California voters will decide on seven propositions

Voters will decide on seven propositions tonight in California’s midterm elections.

Proposition 1 would codify the right to an abortion and contraceptives in California’s Constitution. Currently, the state’s Constitution protects reproductive freedom by stating a right to privacy, which the state Supreme Court has ruled encompasses a woman’s choice to an abortion. When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June, advocates for abortion rights rushed to promote a measure that would more explicitly guarantee reproductive freedoms.

Kashish Priyam (10) expresses her support for Proposition 1, explaining that it would protect abortion rights from potential fluctuations in state politics. 

“Even though we see California as this supremely blue state, that’s not necessarily true everywhere, and just 30 years ago, it was a swing state and majorly so,” Kashish said. “I think that codifying it now is important because if the current six-three conservative majority continues in this Supreme Court, we need to set a precedent that we will protect rights that are necessary.”

Upper school Civics teacher Carol Green believes that Proposition 1 will boost voter turnout as abortion remains a topical issue in the U.S. As of Sept. 23, 14 states have instituted restrictions on abortion, with about half expected to adopt a ban eventually. Besides California, Vermont and Michigan also have propositions that would seek to protect abortion rights in their state constitutions. 

“In terms of midterm elections, you see a general decline over the presidential years,” Green said. “But hopefully, with media coverage of things like abortion rights and reproductive rights and in terms of examining the the balance of the U.S. Senate, that people feel compelled and feel like those are big enough ticket items to get up and go vote.”

Polling data from early September revealed that 69% of likely voters supported Proposition 1, with 25% opposed and 6% undecided; most Democrats support the measure, while most Republicans oppose it. Some opponents to the proposition believe that it is unnecessary, as California will most likely uphold reproductive rights regardless of its presence in the state Constitution, but court cases over the measure’s imprecise language may cost the state millions. 

Proposition 26 would allow in-person sports betting at tribal casinos and four horse race tracks, while Proposition 27 would legalize online sports betting across the state. Both have the potential to bring substantial revenue to Californiathe state, and advocates have raised over 100 million dollars to lobby for or against the propositions.

“It’s interesting on the marketing strategy on each of these because some of them are taking dual, split approaches in their marketing: one trying to spin why the other [side’s] bad but also some of them not actually mentioning who’s benefiting, but talking about other small side topics, in terms of the big commercials that you’re seeing,” Green said. “So there’s been so much money funneled by a lot of different interested parties, that it’s one of the biggest spending in terms of propositions.”

Proposition 28 would allocate money for arts and music education in public schools. Although California schools from kindergarten through high school have arts requirements, they are also particularly vulnerable to budget cuts. If Proposition 28 passes, the state would set aside an estimated $1 billion to maintain music and arts education programs; 80% of that money would be spent on hiring teachers.

Proposition 29 will impose certain requirements on dialysis clinics, such as in regards to its personnel and reporting procedures. While supporters say this will improve the quality of the clinics, others oppose spending more money on clinics that accrue significant profits every year. 

Proposition 30 would raise money to address climate change issues by instating a 1.75% personal income tax on individuals earning more than $2 million. A majority of the money would go toward expanding electrical vehicle use by providing rebates to people who purchase electric vehicles as well as by constructing more charging stations. The money would also go toward fighting wildfires by increasing the number of trained firefighters.

Proposition 31 asks voters to decide whether or not to uphold current legislation that bans the sale of flavored tobacco. A “no” vote on Proposition 31 would thus repeal current legislation.

Green emphasizes the importance of voting in midterm elections, especially local races, since they bear the most impact on people’s daily lives.

“Recognize that those local ballots are what hits your pocketbook,” Green said. “People vote based on what they see in their local community. If you don’t like the local policies, you have to go turnout for those small elections.”