An initiative known as 'Calexit' has been legally authorized to collect signatures with the aim of allowing California to separate from the United States and become an independent country. A total of 546,651 signatures from current voters are required by July 22 of this year, representing 5% of the votes cast in the November 2022 elections.
If this number of signatures is reached, the question 'Should California leave the U.S. and become a free and independent country?' would be presented as an option in the future elections of November 2028. If 55% of voters support the secession, a commission would be formed to assess the feasibility of California becoming an independent country, with an estimated cost of $10 million.
The initiative specifies that although a possible affirmative vote of 55% would constitute a condemnation of the United States and an expression of California's will to become independent, it would not change the current government of California or its relationship with the country. California has already considered the possibility of separating from the United States in the past, due to its strong economy that competes with various countries, despite being just a state.
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles and the policies implemented by former President Donald Trump have generated discontent in California. Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has expressed his opposition to the current government. Shirley N. Weber, Secretary of State of California, announced the authorization to collect signatures so that California can become an independent country.
