California Voters Support Term Limit and Redistricting Changes According to New PPIC Poll: What These Early Numbers Really Mean

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Frank D. Russo

The Public Policy Institute of California released an extensive poll late last night that shows California "likely voters" and adult residents of the state as well support the term limit change that is being circulated by petition for the February 5, 2008 ballot and also support changing the redistricting process so that it is done by independent citizen panel.

While the numbers look good for both of these potential ballot measures, the election is off in the future and there are many variables that make any predictions about the ultimate outcome little more than educated guesses. Nevertheless, when interpreted with caution and in the context of what may take place in a campaign, there is reason for those proposing both of these changes to be heartened.

Legislative Term Limit Changes

As to term limits, 53% of likely voters said they would vote for the proposal that will likely be on the ballot and 41% would vote no, with a surprisingly small 6% who did not know how they would vote if the election were held today. This is in accord with other polling by both private and nonpartisan firms who have asked voters based on a similar description of the term limits change. Republican support appears to be slightly higher for the proposal than either Democrats or those not affiliated with either of the major parties.

Here is the question asked in this poll, which is based on the Title and Summary that the Attorney General has written: