Election 2024: California 10 ballot measures explained

Besides helping decide who will be America’s next Commander-in-Chief, Californians will also vote on numerous propositions in the Nov. 5 General Election.

Here’s what you need to know:

Ballot Measures

Prop 2: Proposition 2 would provide $10 billion for repairs, upgrades and construction for public schools, community colleges and career technical education programs. The money would be distributed through matching grants.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and the California Federation of Teachers are among those who support the measure. Assemblyman Bill Essayli ( R-Corona) and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association are among those who oppose the proposition.

Prop 3: This constitutional amendment would amend the state’s constitution to recognize the fundamental right to marry, regardless of sex or race. The amendment also seeks to remove language from Prop. 8, which voters passed in 2008, that says marriage is only between a man and a woman.

Prop 4: The proposition would allow the state to borrow $10 billion for water and wildfire prevention programs and to protect communities and lands.

Prop 5 : Proposition 5 would make It easier for local governments to borrow money for affordable housing and some infrastructure projects.

Prop 6: This constitutional amendment would end indentured servitude in state prisons. The California Black Legislative Caucus included the proposal in its reparation agenda, according to Cal Matters.

Prop: 32 : This initiative would immediately raise the statewide minimum wage from $16 to $17 and again to $18 in 2025 for employers with 26 or more employees. Businesses with less than 26 employees will be required to implement the $17 increase in 2025 and the $18 increase in 2026.

Prop 33: Proposition 33 would roll back the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act of 1995, which limits a local government’s ability to cap rents on newer properties and single-family homes.

A “yes” vote on Prop. 33 would mean cities and counties can control rents for any housing and limit how much a landlord may increase rents when a new renter moves in. California voters have already rejected two similar proposals in the past.

Prop 34 : This proposition would require select providers to spend 98% of revenues from federal discount prescription drug programs on direct patient care.

Prop 35: Proposition 35 seeks to permanently support the state’s healthcare system, especially the Medi-Cal program. The measure would also make a tax on health insurance providers, also known as managed care organizations, permanent.

Revenue from these programs would be used to increase Medi-Cal programs.

The California Democratic and Republican parties support the measure, as do several organizations, especially those in the medical field. Newsom has indicated that he would oppose it, even though no official opposition group has been registered so far.

Newsom argues that restricting tax revenue spending would “hamstring future legislators and governors’ ability to balance the state budget,” Cal Matters reported.

Prop 36: This ballot proposition would also create a new treatment-focused court process for some drug possession crimes, and require courts to warn people convicted of selling or providing illegal drugs to others that they can be charged with murder if they provide drugs to someone who later dies, according to the state’s Legislative Analyst Office.

A “yes” vote on Prop. 36 would roll back provisions of Prop. 47, a voter-approved initiative that reduced some felonies to misdemeanors and set a $950 threshold for shoplifting charges.

More information about all the 2024 California ballot propositions can be found here.

More information on California’s voting registration process can be found here.

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