The eighth and final initiative to appear on the special election ballot has now been certified by the Secretary of State.

That initiative asks voters to wade into the difficult issues surrounding energy policy. It would essentially return California to a fully regulated market, similar to the one that existed in the state up until the late 1990s. (Read the initiative here)

That means the stage is now set for a November 8th showdown, with three initiatives from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (budget/spending cap, teacher tenure, redistricting), two from Democrats and their allies (prescription drugs, energy), one from Republicans and their allies (public employee union dues for political contributions), one from drug companies (an alternative prescription drug plan), and one from social conservatives (waiting period/parental notification before a minor’s abortion).

Of course, the ballot could always feature measures placed there by the governor and the Legislature, such as alternatives to the budget and redistricting plans. The deadline for those kinds of measures is still a few weeks away.