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 and a narrow central coast strip retaining the name California. The plan proposes a central state made up of Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey and San Benito counties; a southern state consisting of Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Kern, Kings, Fresno, Tulare, Inyo, Madera and Mono counties; and the remaining 40 counties would be part of a northern state.

Even if voters approve the initiative an actual split would still require the approval of the state Legislature and Congress. Certification that the initiative has qualified for the ballot will come on June 28. What do you think, should California be split into three states? Call us at 866-893-5722 and let us know. 

With files from the Associated Press

Guest:

Loren Kaye, president of California Foundation of Commerce and Education, a public policy research think tank affiliated with the California Chamber of Commerce; he tweets