Fact Check: Is California planning to secede from the US?

Fact Check: Is California Planning to Secede from the US?

What We Know

A proposed initiative in California has entered circulation that would require a future vote on whether the state should become an independent country. According to the California Secretary of State, the initiative was cleared to begin collecting petition signatures on January 23, 2025. If the initiative gathers enough support, it will place a question on the November 2028 ballot asking voters if California should leave the United States and become a free and independent country. For the measure to pass, at least 50% of registered voters must participate, and 55% must vote "yes." However, even if passed, this measure would not immediately alter California's government or its relationship with the United States.

The initiative also proposes the creation of a commission to report on California's viability as an independent country, with estimated costs of around $10 million for election-related expenses and $2 million annually to operate the commission.

The movement for California's independence is not new. The political action committee Yes California has been advocating for the state's secession since 2015. Although their previous efforts, including a proposed 2019 ballot initiative, did not succeed, the group has continued to push for independence, citing political and cultural differences between California and the rest of the United States.

Analysis

The claim that California is planning to secede from the US is based on the recent initiative that has been cleared for signature collection. However, this does not equate to an official plan for secession. The initiative merely sets the stage for a potential public vote in 2028, which itself would not guarantee secession. The US Constitution does not provide a legal pathway for a state to unilaterally secede, and any attempt would require a constitutional amendment—a highly improbable scenario given the political complexities involved.

The reliability of sources discussing California's secession efforts varies. The California Secretary of State's office provides official and credible information regarding the initiative's status. In contrast, Yes California, while a legitimate organization, has a clear bias towards promoting secession, which may color their presentation of facts. Media outlets like CBS News and The Independent offer additional perspectives on the movement's traction and public perception but should be read with an understanding of their potential editorial biases.

Conclusion

The claim that California is planning to secede from the US is Partially True. While there is an initiative in circulation that could lead to a vote on California's independence, this does not constitute an official plan for secession. The initiative's success is uncertain, and even if passed, it would not immediately result in California's secession due to legal and constitutional barriers.

Sources

1. Proposed Initiative Enters Circulation: Requires Future Vote on Whether California Should Become Independent Country
2. Yes California - Wikipedia
3. California will put secession back on the map
4. California secession: The new plan to break up the state
5. Is California secession possible? Here's what the US Constitution says
6. Man behind 2028 "Calexit" bid says movement for independence is gaining traction
7. California secession proponents get green light to take initiative forward
8. Why California wants to leave US: Is California secession possible?