What is the test for determining the intent of an initiative measure when the language in the ballot is ambiguous?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Stulting, E063670 (Cal. App. 2016):

the statute as a whole and the overall statutory scheme [in light of the electorate's intent]. [Citation.] When the language is ambiguous, "we refer to other indicia of the voters' intent, particularly the analyses and arguments contained in the official ballot pamphlet." [Citation.]' [Citation.] In other words, 'our primary purpose is to ascertain and effectuate the intent of the voters who passed the initiative measure.'" (People v. Briceno (2004) 34 Cal.4th 451, 459.)

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