A Look at What Propositions Passed and Didn’t in 2020 Election
By: Jane Hwang, Liliana Lopez
Many groups of people from a variety of states often take action through the use of propositions, which are suggested pieces of legislation that go through a process of being examined then possibly being approved. The propositions cover a vast amount of issues and topics such as healthcare, jobs, and privacy. According to John Myers’ “A look at California’s November ballot propositions”, these are the 12 propositions that California voted for:
Proposition 14: Allows the government to issue another $5.5 billion in bonds for stem cell research. Includes a mandate to improve patient access to stem cell treatments.
Proposition 15: Would hike up property taxes for big businesses. Property tax would be calculated based on property’s current value, instead of on the value at the time of purchase.
Proposition 16: Reinstates affirmative action at the state level, especially in college admissions and state contract bids.
Proposition 17: Allows parolees to vote.
Proposition 18: Enables 17 year olds to vote in primary elections, provided they will be 18 by the time of the General Election.
Proposition 19: Californians who are 55+ and want to move would receive continued property tax breaks if they buy a new home
Proposition 20: Limits the choice of early parole for more crimes and expand punishments for some theft crimes
Proposition 21: Permits California’s cities and counties to incorporate very strict rent control policies
Proposition 22: People who work in companies like Uber and Lyft are considered as independent contractors
Proposition 23: Rules for kidney dialysis centers would increase, such as having a minimum of one physician present during all hours and offering the same amount of care regardless of how the treatment is paid.
Proposition 24: Alters California’s new consumer privacy law and allows consumers to limit the shares of their personal information
Proposition 25: Eradicates cash bail for suspects
Statistics for California provided by KCRA News
Proposition 14: Passed, 51% voted yes
Proposition 15: Did not pass, 52% voted no
Proposition 16: Did not pass, 57.2% voted no
Proposition 17: Passed, 58.6% voted yes
Proposition 18: Did not pass, 56% voted no
Proposition 19: Passed, 51.1% voted yes
Proposition 20: Did not pass, 61.8% voted no
Proposition 21: Did not pass, 59.9% voted no
Proposition 22: Passed, 58.7% voted yes
Proposition 23: Did not pass, 63.5% voted no
Proposition 24: Passed, 56.2% voted yes
Proposition 25: Did not pass, 56.4% voted no
Statistics for San Joaquin County provided by Live Voter Turnout (AS OF NOV 19TH):
Proposition 14: Not Passed; out of 263,493 people, 51% voted no
Proposition 15: Not Passed; out of 267,915 people, 59% voted no
Proposition 16: Not Passed; out of 264,612 people, 65% voted no
Proposition 17: Passed; out of 438,365 people, 51% voted yes
Proposition 18: Not passed; out of 267,872 people, 65% voted no
Proposition 19: Passed; out of 262,932 people, 51% voted yes
Proposition 20: Not passed; out of 263,221 people, 60% voted no
Proposition 21: Not passed; out of 265,082 people, 65% voted no
Proposition 22: Passed; out of 266,922 people, 63% voted yes
Proposition 23: Not passed; out of 266,943 people, 67% voted no
Proposition 24: Passed; out of 263,882 people, 58% voted yes
Proposition 25: Not passed; out of 262,706 people, 62% voted no
Statistics for Stockton provided by Progressive Voters Guide (AS OF OCT 20TH)
Proposition 14: No Position
Proposition 15: Passed
Proposition 16: Passed
Proposition 17: Passed
Proposition 18: Passed
Proposition 19: Not passed
Proposition 20: Not passed
Proposition 21: Passed
Proposition 22: Not passed
Proposition 23: Passed
Proposition 24: Not passed
Proposition 25: Passed
This election year, California voted on twelve different propositions, ranging from matters involving prisons and the rights of parolees, property taxes and rent control, among others. For the most part, Californians voted for less government control and oversight, such as was the case with propositions 16, 21, 23, and 24. California also increased its voting base by restoring the vote to former felons (Prop. 17), though it did not give the vote to 17 year olds (Prop. 18). The right to vote, however, was not the only proposition to turn out in the favor of imprisoned/previously imprisoned persons, as Californians also voted “no” on Proposition 20, which would have enacted stricter sentencing for some misdemeanors. For many who voted on the propositions in this year’s elections, these results are the manifestation of what they perceive as the right steps towards creating a more just society. And civic life is full of these steps. As we have participated in the improvement of our democracy on Tuesday, November 3rd, let us also participate in it on all other days, and in all other moments.
