Proposition 50: What You Need to Know Before Nov. 4
Your vote is your power. On Election Day, Californians will decide on Proposition 50, a measure that could shape how our congressional districts are drawn for the rest of the decade.
BWOPA State Propositions November 2024 Voter Guide
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October 14, 2024
California voters decided on only one proposition on the March primary ballot — narrowly approving Gov. Gavin Newsom’s mental health measure, Proposition 1.
In November, voters will determine the fate of 10 propositions — including whether to borrow a combined $20 billion for climate programs and school construction, whether to approve three amendments to the state constitution and what direction to take on crime, health care and taxes.
Prop 2 - Borrow $10 billion to build schools, colleges
This bond issue would authorize the state to borrow $8.5 billion for K-12 schools and $1.5 billion for community colleges for construction and modernization.
Prop 3 - Reaffirm the right of same-sex couples to marry
This constitutional amendment would remove outdated language from Proposition 8, passed by voters in 2008, that characterizes marriage as only between a man and a woman.
Prop 4 - Borrow $10 billion to respond to climate change
This bond issue would allow the state to borrow $3.8 billion for drinking water and groundwater programs, $1.5 billion for wildfire and forest programs and $1.2 billion for sea level rise. In part, the money would offset some budget cuts.
Prop 5 - Lower voter approval requirements for local housing and infrastructure
This constitutional amendment would make it easier for local governments to borrow money for affordable housing and some other public infrastructure projects by lowering the voter approval requirement from two-thirds to 55%
Prop 6 - Limit forced labor in state prisons
This constitutional amendment would end indentured servitude in state prisons, considered one of the last remnants of slavery. The California Black Legislative Caucus included the proposal in its reparations agenda.
Prop 32 - Raise the state minimum wage to $18
This initiative would raise the overall minimum wage from $16 an hour and adjust it for inflation, fast food workers received a $20 an hour minimum on April 1 and health care workers will eventually get $25, though not until at least Oct. 15.
Prop 33 - Allow local governments to impose rent controls
This is the latest attempt to roll back a state law that generally prevents cities and counties from limiting rents in properties first occupied after Feb. 1, 1995.
Prop 34 - Require certain providers to use prescription drug revenue for patients
Sponsored by the trade group for California’s landlords, this measure is squarely aimed at knee-capping the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which has been active in funding ballot measures (see Prop. 33).
Prop 35 - Make permanent a tax on managed health care plans
This initiative is sponsored by California’s health care industry to raise more money for Medi-Cal and block lawmakers from using the cash to avoid cuts to other programs. The tax is set to expire in 2026.
Prop 36 - Increase penalties for theft and drug trafficking
This measure — supported by Republicans and law enforcement but opposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and most Democrats — may be the most contentious on the ballot. It would partly roll back Proposition 47, approved by voters in 2014, that turned some felonies into misdemeanors.
Recent Election News
What you need to know to vote in California’s Nov. 4 special election on redistricting via Cal Matters
September 15, 2025 – All eyes are on California this fall as voters decide whether to approve Proposition 50, a partisan gerrymandering plan with significant stakes far beyond California’s borders — for control of the federal government, for President Donald Trump’s agenda and for Gov. Gavin Newsom’s national ambitions.
BWOPA State Propositions November 2024 Voter Guide
October 9, 2024 – In November, voters will determine the fate of 10 propositions — including whether to borrow a combined $20 billion for climate programs and school construction, whether to approve three amendments to the state constitution and what direction to take on crime, health care and taxes.
