By the time Week 6 arrives, the quarter system begins to pick up like the Mariokart soundtrack as the race draws to a close. Politics are picking up too. Even though mail-in ballots have already been returned, you can still cast your vote in person on November 8 for the midterm elections. I am aware that researching the issues on the ballot seems time-consuming, but I have done the research for you! Consider this your cheat sheet for the midterm elections.
Proposition 1: The California Constitution would be amended by Proposition 1 to include the right to reproductive autonomy. That is, the right to choose whether or not to have an abortion and whether or not to use contraception would be a constitutional right in California. Although the right to an abortion is already protected by state law, proponents of reproductive rights assert that including it in the constitution would increase its protections against potential future abortion restrictions. The amendment was put forth earlier this year after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the federal right to an abortion and gave the states sole discretion over the issue.
Propositon 26: In-person sports betting would be permitted at the 66 tribal casinos and four horse racetracks in California under Proposition 26. However, the proposal would outlaw wagering on a number of sporting events, including high school contests and those in which teams from California’s colleges compete. Prop 26 mandates that the participating casinos and racetracks cover the costs associated with state regulation.
Proposition 27: Tribes or gambling businesses in California would be permitted by Proposition 27 to provide online sports betting, including on mobile devices. Currently, the state forbids any kind of sports betting. The costs associated with state regulation would be borne by tribes or businesses that offer online gambling. Along with new tactics for reducing illegal online sports betting, Proposition 27 would also establish a new regulatory division for online sports betting within the California Department of Justice. Although the exact amount is unknown, the measure would result in more state money being collected through fines and payments related to sports betting.
Proposition 28: In accordance with Proposition 28, all public K–12 schools in California, including charter schools, must establish an annual source of funding for the arts and music education. The amount would come from the general fund of the school and would be at least equal to 1% of the already required state and local funding for public schools.
Proposition 29: This law would mandate that while a patient is receiving dialysis, a licensed doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant must be present. Additionally, it would mandate that clinics notify the state of any infections. After similar measures were defeated in 2018 and 2020, California voters will be voting on this issue for the third time in recent years.
Proposition 30: In order to further fund initiatives aimed at lowering air pollution and preventing wildfires, Proposition 30 proposes raising taxes on people who earn more than $2 million annually. If approved, tax rates for people with personal incomes over $2 million will rise starting in January 2023. An additional 1.75% would be added to the portion of their income over $2 million as a result. When California is able to reduce its overall greenhouse gas emissions to a specific level before January 2043, this additional tax would be eliminated.
Proposition 31: Proposition 31 is a vote on a law that prohibits the sale of many flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarettes, and was adopted by the Legislature in 2020. Even after the law is implemented, the sale of flavored cigars, loose-leaf tobacco, and hookah tobacco may continue. The state could lose about $100 million in annual tobacco sales tax revenue if the proposal is approved.
Find the closest polling place to you and and don’t forget to vote!