A belief question
How many voters should have to agree before a new local tax can pass?
A local tax is one that the voters of a city, county or district are asked to approve, whether local officials or voters themselves put it on the ballot. More than half is a simple majority. Two out of three is a higher bar.
The two sides
- At least two out of three
- More than half
Propositions linked to this belief
California ballot, November 3, 2026
Proposition 43: Limits Voters’ Ability to Raise Revenues for Local Government Services. Legislative Constitutional Amendment.The official text says a YES vote moves toward: At least two out of three.
The official summary says Proposition 43 increases the "percentage of votes needed to approve such ballot measures from a majority (over 50%) to two-thirds, beginning January 1, 2027."
Past propositions
Proposition 13, 1978 · Passed
Tax Limitation—Initiative Constitutional Amendment
Limited property taxes to 1% of a property's value, set 1975–76 assessed values as the base, required a two-thirds vote of the Legislature to raise state taxes, and allowed local governments to impose special taxes only with a two-thirds vote of local voters.
The official text said a YES vote moved toward: At least two out of three.
The official summary says Proposition 13 "Authorizes imposition of special taxes by local government (except on real property) by 2/3 vote of qualified electors."
California Ballot Pamphlet, Primary Election, June 6, 1978: Proposition 13, Official Title and Summary (UC Law SF California Ballot Propositions database)Proposition 218, 1996 · Passed
Voter Approval for Local Government Taxes. Limitations on Fees, Assessments, and Charges. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.
Required a majority of local voters to approve increases in general taxes, restated that two-thirds must approve special taxes, and limited local assessments, fees and charges.
The official summary says Proposition 218 "Requires majority of voters approve increases in general taxes and reiterates that two-thirds must approve special tax."
California Ballot Pamphlet, General Election, November 5, 1996: Proposition 218, Official Title and Summary (UC Law SF California Ballot Propositions database)