Learn about the measures, take quizzes to see which you support
The November 5 General Election will include Ten California ballot measures, covering a variety of issues, including housing, marriage rights, safe water, and rent control. The CA Secretary of State offers a Quick Reference Guide to Ballot Measures as a downloadable PDF. Below is information about each ballot measure gathered from the California Legistature’s Nonpartisan Fiscal and Policy Advisor with quizzes provided by CalMatters.
Proposition 2
Authorizes Bonds for Public School and Community College Facilities. Legislative Statute.
A YES vote on this measure means: The state could borrow $10 billion to build new or renovate existing public school and community college facilities.
A NO vote on this measure means: The state could not borrow $10 billion to build new or renovate existing public school and community college facilities.
To get a better understanding of bond debt, see the Overview of State Bond Debt.
Proposition 3
Constitutional Right to Marriage. Legislative Constitutional Amendment.
A YES vote on this measure means: Language in the California Constitution would be updated to match who currently can marry. There would be no change in who can marry.
A NO vote on this measure means: Language in the California Constitution would not be changed. There would be no change in who can marry.
Proposition 4
Authorizes Bonds for Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, and Protecting Communities and Natural Lands From Climate Risks. Legislative Statute.
A YES vote on this measure means: The state could borrow $10 billion to fund various activities aimed at conserving natural resources, as well as responding to the causes and effects of climate change.
A NO vote on this measure means: The state could not borrow $10 billion to fund various activities aimed at conserving natural resources, as well as responding to the causes and effects of climate change.
To get a better understanding of bond debt, see the Overview of State Bond Debt.
Proposition 5
Allows Local Bonds for Affordable Housing and Public Infrastructure With 55% Voter Approval. Legislative Constitutional Amendment.
A YES vote on this measure means: Certain local bonds and related property taxes could be approved with a 55 percent vote of the local electorate, rather than the current two-thirds approval requirement. These bonds would have to fund affordable housing, supportive housing, or public infrastructure.
A NO vote on this measure means: Certain local bonds and related property taxes would continue to need approval by a two-thirds vote of the local electorate.
Proposition 6
Eliminates Constitutional Provision Allowing Involuntary Servitude for Incarcerated Persons. Legislative Constitutional Amendment.
A YES vote on this measure means: Involuntary servitude would not be allowed as punishment for crime. State prisons would not be allowed to discipline people in prison who refuse to work.
A NO vote on this measure means: Involuntary servitude would continue to be allowed as punishment for crime.
Proposition 32
Raises Minimum Wage. Initiative Statute.
A YES vote on this measure means: The state minimum wage would be $18 per hour in 2026. After that, it would go up each year based on how fast prices are going up.
A NO vote on this measure means: The state minimum wage likely would be about $17 per hour in 2026. After that, it would go up each year based on how fast prices are going up.
Proposition 33
Expands Local Governments’ Authority to Enact Rent Control on Residential Property. Initiative Statute.
A YES vote on this measure means: State law would not limit the kinds of rent control laws cities and counties could have.
A NO vote on this measure means: State law would continue to limit the kinds of rent control laws cities and counties could have.
Proposition 34
Restricts Spending of Prescription Drug Revenues by Certain Health Care Providers. Initiative Statute.
A YES vote on this measure means: Certain health care entities would have to follow new rules about how they spend revenue they earn from a federal drug discount program. Breaking these rules would result in penalties (such as not being able to operate as a health care entity), generally for a ten-year period.
A NO vote on this measure means: These new rules would not go into effect.
Proposition 35
Provides Permanent Funding for Medi-Cal Health Care Services. Initiative Statute.
A YES vote on this measure means: An existing state tax on health plans that provides funding for certain health programs would become permanent. New rules would direct how the state must use the revenue.
A NO vote on this measure means: An existing state tax on health plans would end in 2027, unless the Legislature continues it. The new rules would not become law.
Proposition 36
Allows Felony Charges and Increases Sentences for Certain Drug and Theft Crimes. Initiative Statute.
A YES vote on this measure means: People convicted of certain drug or theft crimes could receive increased punishment, such as longer prison sentences. In certain cases, people who possess illegal drugs would be required to complete treatment or serve up to three years in prison.
A NO vote on this measure means: Punishment for drug and theft crimes would remain the same.
Proposition information courtesy the California Legistature’s Nonpartisan Fiscal and Policy Advisor. Quizzes courtesy CalMatters.
