An initiative that seeks to split California into three states is projected to qualify for the state's November ballot.
California Secretary of State Alex Padilla said late Tuesday the initiative needed 365,880 valid petition signatures to qualify and random sampling projects a number of valid signatures greater than 110 percent of the requirement.
The latest proposal for splitting up the Golden State is promoted by Silicon Valley venture capitalist Timothy Draper. It would create the states of Northern California, Southern California, which includes much of of the Central Valley and San Diego, and a coastal strip that includes Los Angeles and retains the name California.
Even if voters approve the initiative, an actual split would still require the approval of the state Legislature and Congress. The proposal, called Cal 3, would require the Governor to ask Congress to divide the state into three states and increase the number of U.S. Senate from 100 senators to 104.
Certification that the initiative has qualified for the ballot will come on June 28.