On August 1, a California Superior Court in Riverside County removed a local initiative from the ballot, on the grounds that the initiative (to ban red-light cameras) is a matter of statewide concern and cannot be the subject of a local initiative. The red-light cameras were installed by the city government of Murrieta. But on August 11, the State Appeals Court stayed the decision, so the ballot was then printed with the initiative.

On September 18 the State Appeals Court issued its opinion. It says it is not generally proper to remove initiatives from the ballot before they receive a vote, and clarified that the initiative belongs on the ballot. If the measure passes, then opponents can file a new lawsuit, on whether red-light cameras can ever be the subject of a local initiative in California. Serafin v The Superior Court of Riverside County, E056868.