Non-Partisan Voter Information for California Elections

Posted by at 6:36PM


This is a gratuitous picture of Arnold Schwarzenegger.


Proposition 19
Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010

Also see here for a debate on Prop. 19.

Proposition 20
Congressional district lines to be re-drawn by a committee
Summary: Proposition 20 would enhance Proposition 11, which was passed by voters in November 2008. That measure transferred authority to redraw Assembly, Senate, and Board of Equalization district boundaries from the legislature to a 14-person legislative redistricting commission. Proposition 20 would add congressional districts to the redistricting commission’s authority. Proposition 20 also defines a “community of interest” for all districts. Proposition 27 on the November ballot would reverse the effects of Proposition 11. If both of these measures are approved by voters, the proposition receiving the greater number of “yes” votes would go into effect, canceling the passage of the other measure.

Con: Opponents say that Proposition 20 will “turn the clock back” on redistricting in the state by mandating that congressional district lines are drawn according to economic status. They claim that the measure will cost the state millions, adding to the amount already approved by the legislature under the Proposition 11 process.

This is the only partisan item in this entire post. But personally, I strongly encourage you to vote no on 23.

Proposition 23
Suspend pollution control laws until unemployment falls below 5.5%
Summary: Would suspend the implementation of AB 32, the Global Warming Act of 2006, until California’s unemployment rate drops to 5.5% or below for four consecutive quarters. AB 32 requires that greenhouse gas emission levels in the state be cut to 1990 levels by 2020 through a comprehensive greenhouse-gas-reduction program that includes increased renewable energy and cleaner fuel requirements, and mandatory emission reporting and fee requirements for major polluters such as power plants and oil refineries. The process of cutting greenhouse gas emissions in the state is slated under AB 32 to begin in 2012.

Pro: Supporters say that Proposition 23 saves jobs, prevents energy tax increases, and helps families, while preserving California’s clean air and water laws.
Con: Opponents say that Prop. 23 threatens public health with more air pollution, increases dependence on costly oil, and kills competition and jobs from California’s emerging clean technology companies.

Proposition 25
State budget can be passed with a simple majority vote
Summary: The Legislature’s vote requirement to send the annual budget bill to the Governor would be lowered from two-thirds to a majority of each house of the Legislature. It does, however, retain two-thirds vote requirement for taxes, initiatives, and constitutional amendments.

Pro: Supporters say that Proposition 25 would reform California’s broken state budget process. They claim it would hold legislators accountable for late budgets by stopping their pay and benefits every day the budget is late. Supporters also say Proposition 25 would end budget gridlock by allowing a majority of legislators to pass the budget. They emphasize that it would not lower the two-thirds vote required to raise taxes.
Con: Opponents say that politicians and special interests are promoting Proposition 25 to make it easier for politicians to raise taxes and restrict voters’ constitutional right to reject bad laws. Opponents claim that Proposition 25 wouldn’t punish politicians, who would just increase their lavish expense accounts.

For the full list, see the complete guide here.

Be informed and then go vote. I leave you with this:


