March 3, 2015 ballot measures in California

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March 3 was the third date in 2015 for local ballot measure elections in California.

There were multiple high-profile and contentious measures decided in this election. Three local measures concerned energy and the environment — two about oil production and fracking in Hermosa Beach and La Habra Heights and one concerning the removal of an electricity plant and waterfront development in Redondo Beach. Measure O in Hermosa Beach was defeated, with more than seven out of 10 voters refusing to allow a fracking operation in city limits. Measure A in La Habra Heights, which proposed a ban on all fracking and new oil and gas extraction operations, was also defeated. Measure B in Redondo Beach was narrowly defeated by a margin of just under 5 percent.

Two measures approved in the city of Los Angeles were designed to change the election dates for the city council and the school district board to coincide with federal and state elections in even-numbered years by 2020. Supporters of this change said it would drastically increase voter turnout for city elections, while opponents said the city issues and candidates would get lost among the hype of state and federal races. Some also complained that the move would bury local campaigns among well-funded state and federal campaigns, making them more expensive and preventing well-informed local voters.

Elections in Los Angeles were especially notable and contentious in 2015 as the school district was facing a number of issues, including a superintendent resignation, a federal grand jury investigation and divisive contract negotiations with United Teachers Los Angeles. While LA voters were deciding the fate of election dates for the city and the school district, they also decided seven city council primary races and four school board primary races for the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest school district in the country.

Other measures sought to authorize taxes, impose term limits or make some administration of government change in various cities and districts. This election featured a total of 14 measures. Nine were approved, and five were defeated.

Local ballot measures

Legend
a = This measure was approved. d = This measure was defeated. = Results are not yet available or are currently too close to call. = This measure did not go on the ballot.