SOLANO COUNTY, Calif. — California Forever is collecting signatures in an attempt to appear on Solano County's November 2024 ballot. They need just over 13,000 signatures from voters registered in Solano County to get to the ballot, but the process is already off to a rocky start.
A signature sheet for the "East Solano Homes, Jobs and Clean Energy Initiative" by California Forever has been making its way around Solano County and generating concern from some.
The Solano County Registrar of Voters Office says they've been receiving many reports of "voters being misinformed by circulators collecting signatures" and put out a statement Thursday to inform voters of their rights.
"The freedom to petition your government through the initiative process is central to our democracy," said spokesperson Tim Flanagan. "We strongly encourage voters to carefully read petitions before signing them to ensure they are acting on their convictions instead of misinformation."
California Forever said in a statement Friday that the hired signature gatherers are professionals who have done this job for many other statewide and local ballot initiatives.
"A small but vocal group of opponents are attempting to create confusion and prevent Solano County voters from deciding what future they want for themselves and their children. They will not succeed," said Matthew Rodriguez, initiative campaign. "We encourage everyone considering whether or not to sign our petition to read the fine print, ask questions and keep an open mind — and let the voters decide."
Please note there is only one approved ballot initiative going around collecting signatures in Solano County — the one asking voters to rezone 25,200 acres of Solano County agricultural land for a new community. Read what's on the signature page here. This is not a vote and would only lead to the initiative being put on the November ballot.
Anyone who signed the petition and wishes to revoke their signature can do so by filling out this form.
Here's the full California Forever proposed ballot initiative. See the entire redline document showing changes made between the amended plan posted Jan. 29 compared to the revised one posted Feb. 14 below.
WATCH MORE: California Forever in Solano County | Explained
