According to CBS News, Secretary of State Shirley Weber announced that the initiative, presented by political activist Marcus Evans, should receive more than 500,000 signatures by the end of July. For approval, it is necessary that at least 50% of voters participate in the voting, and 55% voted "for".
It is noted that the state will have to create a 20-person commission that will study the possibility of California's existence as an independent state in 2027 and publish a report next year. In November 2028, the following question will be put on the ballot: "Should California secede from the United States and become a free and independent country?"
"If the issue is approved, the proposal will declare a "vote of no confidence in the United States of America," but it will not change the state government or its relations with the United States, and it will also require the removal of the US flag from all state buildings," the report says. "The measure will cost the state $10 million in expenses related to the election and the creation of a new commission, as well as $2 million in annual expenses for its work."
According to media reports, the population of California is almost 40 million people, and the gross regional product is 3.9 trillion dollars, which allows the state to enter the list of the largest economies in the world. 560 billion dollars of taxes are collected per year.