Three-way split of California to be on Nov. ballot
The proposed boundaries of the three states. Photo from Cal3.com.
—California voters will cast their opinion on whether to split the Golden State into three states on the Nov. 6 ballot and if the majority approves, the U.S. Congress will decide the proposal’s fate. The proposal “Cal 3” will form three new states that would be North California, California and South California.
North California
Consist of 40 counties spanning from Santa Cruz to Oregon. Estimated population of 13.3 million people.
California
Consist of six counties including San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles areas. Estimated population of 12.3 million people.
South California
Consist of 12 counties including Fresno, San Diego, Orange County, Madera, and San Bernardino areas. Estimated population of 13.9 million people.
Tim Draper, who started the proposal and is a venture capitalist, proposed splitting California into six states but failed to make the ballot in 2012 and 2014. Draper has previously stated that his proposal will help bring better representation and focused governmental action on the regional level – these include taxes, infrastructure and school systems, according to reports. The Cal3.com website compares the initiative to other split states, such as the Carolinas, Virginias, and Dakotas.
The creation of three new states would change California’s electoral college’s number of votes. It would also bring the number of California Senate seats up from two to six, and the total number of Senators from 100 to 104.
