On top of the assortment of political candidates California voters had to choose from on Nov. 2, there were also plenty of ballot measures to consider. Here’s what voters had to say:
Proposition 19—perhaps the most dubious of the measures—ended up failing by a margin of approximately eight percentage points, thus dashing some Californians’ hopes that the state would legalize recreational marijuana.
In the ballot battle regarding legislative redistricting, Proposition 20 proved victorious over Proposition 27. This means the Citizens Redistricting Committee, as opposed to state legislators, will have authority over drawing district lines.
Voters rejected Proposition 22, which would have created a vehicle surcharge to help fund state parks.
Voters rejected Proposition 23, a measure that would have suspended the implementation of AB 32 (the Air Pollution Control Law or Global Warming Bill) until the state’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.5 percent or lower for a full year. As a result, entities generating major sources of harmful pollutants will still have to report and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Voters also rejected Proposition 24, a measure that would have repealed recent tax law changes that allow some businesses to pay lower state income taxes.
By approving Proposition 25, Californians voted to amend the state constitution to allow the Legislature to pass budget bills by a simple majority rather than a two-thirds vote. State legislators must also now forfeit their salaries if they fail to pass a budget on time.
Lastly, by approving Proposition 26, voters chose to amend the state constitution to require a two-thirds vote approval for the imposition of certain state and local fees.
Locally, Santa Barbara County channeled the mindset of George “Read my lips: No new taxes” Bush Sr. by rejecting Measure S. The measure would have created a half-cent sales tax to partially fund a North County jail. County officials campaigned hard for the tax, claiming it was essential to public safety. Many county residents, however, including members of the No on Measure S campaign, said locals are taxed enough already.
This article appears in Oct 28 – Nov 4, 2010.