Trojan horse initiative

From Ballotpedia

A Trojan horse initiative is an initiative intended to confuse voters by placing before them a ballot measure that sounds very similar to one of the other initiatives also appearing on the same ballot, but which in fact represents a weaker reform.

A true "Trojan Horse" initiative is one whose sponsors really are trying to confuse voters. However, since initiative sponsors never say "We are putting this measure on the ballot solely in order to confuse voters and to take some of the steam away from a competing measure we hope doesn't pass because of our Trojan Horse", the claim that a specific measure is, in fact, a Trojan Horse, is a subjective judgment.

Initiatives alleged to be examples of Trojan Horses

2008

• California Proposition 98 (2008) (says it is eminent domain reform, but also repeals rent control)
• California Proposition 99 (2008) (says it is eminent domain reform, but does very little to change existing law)
• California Proposition 93 (2008) (says it is pro-term limits but extends amount of time state legislators can stay in office)

2007

• Maine Question Five (2007)