Californians 18 or older can vote for the state’s 10 Propositions on the upcoming ballot. If 55% of the population approves them, these propositions will become new laws in California.
Proposition 2: Proposition two will give $8.5 billion to California schools. Opponents argue that taxpayers will need to collectively pay this amount, while supporters argue that schools need this money to upgrade their campuses.
Proposition 3: Proposition three will rewrite laws to be more inclusive of same-sex marriages. Supporters say this proposition will just remove unnecessary language about same-sex marriage, but opponents argue it may override current laws in place.
Proposition 4: Proposition four will give $10 billion toward fighting climate change, funds will be gathered in the form of a bond. Opponents remind Californians that a bond will put the government in debt and taxpayers may indirectly pay for it. While supporters point out California’s wildfires, water pollution, and extreme heat, arguing this money will help mitigate these issues.
Proposition 5: Proposition five will make it easier for local governments to borrow money. With our current system, a local government needs a 66.6 percent majority vote to borrow money. Prop 5 will only require a 55 percent majority vote. Opponents argue that borrowing that much money will put local governments in debt, while supporters say it will make large infrastructure projects easier for local governments.
Proposition 6: Proposition six will reduce forced labor in prisons by shifting to voluntary labor instead, inmates can reduce their sentences by doing prison labor. Opponents say the current system promotes order and Prop 6 will remove that, and make prison logistics difficult and less orderly. While supporters argue the current system of forced labor is inhumane.
Proposition 32: Proposition thirty-two will increase the minimum wage from $16 to $18 per hour. Opponents argue that a survey commissioned by the City of West Hollywood suggests businesses will lay off staff or cut their hours in response to Prop 32. While supporters argue the cost of living is too high than the current minimum wage can sustain.
Proposition 33: Proposition thirty-three will give governments more control over rent prices. Supporters say this will help lower the cost of living because many Californians struggle to afford high rent. Opponents argue that this will decrease the number of houses built in California annually.
Proposition 34: Proposition thirty-four will allow pharmaceutical companies that serve low-income or at-risk patients to discount medicine. These Pharmaceutical companies can sell medicine at normal prices and make a profit, this profit funds the improvement of their services. Prop 34 will force companies to use 98% of their profit from this method toward patient care. Supporters say this will direct more funds into the American healthcare system. However, opponents point out this is unconstitutional and therefore unenforceable because both federal and state government constitutions prohibit singling out a single person or organization.
Proposition 35: Will put a fixed percent of tax money into Medi-Cal. Opponents say this will take away funding from California’s large future projects. While supporters argue that Prop 35 will help fund and improve Medi-Cal.
Proposition 36: Proposition 36 will make the penalty for theft and drug trafficking more severe. Supporters argue Prop 36 will help homelessness because drugs are the cause of a lot of homeless situations. Opponents argue Prop 36 will cost prisons too much money and point out that no studies support the idea that harsher sentences affect the number of offenses to the new law.
The voting deadline is election day, Nov. 5. After this date voters can not participate in the 2024 election. All ten propositions will be voted on and may change the laws of California.
