representatives put what's best for California ahead of extreme partisan doctrine.”

The Governor added that, “coupled with redistricting, Proposition 14 will change the political landscape in California — finally giving voters the power to truly hold politicians accountable.”

Californian’s rejected Proposition 15, 43 percent to 57 percent. The measure would have repealed the ban on public funding of political campaigns. More than 20 years ago, voters prohibited taxpayer funds from being given to politicians for their political campaigns. California voters have already rejected public campaign financing twice in the last 10 years.

Voters also failed to pass Proposition 16, which would have required two-thirds voter approval before local governments may use public funds, bonds or other indebtedness to start up electric delivery service, expand electric delivery service into a new territory or implement a community choice aggregation program. The measure failed, 47.5 percent to 52.5 percent.

Voters also rejected Proposition 17, 48 percent to 52 percent. Proposition 17 permits companies to reduce or increase cost of insurance depending on whether driver has a history of continuous insurance coverage. The measure would have aligned California with the vast majority of other states allowing insurers to offer this discount to all drivers who maintain ongoing auto insurance coverage. It would have also allowed consumers to access competitive or lower rates if an insured changes their insurer.

For more information about the CalChamber’s positions, visit www.calchamber.com/ballot.

The latest election results are available at the Secretary of State’s website at www.ss.ca.gov.