California voters reject measure raising local tax approval threshold

California voters have defeated Proposition 43, a ballot measure that would have increased the approval threshold for local sales tax initiatives from a simple majority to a two-thirds majority, San José Spotlight reported.

As of November 10, 2026, 57.2% of statewide voters opposed the measure, while 42.8% supported it, according to San José Spotlight.

If passed, the proposition would have required a two-thirds majority vote for citizen initiatives involving sales taxes on real estate, utilities, and transit, potentially making it more difficult for local governments and agencies to secure funding.

Local government and transit leaders welcomed the measure's failure, citing concerns about its impact on funding sources amid already strained budgets, San José Spotlight noted.

Leah Toeniskoetter, president and CEO of the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce, confirmed her organization's opposition to the measure, emphasizing the importance of maintaining existing funding avenues.