One of the most unique aspects of California’s political system is how every single California citizen can participate in a direct democracy. Through California State Propositions, citizens can directly influence laws and regulations, bypassing the need to rely solely on their representatives to vote in their favor. Ten different propositions are on the Nov. 5 ballot, an increase from the 2022 ballot which only had 7 measures — the fewest in over a century according to Cal Matters. Here are 5 of the most contentious propo- sitions on this year’s ballot.
Prop 2:
This proposition calls for $8.5 billion for K-12 schools and another $1.5 billion for community colleges for “repair, upgrade, and construction of facili- ties”, according to the California Voter Information Guide. Supporters of the proposition find the proposition necessary since funding for school repairs comes entirely from state and local bonds, rather than a constant inflow of funding like most other states. Furthermore, 38% of students don’t attend schools that meet California’s minimum safety standards, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. Opponents of the proposition point out how an increase of $10 billion in bond obligations means an estimated $18 billion increase for taxpayers to repay with the inclusion of interest.
Prop 5: Proposition 5 would lower the voter ap- proval threshold from 2⁄3 to 55% needed for new housing and public infrastructure to begin construc- tion. Propo- nents of Prop 5 believe thatthis law will empower local voters to ad- dress specific issues in their communities. Opponents believe that it will only increase property taxes and shift the financial bur- den from the state to local communities.
Prop 6:
This proposition wants to eliminate forced labor from California’s state constitution. Supporters of the proposition believe that subjecting prisoners to work long hours for minimal pay is inhumane. Those who oppose the proposition believe that recov- ering the severe budget deficit is a greater priority, and the increased pay for prison- ers would go against decreasing the budget.
Prop 32:
Proposition 32 would raise the minimum wage statewide to $17 an hour for the rest of 2024 and then to $18 an hour starting in January 2025 — an increase from the current $16 an hour. From 2027 onwards, the wage would be adjusted with inflation, similar to how the wage currently changes. Supporters believe that the increase in the minimum wage is necessary to help workers reach a livable wage, which is currently estimated to be an average of $27.32 according to the MIT Living Wage Calculator. Opponents to the propositionargue that employers and businesses will suffer from the increase making it harder for them to stay afloat.
Prop 36: Considered by experts to be one of the most contentious propositions, Proposition 36 will allow theft under $950 and possession of some drugs to be charged as a felony if the defendant has two prior convictions of a similar nature. Supporters believe that the proposition will help decrease crime. Opponents believe that Prop 36 will only lead to increased prison spending while cutting down on funding for prevention, treatments, and rehabilitation. The Nov. 5 ballot presents Californians with critical choices on issues like educa- tion funding, affordable housing, minimum wage, and criminal justice. California vot- ers have the unique opportunity to shape the state’s future.
Source: California Voter Guide