Feud over Gas Tax Repeal Escalates as Proponents Claim Ballot Error

image
Created: 29 Oct, 2018
Updated: 17 Oct, 2022
2 min read

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. - The most contentious fight over a ballot proposition can often times be over the language of the proposition itself. Supporters and opponents won't be completely satisfied, and it can lead to the spread of misinformation and confusion among voters.

Take the gas tax repeal in California -- Proposition 6. The AP reported over the weekend that LA county residents received automated phone calls suggesting that there were errors in the proposal's language. This promoted local elections officials to quickly send out a mass alert to voters that the language was correct.

The AP report says it was part of an advertising blitz by proponents of Proposition 6 who take issue with the title and summary of the proposition:

ELIMINATES CERTAIN ROAD REPAIR AND TRANSPORTATION FUNDING. REQUIRES CERTAIN FUEL TAXES AND VEHICLE FEES BE APPROVED BY THE ELECTORATE. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.

Repeals a 2017 transportation law's taxes and fees designated for road repairs and public transportation. Fiscal Impact: Reduced ongoing revenues of $5.1 billion from state fuel and vehicle taxes that mainly would have paid for highway and road maintenance and repairs, as well as transit programs.

Proponents say this doesn't get across the message fast enough; namely, that this is a gas tax repeal.

Language of ballot measures are crafted by elected officials. So, it is not uncommon for Republicans to accuse the Democratic political majority of playing politics with the ballot language.

It becomes a fight over a Republican agenda versus a Democratic agenda, instead of focusing on giving voters the most accurate information to understand the proposal and cast an informed vote.

The battle over the language comes as some statewide polls show the initiative trailing among voters. The latest PPIC poll showed support at 41 percent. An exclusive survey published on IVN in early October showed support at 38% with 15.5% of voters undecided.

IVP Donate

California voters can vote on Proposition 6 -- aka the gas tax repeal -- now if they received a mail-in ballot from their county registrar or at an official polling location on November 6.

Latest articles

Stack of mail ballots.
New Report Finds Universal Vote at Home States Nearly Doubled Turnout in 2024 Primaries
The National Vote at Home Institute (NVAHI) released a new report Monday that states with Universal Vote at Home (VAH) saw nearly double the voter turnout in the 2024 primary elections compared to states that didn't offer it....
31 Mar, 2025
-
2 min read
Chicago skyline
Mayors of America's Largest Cities Embrace Ranked Choice Voting
Mayors of big cities across the country are coming out in support of ranked choice voting (RCV). RCV is currently used in 46 U.S. cities, including the most populous cities in seven states....
31 Mar, 2025
-
3 min read
Image of Washington DC with the US Capitol in the background.
This Isn't the Political Makeover Independent Voters Hoped to Get
Both parties have undergone radical transformations, leaving many Americans feeling politically homeless and eager for a new alternative....
31 Mar, 2025
-
2 min read