In California, putting a single initiative on the ballot costs $8-15 million. That's not democracy—that's a paywall.
Professional signature gathering firms charge $15+ per signature. With 546,651 signatures required per initiative, the math is devastating.
Cost to qualify ONE initiative using paid signature gatherers
Cost to qualify all 5 Movement For California initiatives
Increase in signature costs since 2018
Professional signature gathering costs over time
| Year | Cost Per Signature | Average Campaign Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $6.00 | ~$3 million |
| 2018 | $6.07 | $2.56 million |
| 2020 | $7.22 | $4.36 million |
| 2022 | $16.18 | $11.94 million |
| 2024 | $15.08 | $8.46 million |
"The ballot initiative was designed to give power to the people. Instead, it's become a $90 million toll booth that only the wealthy can afford to pass through."
Reform California proved it's possible. They collected 300,000 signatures in just 20 days using 14,000 volunteers—no corporate money required.
Reform California Voter ID Initiative, 2025
Signatures Collected
Days
Volunteers
Grassroots
Per initiative. Only corporations and billionaires can afford this.
Per initiative. 70-80% cost reduction with people power.
Every volunteer hour and every dollar donated is a vote against a system designed to keep ordinary people out of politics.
"Democracy shouldn't have a price tag. Help us prove that people power can beat corporate money."