California Plans 2028 Ballot for Secession Vote

California is seeing a renewed push for secession, with a campaign now underway to place a 'Calexit' initiative on the 2028 ballot. This effort, backed by Secretary of State Shirley Weber, requires gathering 546,651 signatures by July 22, 2025, to qualify for the vote. The proposed ballot question asks voters if they believe California should leave the United States and become an independent country. If successful, a special commission would analyze the implications of such a decision, although legal experts note that actual secession is highly unlikely due to constitutional constraints. The movement has gained traction in response to perceived political threats, particularly following Donald Trump's election victory, with advocates asserting that it reflects a growing discontent among Californians. While this is not California's first attempt at independence, the current campaign is framed as a reaction to a broader national disconnection with the state’s progressive values.