San Francisco voters likely to approve billionaire-backed ballot measure

San Francisco voters appear poised to approve a ballot measure that would restrict their ability to place legislation directly onto the ballot, according to Mission Local.

The ballot measure has received nearly $14 million in funding, mostly from wealthy donors, and has been heavily promoted through mail, cellphone, and television advertisements.

This change would alter a right granted to San Francisco voters in 1898, which allowed them to directly propose legislation, a right that predates women's suffrage in California by 13 years.

The measure is part of a broader political trend in the city, where voters are expected to support a slate of policies favored by affluent donors, despite San Francisco's image as a progressive and countercultural city.

If the measure passes, it would represent a significant shift in local governance and reduce direct democratic participation by residents.