Ballot: Overview —November 8, 2016 —California General Election
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State of California
Prop. 51 — Bonds for School Facilities
Authorizes $9 billion in general obligation bonds for new construction and modernization of K-12 public school facilities; charter schools and vocational education facilities; and California Community Colleges facilities.
Learn MoreProp. 52 — Private Hospital Fees for Medi-Cal
This proposition is both an Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute. It extends indefinitely an existing statute that imposes fees on hospitals to fund Medi-Cal health care services, care for uninsured patients, and children’s health coverage.
Learn MoreProp. 53 — Public Vote on Revenue Bonds
Requires statewide voter approval before any revenue bonds can be issued or sold by the state for certain projects if the bond amount exceeds $2 billion.
Learn MoreProp. 54 — Changes to the Legislative Process
This proposition prohibits the Legislature from passing any bill unless published on the Internet for 72 hours before a vote; requires the Legislature to record its proceedings and post them on the Internet; and it authorizes the use of recordings.
Learn MoreProp. 55 — Extend Tax on High Income
Extends by twelve years the temporary personal income tax increases enacted in 2012 on earnings over $250,000, with revenues allocated to K-12 schools, California Community Colleges, and, in certain years, healthcare.
Learn MoreProp. 56 — Tobacco Tax
This proposition increases cigarette tax by $2.00 per pack, with equivalent increase on other tobacco products and electronic cigarettes containing nicotine.
Learn MoreProp. 57 — Parole, Sentencing and Court Procedures
This proposition is both an Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute. It allows parole consideration for nonviolent felons; authorizes sentence credits for rehabilitation, good behavior, and education; and provides that a juvenile court judge decides whether a juvenile will be prosecuted as adult.
Learn MoreProp. 58 — English Language Education
Preserves requirement that public schools ensure students obtain English language proficiency. Requires school districts to solicit parent/community input in developing language acquisition programs. Requires instruction to ensure English acquisition as rapidly and effectively as possible. Authorizes...
Learn MoreProp. 59 — Political Spending Advisory Question
Asks whether California’s elected officials should use their authority to propose and ratify an amendment to the federal Constitution overturning the United States Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. Citizens United ruled that laws placing certain limits on political...
Learn MoreProp. 60 — Condoms in Adult Films
Requires adult film performers to use condoms during filming of sexual intercourse. Requires producers to pay for performer vaccinations, testing, and medical examinations. Requires producers to post condom requirement at film sites.
Learn MoreProp. 61 — Prescription Drug Costs
Prohibits state from buying any prescription drug from a drug manufacturer at price over lowest price paid for the drug by United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Exempts managed care programs funded through Medi-Cal.
Learn MoreProp. 62 — Repealing the Death Penalty
Repeals death penalty and replaces it with life imprisonment without possibility of parole. Applies retroactively to existing death sentences. Increases the portion of life inmates’ wages that may be applied to victim restitution.
Learn MoreProp. 63 — Gun and Ammunition Sales
Requires background check and Department of Justice authorization to purchase ammunition. Prohibits possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines. Establishes procedures for enforcing laws prohibiting firearm possession by specified persons. Requires Department of Justice’s participation in federal...
Learn MoreProp. 64 — Making Recreational Marijuana Legal
Legalizes marijuana under state law, for use by adults 21 or older. Imposes state taxes on sales and cultivation. Provides for industry licensing and establishes standards for marijuana products. Allows local regulation and taxation.
Learn MoreProp. 65 — Money from Carry-Out Bags
Redirects money collected by grocery and certain other retail stores through mandated sale of carryout bags. Requires stores to deposit bag sale proceeds into a special fund to support specified environmental projects.
Learn MoreProp. 66 — Death Penalty Court Procedures
Changes procedures governing state court challenges to death sentences. Designates superior court for initial petitions and limits successive petitions. Requires appointed attorneys who take noncapital appeals to accept death penalty appeals. Exempts prison officials from existing regulation process...
Learn MoreProp. 67 — Plastic Bag Ban
A “Yes” vote approves, and a “No” vote rejects, a statute that prohibits grocery and other stores from providing customers single-use plastic or paper carryout bags but permits sale of recycled paper bags and reusable bags.
Learn MoreSonoma County
Measure K
In order to preserve rural open space and agricultural land, maintain community identities, and prevent sprawl, shall the "Community Separators Protection Ordinance" be adopted to amend the Sonoma County General Plan to require voter approval of changes to the General Plan that increase the...
Learn MoreMeasure L
To address the impacts of tourists by investing in roads, emergency response, workforce housing for families and veterans, water quality protection, and other County services1 shall Sonoma County increase the transient occupancy tax from 9% to 12%, until repealed, and paid only by guests staying overnight...
Learn MoreMeasure M
Shall the "Sonoma County Transgenic Contamination Prevention Ordinance," which would 1) prohibit the propagation, cultivation, raising, or growing of genetically engineered organisms, as defined in the ordinance, in the unincorporated County; 2) require the Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner...
