California Governor Signs Referendum Changes Amid Ballot Battles

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed legislation Friday to overhaul the state’s referendum process amid frustrations among Democrats that industry-supported ballot measures have blocked some high-profile environmental and labor laws.

The measure (A.B. 421) will require election officials to print a list of major donors supporting referendum campaigns in the informational pamphlets mailed to voters before an election. It will also change the wording of referendums on the ballot, which backers argue will clear up a process that can be confusing for voters.

Instead of asking voters to choose “yes” or “no” on a referendum, they will be ...