Southern California voters, along with the rest of the state, are sorting through the results of 14 statewide ballot measures this election, headlined by a closely watched tax on billionaires. Campaigns on both sides of these measures poured nearly $1 billion into the fight, making this the most expensive ballot measure cycle in California history.
Beyond the billionaire tax, voters weighed in on a wide range of issues — from how recall elections are structured, to whether environmental review rules should be loosened to speed up construction, to whether the state should borrow more money for housing and pour additional funding into medical research.
Here’s where things stand as results continue to come in.
Proposition 1 authorizes the state to borrow up to $11.25 billion for housing construction and rehabilitation, with most of the money aimed at rental units. Developers and local governments that receive funding would be required to set aside a share of units for low-income renters or housing specifically for people experiencing homelessness. The measure was passing with 59% support as of 11 p.m.
Proposition 2 would let the state sock away more money into its reserve fund. Because California’s tax system is heavily dependent on income from its wealthiest residents, revenues swing widely from year to year — but rules dating back to the 1970s cap how much the state can save during flush years. The measure was leading with 60% approval, according to the Associated Press.
Proposition 3 would make permanent an income tax surcharge on high earners — those making more than $360,000 annually — with proceeds dedicated to K-12 education. The tax was first approved in 2012 as a temporary measure. It was passing with nearly 59% support as of 2:55 a.m.
Proposition 4 would allow state and local governments to set up public financing systems for political campaigns, a change supporters say could help rein in campaign spending. Candidates who accept public funds typically must agree to spending limits. The “No” side was ahead, with nearly 52% of voters opposed as of 10 p.m.
Proposition 5 addresses how California conducts recall elections. Currently, voters are asked both whether to remove an official and who should replace them on the same ballot. This measure would split that into two separate elections — first deciding whether to recall the official, then holding a follow-up election to choose a replacement. The “Yes” side held a narrow lead as of 10 p.m.
Proposition 37 would create a new state fund offering loans to middle-class home buyers, who would repay the state over time. The measure was passing comfortably, with more than 61% support as of 10 p.m., according to the Associated Press.
Proposition 38 would direct $8.4 billion in state funds to immunology research, with roughly half of that money earmarked for a three-person nonprofit, the California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy. The measure was placed on the ballot by Gary K. Michelson, the institute’s co-founder. “Yes” was leading with 57% support as of 10 p.m.
Proposition 39 would toughen voter ID requirements in California, requiring voters to show proof of citizenship at the polls or write a Social Security number or other official ID number on mail ballots. The campaign is largely funded by Illinois billionaire Richard Uihlein. The measure appeared headed for defeat, with more than 60% of voters opposed as of 10 p.m., according to the Associated Press.
Proposition 40, the controversial billionaire tax measure, would impose a one-time 5% tax on the net worth of the state’s wealthiest residents. The healthcare workers’ union behind the measure says it could generate roughly $100 billion over five years for struggling health programs. Opponents argue billionaires already shoulder a large share of state tax revenue and warn the measure could push wealthy residents to leave California. The “No” side was ahead, with just over 56% of voters opposed as of 10 p.m.
Proposition 41, backed by opponents of the billionaire tax, would set stricter rules for any new taxes in California and would effectively nullify Proposition 40 if both measures pass — whichever gets more votes would prevail. “No” was leading, with nearly 53% opposed as of 10 p.m.
Proposition 42, also pushed by opponents of the wealth tax, would make it harder for the state to impose new taxes on assets such as investment accounts or personal property, which would undercut the billionaire tax. If both Proposition 40 and 42 pass, the one with more votes wins. “Yes” was ahead, with more than 54% in favor as of 10 p.m.
Proposition 43 would raise the threshold for citizen-led local tax initiatives from a simple majority to a two-thirds supermajority. The “No” side was leading, with more than 54% opposed as of 10 p.m.
Proposition 44 would require health clinics to spend at least 90% of their annual revenue on direct patient care. The measure is backed by the same union — SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West — that sponsored the billionaire tax. It appeared headed for a decisive defeat, with more than 81% of voters opposed as of 10 p.m., according to the Associated Press.
Proposition 45 asks voters whether to amend the California Environmental Quality Act, the landmark 1970 law requiring agencies to weigh environmental impacts before approving new construction. Developers argue the law is frequently used to delay badly needed infrastructure and affordable housing projects. The “No” side was leading, with more than 54% of voters opposed as of 10 p.m.
This story will be updated as additional results come in.
Original source: CalMatters
