Tracking how California's statewide propositions performed on the ballot
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Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at the Capitol Mall in Sacramento on Jan. 6, 2023. Photo: Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times via Getty Image
Ten state propositions are on the table in California, ranging from eliminating involuntary servitude to increasing penalties for some drug and theft crimes.
State of play: We're tracking a few key measures based on results released by the California Secretary State, with over 61% of precincts partially reporting as of 10:55pm Tuesday.
Proposition 5
Proposition 5 has received around 56% of reported votes in opposition and 44% in favor. The measure would lower the voter approval threshold needed for local housing and infrastructure bond measures from two-thirds to 55%.
It'd make it easier for local governments to borrow money for these projects, and the bonds would be repaid via higher property taxes.
Context: As the need for affordable housing skyrocketed over the years, cities like San Francisco have struggled to finance, permit and construct new developments at the rate mandated by the state.
- Proponents say Proposition 5 would put spending decisions in the hands of local officials who know their communities best rather than the state government.
Yes, but: The resulting increase in property taxes could hurt lower-income residents.
Proposition 33
Proposition 33 has received roughly 61% of reported votes in opposition and 38% in favor.
The measure would expand local governments' ability to enact rent control ordinances.
- Such ordinances would no longer be restricted by a 1995 law known as the Costa-Hawkins Act, which did not let cities impose rent control on properties first occupied after Feb. 1, 1995.
- Proposition 33's passage means local rent control ordinances could now apply to new housing and single-family housing, and could restrict how much landlords charge new renters.
Context: State voters have rejected the measure twice before.
What's next: Local governments would need to take additional action to pass ordinances. The measure's passage generally does not impose rent controls.
Follow the money: A legislative analyst's office review of local ordinances that would be allowed if Proposition 33 is successful concluded they would result in some renters paying less, moving less often, fewer homes being available to rent, and a decline in the value of rental housing.
Proposition 36
Proposition 36 will take effect after receiving about 70% of reported in favor and 30% against, per the Associated Press.
The measure would increase penalties for some drug and theft crimes by partially rolling back 2014's Proposition 47.
- That means felony charges and longer sentences for possession of certain drugs and thefts under $950 if the defendant has had two prior drug or theft convictions.
- It would also create a new category of crime — "treatment-mandated felony" — that allows people who don't contest charges to complete drug treatment instead of going to prison.
Context: Proposition 47 was approved in 2014 as part of an effort to reduce overcrowding in state prisons, but it's faced a growing wave of discontent from some officials who say it went too far and led to more property crimes and homelessness.
Yes, but: The nonpartisan legislative analyst's office estimates Proposition 36 could cut key funding from existing drug treatment programs.
- The financial burden would fall on cities like San Francisco, which already has a shortage of treatment options and is struggling to deal with a budget deficit.