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California Counts

 

A collaboration between Capital Public Radio, KQED, KPCC and KPBS to cover the 2016 elections in California.

Series and Project Archive

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Time To Cram: California's 17 Ballot Measure Propositions Explained

Monday, October 3, 2016 | Sacramento, CA

Election Day is still weeks away on Nov. 8, but mail-in ballots will soon be finding their way to homes across California. It's time to study up.

There's a lot on the ballot, not least of all the 17 statewide ballot measures certified by the California Secretary of State’s Office. You'll be voting on a range of issues, including legalizing marijuana, the death penalty, prescription drug costs, taxes and much more.

To help you sift through the measures, we've gathered up what you'll need to know to make an informed decision  — what the opponents and supporters are saying, the measures' fiscal impact, and the campaign money spent to support and oppose each proposal.

Here's a quick overview and links to more information:

  • Proposition 51 allows the sale of $9 billion in bonds to pay for new K-12 and community college facilities. Details here. 
  • Proposition 52 makes permanent a fee paid by private hospitals that helps the state obtain Medi-Cal funds. Details here.
  • Proposition 53 requires voter approval for any project paid for with $2 billion or more in revenue bonds. Details here.
  • Proposition 54 requires that state bills be printed and posted online three days before lawmakers vote on them. Details here.
  • Proposition 55 extends the temporary tax increases on incomes over $250,000 mandated by an earlier proposition to help fund education and healthcare. Details here.
  • Proposition 56 raises the tax rate for tobacco from one of lowest in the country to one of the highest. Details here.
  • Proposition 57 makes it easier for state inmates to be released from prison if they demonstrate good behavior. Details here.
  • Proposition 58 eliminates a law that schools teach students in English only. Details here.
  • Proposition 59 is an advisory measure seeking voter opinion on whether officials should act to overturn the Citizens United court ruling. Details here.
  • Proposition 60 places specific language into a law mandating use of condoms in porn films. Details here.
  • Proposition 61 aims to reduce costs by requiring state agencies to pay what the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs pays for prescription drugs. Details here.
  • Proposition 62 repeals California's death penalty and replaces it with life in prison without the possibility of parole for murder. Details here.
  • Proposition 63 regulates ammunition sales, requires lost and stolen guns be reported, and makes gun theft a felony. Details here.
  • Proposition 64 makes recreational marijuana legal in California for adults 21 and over. Details here.
  • Proposition 65 requires grocery stores to turn over revenue from sales of reusable bags to a new state wildlife conservation fund. Details here.
  • Proposition 66 shortens the time for death penalty legal appeals to a maximum of five years. Details here.
  • Proposition 67 clears the path for a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags to go into effect. Details here.

Beyond these measures, there may be others on your local ballot. Type in your address below to view your personalized sample ballot. Get to it. The election is right around the corner.

Let us know your thoughts on Twitter using the hashtag #CACounts.


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    More about Election 2016

  • 2016 Election Coverage: Nov. 8 General Election

    CapRadio's coverage of the 2016 elections.

    More about California Counts

  • California Counts

    More about Propositions 2016

  • Propositions 2016

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  • Election 2016 FAQ: Proposition 65, Money From Carry-Out Bags

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  • Election 2016 FAQ: Proposition 66, Death Penalty Procedures

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  • Election 2016 FAQ: Proposition 63, Gun And Ammunition Sales

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    Proposition 63 regulates ammunition sales, requires lost and stolen guns be reported, makes gun theft a felony.
  • Election 2016 FAQ: Proposition 64, Marijuana Legalization

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    Proposition 64 makes recreational marijuana legal in California for adults 21 and over.
  • Election 2016 FAQ: Proposition 62, Repeal The Death Penalty

    Saturday, October 8, 2016
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  • Election 2016 FAQ: Proposition 61, Prescription Drug Costs

    Saturday, October 8, 2016
    Proposition 61 tries to reduce prescription drug costs by tying what state pays to what the VA Department pays.
  • Election 2016 FAQ: Proposition 59, Overturn Citizens United Act advisory Question

    Friday, October 7, 2016
    Proposition 59 is an advisory measure that seeks constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United court ruling.
  • Election 2016 FAQ: Proposition 60, Condoms In Pornographic Films

    Friday, October 7, 2016
    Proposition 60 places specific language into law mandating use of condoms in porn films.
  • Election 2016 FAQ: Proposition 58, English Language Education

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  • Election 2016 FAQ: Proposition 57, Parole, Sentencing And Court Procedures

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  • Election 2016 FAQ: Proposition 55, Extension Of Income Tax Increase

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  • Election 2016 FAQ: Proposition 56, Tobacco Tax Increase

    Wednesday, October 5, 2016
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  • Election 2016 FAQ: Proposition 54, Public Display Of Legislative Bills

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    Proposition 54 requires that state bills be printed and posted online three days before they can be passed.
  • Election 2016 FAQ: Proposition 53, Public Vote On Revenue Bonds

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    Proposition 53 requires voter approval for any project paid for with $2 billion or more in revenue bonds.
  • Election 2016 FAQ: Proposition 52, Private Hospital Fees For Medi-Cal

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    Proposition 52 makes permanent a fee paid by private hospitals that helps the state obtain Medi-Cal funds.
  • Election 2016 FAQ: Proposition 51, Public School Facility Bonds

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    Proposition 51 allows the sale of $9 billion in bonds to pay for new K-12 and community college facilities.

 Election 2016California CountsPropositions 2016Prop 2016 Explainers

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