Learn MoreUnincorporated Sonoma County
Measure J
To expand, maintain, and restore Sonoma County parks for future generations; protect drinking water sources, streams, and 1ivers; protect natural areas; preserve fish and wildlife habitat; reduce wildfire risk and; increase walking, hiking, and biking trails, shall Sonoma County establish a half cent...
Learn MoreCity of Santa Rosa
Measure N
To maintain financial stability and funding, without increasing taxes, for city services, such as police/fire protection; 9-1-1 emergency response; street/pothole repair; parks/recreation programs; affordable housing/homelessness services; and other general city services, shall the City of Santa Rosa...
Learn MoreMeasure O
Shall the City of Santa Rosa amend the minimum funding requirements for public safety services, including police, fire, and gang-prevention, to reflect City FY 2015-16 General Fund budget . levels?
Learn MoreCity of Cloverdale
Measure P
To fund essential City services such as police, streets, parks, libraries, senior and youth programs, shall an ordinance be adopted imposing a tax on all permitted cannabis businesses in Cloverdale, at a rate of up to 10% on gross receipts, to raise estimated revenues of $90,000 per business, with no...
Learn MoreCity of Cotati
Measure Q
Shall the proposed amendment to the General Plan maintaining the current boundaries of the Urban Growth oundary and prohibiting the ability to amend these boundaries for a 30-year period be adopted?
Learn MoreCity of Healdsburg
Measure R
Shall Healdsburg voters amend the existing Growth Management Ordinance to mcrease inclusionary housing requirements on new development to 30%, remove existing restrictions on the number of new residential units allowed per year, adopt and periodically amend new growth management measures in conjunction...
Learn MoreMeasure S
To increase, improve and preserve the City's affordable housing stock, shall the City of Healdsburg be authorized to levy an ongoing 2% transient occupancy tax (or "hotel" tax) on persons who occupy hotel rooms for 30 days or less, increasing the maximum hotel tax rate from 12% to 14%, and...
Learn MoreCity of Sonoma
Measure U
To continue funding, that cannot be taken by the State, for general city services including preserving the quality of life of Sonoma, and to provide funding for essential services such as police, fire and emergency medical services, street maintenance, affordable housing, parks and other general community...
Learn MoreMeasure V
Shall Sonoma City Council Ordinance No. 01-2016 banning the use of gas leaf blowers within the City's limits but permitting the use of electric and battery-powered leaf blowers under specified regulations be adopted?
Learn MoreMeasure W
In order to more comprehensively protect the health and safety of the citizens of Sonoma shall an ordinance be adopted that amends the City's existing 1992 smoking ordinance to include more protections by prohibiting smoking in public places, multi-unit residences, hotels and motels, enclosed common...
Learn MoreCotati/Rohnert Park Unified School District
Measure C
To bring all classrooms up to the same standard and protect quality education with funding that cannot be taken by the State, shall Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District improve classrooms, science labs and libraries to meet modern educational/safety standards; remove lead/asbestos where found;...
Learn MoreHealdsburg Unified School District
Measure D
To improve the quality of education with funding that cannot be taken by the State; repair/replace leaky roofs; replace deteriorating plumbing systems; construct, modernize, and renovate classrooms, restrooms and school facilities; replace outdated heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems; and...
Learn MoreSonoma Valley Unified School District
Measure E
To upgrade classrooms, science labs and school facilities to meet safety and academic standards; repair/replace leaky roofs, deteriorating plumbing and outdated/inefficient heating and cooling systems; ensure schools are accessible for students with disabilities; and expand student access to computers...
Learn MoreWindsor Unified School District
Measure F
To improve the quality of education at Windsor schools by providing 21st Century classrooms, upgrading libraries and science labs, improving classroom technology, updating safety and security, renovating and modernizing older schools, repairing and replacing roofs, adding classrooms, building a new elementary...
Learn MoreGuerneville School District
Measure G
To improve the quality of education with funding that cannot be taken by the state; modernize, construct, and/or renovate classrooms, restrooms and school facilities; make health, safety and handicapped accessibility improvements; increase student access to modern technology; and make needed energy and...
Learn MoreRincon Valley Union School District
Measure H
To renew the community's commitment to great local schools by enhancing computer and technology education, maintaining libraries, preserving classroom and instrumental music programs, and supporting science programs with $1.1 million in annual funding, shall the Rincon Valley Union School District renew...
Learn MoreWilmar Union School District
Measure I
To provide stable funding the State cannot take away, protect academic programs in reading assistance, writing, math, art, science and vocal and instrumental music, retain qualified teachers, maintain student counseling services, and provide books and instructional materials, shall the Wilmar Union School...
Learn MoreWaugh School District School Facilities Improvement District
Measure X
To repair or replace outdated plumbing and sewer systems; and modernize/renovate classrooms, restrooms and school facilities; shall the School Facilities Improvement District No. 1 of the Waugh School District issue $4,000,000 of bonds, at legal rates, with an independent citizens' oversight committee,...
Learn MoreSonoma County Library
Measure Y
To maintain, restore/enhance Library services including: maintaining children's/teen books, materials/ services; providing educational services, including homework help/computer labs; expanding senior/disabled services; keeping qualified librarians; restoring library hours; shall the Sonoma County Library...
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