With November almost upon us, it’s time to start making some serious decisions. Voting is so much more than a yes or no question; it’s your chance to have a say about how you want the future to look. While many young people are feeling even more hopeless after the recent debate, you can have an impact beyond just the presidential election. Covering education, the environment and everything in-between, this year’s propositions are critical.
It’s easy to get weighed down with all the jargon and be distracted from the issues at hand. So here’s a straightforward look at some of the propositions that will be on the California ballot:
Proposition: 56
What it’s all about: If this bill passes, it will increase the cigarette tax by $2 per pack. It would also expand the definition of tobacco products to include the newly popular electronic cigarettes.
Pros: After the administrative costs are covered, revenue would be aimed at reducing tobacco-related healthcare costs and promoting youth smoking prevention programs. In California alone, $3.5 billion annually goes toward tobacco-induced healthcare. The prop. would generate up to $1.4 billion annually, essentially asking smokers to pay an increased share of those healthcare costs.
Cons: Tobacco use is a choice. Many users don’t feel they should be getting such a relatively high tax increase for making a personal decision. The official opposition argues that the revenue should be directed elsewhere, and that it will end up getting lost in bureaucracy. For example, only 2 percent will go directly to education in schools, the focus being on healthcare.
Proposition: 58
What it’s all about: 58 is centered around language education. It upholds the requirement that public schools secure English language proficiency for students, while allowing them flexibility in establishing dual-language programs for both native and non-native English speakers.
Pros: The support argues that 58 will give power to local districts in designing curriculum. For native English speakers, it gives them the opportunity to be immersed in a second language early on. For non-native speakers, it gives them the chance to become proficient in English while engaging in a bilingual program. The hope is that they will grasp English quickly in a flexible and comfortable environment.
Cons: Allowing schools to create their own programs could de-standardize the education received by students. The argument against 58 says that it would lower English-language proficiency by muddling focus, and impede English education in general.
Proposition: 63
What it’s all about: If passed, it will mandate a federal background check and Department of Justice permit in order to buy ammunition. It would authorize the seizure of firearms upon conviction of certain crimes, and prohibit owning large-capacity ammunition magazines.
Pros: In addition to solidifying background check processes, it would require dealers to report lost or stolen ammunition within 48 hours. With our country’s recent history of horrific gun-violence, there can be no argument that something to change regarding gun control. The idea is to keep guns out of dangerous hands while preserving the right to legal ownership.
Cons: The proposition could backfire, and end up impeding the right of gun-owning citizens to purchase ammunition. In a country built on the idea of freedom, it’s important to protect all freedoms, including that to bear arms. It’s being argued that the proposition would manage resources ineffectively.
Proposition: 64
What it’s all about: A hot-button topic for several years now, Proposition 64 would legalize the sale of recreational marijuana to those age 21 or older. It would be regulated locally, but licensing standards would be provided. Marijuana in any amount would not be permitted at schools, and it would still be illegal to smoke while driving.
Pros: The legalization of marijuana could cut back criminal justice spending by tens of millions of dollars. It would instill a safe system, and create a culture that makes accurate knowledge easily accessible.
Cons: It has the potential to cause a huge increase in marijuana-impaired car accidents, as there are no specific standards for driving. Advertisements promoting use would be seen by children.
Proposition: 65
What it’s all about: Bringing a reusable bag has become part of the routine of grocery shopping. It’s pretty simple: bring a bag or get charged for a plastic one. All those 10 cent chargers can add up $300 million per year. If this proposition passes, it means that the money grocery stores collect from charging for carryout bags will be funneled into a fund for environmental protection and restoration programs.
Pros: We’ve all heard how bad plastic bags are for the environment–this prop will hopefully help keep them out of circulation, and if properly directed, those funds could really do some good.
Cons: 65 is sponsored by out-of-state companies who aren’t directly invested in Californian environment. It also potentially draws focus away from the main issue of eliminating plastic bag waste completely.
No matter which side you fall on, the most important thing is that you vote! It’s more than a right, it’s a responsibility.
*All details are from the Official Voter Information Guide. To read about all of the propositions, visit ballotpedia.org!