2026 MIDTERM ELECTIONS | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3

California · Ballot measure · November 3, 2026

Proposition 45

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Statewide measures only. County, city, school-district and other local measures are not included, so this is not a complete personal ballot.

Modifies Environmental Review for Certain Projects.

Initiative statute · California (statewide) · Verified from official source

Official ballot information

From the California official election authority. Last verified 2026-10-17.

Official summary
Amends California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to expedite environmental review for certain projects (including most housing, transportation, water, and health projects) by setting deadlines to complete environmental review and resolve lawsuits challenging project approvals. Fiscal Impact: Initial costs for state and local governments, likely in the high tens of millions of dollars—potentially exceeding $100 million—annually, partly covered by fees. Uncertain, potentially more significant positive or negative longer-term fiscal effects.
A YES vote means
Certain public and private projects would be eligible for new project review and court challenge procedures. For example, new procedures would tighten time limits for environmental review and reduce the scope of what courts can consider when reviewing legal challenges.
A NO vote means
Public and private projects would continue to use existing project review and court challenge procedures.
Fiscal impact
Not listed in the source reviewed.
Official links
Official voter guide page
Full text of proposed law (PDF)
Legislative analyst's analysis

Ballot arguments

Short argument summaries printed in the official guide. They are submitted by the measure's proponents or opponents and are advocacy, not official findings.

In favor

The failing status quo is making California unaffordable. Prop. 45 fixes our broken system and lowers our high cost of living by cutting red tape to build housing, water, schools, hospitals, clean energy, and wildfire prevention faster—while maintaining California’s strong environmental protections. Vote YES for a more affordable California. YESonProp45.com

Argument summary submitted by proponents, as printed in the Official Voter Information Guide. Source

Against

PROPOSITION 45 LIMITS ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC REVIEW OF PROJECTS BUILT IN YOUR COMMUNITY. It guts The California Environmental Quality Act—flipping California law to protect corporate profits over public health and our air and water. Prop. 45 won’t lower your costs: its utility and corporate funders profit while taxpayers pay more. VOTE NO.

Argument summary submitted by opponents, as printed in the Official Voter Information Guide. Source

Official party recommendations

Democratic Party

Oppose

California Democratic Party (state level)

Official party source
Last checked 2026-10-17.

Republican Party

Support

California Republican Party (state level)

Official party source
Published 2026-04-29. Last checked 2026-10-17.

Official party recommendations are shown for information only. They are not the same as official ballot information, and Vote America does not endorse any measure or party.

Sources

Imported 2026-10-17T23:07:36Z. Provider: ca_sos.