California might be taking a bold step toward independence, as a new initiative aims to put the idea of the state becoming its own country on the ballot. A proposal led by Marcus Evans, a resident of Fresno, has been cleared by the California Secretary of State’s Office to move forward.
To make it happen, supporters of this idea need to gather over 545,000 signatures from registered voters by July 22 in order for the measure to be considered on the 2028 ballot.
If it passes, this would not immediately change California’s status or its relationship with the U.S. Instead, it would create a commission of 20 members who would study whether California could actually break away and govern itself as a separate nation. Of course, this would still require a constitutional amendment and would need the approval of two-thirds of the states for it to go through.
The proposal also includes a “vote of no confidence” in the United States, although it would not alter California’s current government or its standing within the U.S. However, this new measure is clearly looking to make a statement, as it calls for the U.S. flag to be removed from all state buildings.
A recent poll by the Independent California Institute suggests that over 60% of Californians believe the state might be better off as its own nation in the next decade. It’s a conversation that’s definitely sparking curiosity, and we’re likely to hear a lot more about it as the campaign for signatures ramps up.
