U.S. News
‘Calexit’ Initiative: Californians May Vote on Leaving the U.S.
By Jake Beardslee · January 26, 2025
California Moves Closer to ‘Calexit’ Ballot Initiative
California voters may soon weigh in on a controversial proposal to secede from the United States, as the “Calexit” initiative cleared a critical hurdle this week. The California Secretary of State authorized supporters to gather signatures, aiming to place the measure on the 2028 ballot. Tim Mossholder / Pexels
The Path to Secession: Signature Collection and Ballot Requirements
The initiative, led by political activist Marcus Evans, needs over 500,000 signatures by July 22, 2025, to proceed. If successful, voters would decide whether California should secede from the United States. The ballot question mirrors the UK’s Brexit referendum: “Should California leave the United States and become a free and independent country?” Passage requires 50% voter turnout and a 55% majority. Matthias Zomer / Pexels
Analyzing Independence: Proposed Commission and its Mandates
A “yes” vote would establish a 20-member commission to analyze California’s economic, legal, and logistical readiness for independence, with findings published in 2028. Though the measure is symbolic—it would not dissolve California’s ties to the U.S.—it declares a “vote of no confidence” in federal leadership and mandates removing U.S. flags from state buildings. Markus Winkler / Pexels
Marcus Evans Revives ‘Calexit’ Amid Political Polarization
Evans, who championed a similar effort during Donald Trump’s 2016 presidency, claims heightened political polarization and Trump’s potential 2024 comeback strengthen their case. “We are better situated to make Calexit happen now than in 2016,” he told CBS News. The Trump White House / Wikimedia