Once again, big corporations and multimillionaire right wing extremists are attempting to corrupt the electoral process by promoting a shamelessly deceptive ballot measure.

Officially designated the “Stop Special Interest Money Now Act” and widely touted as the “Paycheck Protection Act,” Proposition 32 masquerades as campaign finance reform.

The measure bans direct contributions to California candidates by both corporations and labor unions, and prohibits both corporations and unions from using payroll deductions to collect “political funds.”

This apparently even-handed restriction is actually grossly discriminatory, since as the measure’s authors know full well, unions get almost all of their funds through payroll deductions, and businesses almost none.

Proposition 32 also contains enormous loopholes designed for the benefit of large corporations and the wealthy.

Many common organizational structures such as LLCs, partnerships and real estate trusts are exempt. If you’re a venture capitalist, land developer or law firm – exempt. Corporate executives – exempt. And as established by the infamous “Citizens United” decision, corporations and billionaires can still give unlimited political contributions to anonymous, unaccountable “Super PACs.”

This already sounds pretty bad, but it gets worse.

Proposition 32 also defines public employee unions as “government contractors,” and would forbid them from attempting to influence any government agency with which they have dealings.

That restriction would also cover political action committees established by any membership organization, or “any agency or employee representation committee or plan,” seeking stronger civil rights or environmental protections.

It’s no wonder the measure is actively opposed, not only by organized labor, but also by leading good-government groups such as Common Cause and the League of Women Voters.

If Proposition 32 passes it would effectively end organized labor’s ability to influence the political process in California, and cripple the ability of non-profits to protect the environment.

Please vote “no” on Proposition 32.

Victoria Brandon lives in Lower Lake, Calif.