11/9 Update: This initiative was soundly rejected by California voters, as were the governor's other propositions.
On November 8, California voters will go to the polls to vote on the “Union Paycheck Initiative” (Proposition 75). If passed, Proposition 75 will require public employee unions to secure the annual written consent of each member prior to using any portion of that member’s dues money or fees to support political campaigns.
It will also mandate that the unions keep a record of every member’s decision as to which political campaigns he or she is willing to support. If asked, the unions will be obligated to turn over those records to the Fair Political Practices Commission, the state government body that oversees campaign financing.
Proposition 75 is one of eight initiatives being voted on as part of the Special Election called by Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger earlier this year.
The Union Paycheck Initiative is backed by the California Republican Party, far-right anti-tax groups, large sections of big business in California, the US Chamber of Commerce, and most recently, Governor Schwarzenegger. Through an umbrella organization known as the Alliance for a Better California (ABC), the Democrats and the public employee unions are waging a $40 million media campaign against Proposition 75.
The most recent polls, which were released in mid-October, reported that an even percentage of voters, 46 percent, supported and opposed the measure.
Read More | Buy Blue: California Special Election Prop 75 Analysis | Photos: Protesting Arnold in Fresno