Measures regarding hot button issues such as gun control, legalization of marijuana and repealing the death penalty will be on the Nov. 8 ballot, which will be topped by the presidential and senatorial choices.
A poll released Tuesday by USC Dornsife and the Los Angeles Times revealed 58 percent of California voters ranging in age, race, gender and income were in favor of legalizing the personal use of marijuana.
Proposition 62, 63 and 64 will be three of 18 initiatives on the ballot.
Proposition 62, Repeal of the Death Penalty, will give individuals found guilty of murder life imprisonment without possibility of parole.
This applies subsequently to individuals currently serving death sentences.
“The proposition would save taxpayer money by replacing a costly, inefficient system,” said an argument in favor of the referendum, according to Ballotpedia.
Proposition 62 states, if passed, those found guilty of murder and sentenced to life without parole will be required to work in prison with 60 percent of their wages paid to the victims’ families.
The fiscal impact of Proposition 62 could reduce state and county costs of murder trials, legal challenges to death sentences and prisons by $150 million annually.
Opponents of the initiative argue that it keeps the worst of criminals protected while diminishing the victims rights and the death penalty system should be mended, not destroyed.
Proposition 63, Background Checks for Ammunition Purchases and Large-Capacity Ammunition Magazine Ban, would prohibit the sale and possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines, like the recently debated AR-15. It also requires individuals to pass a background check and obtain authorization from the California Department of Justice to purchase ammunition.
Commissioned by Gavin Newsom, California lieutenant governor, Proposition 63 raised $4 million in financing as of Aug. 16, over nine times what the opposition raised.
Large capacity ammunition magazines have become a popular choice for shooters in recent tragedies such as Sandy Hook Elementary, Pulse nightclub in Orlando, San Bernardino and the Century 16 movie theater in Aurora, Colo.
A large-capacity ammunition magazine is defined as “detachable” and “10 rounds or more” Palmer Bailey, Guns Direct gun shop manager said.
“Proposition 63 turns millions of law abiding California citizens into criminals,” Bailey said in opposition to the bill calling it “complete and utter nonsense.” He encouraged legislatures and law enforcement to “enforce the laws already on the books.”
Proposition 64, the California Marijuana Legalization Initiative, will legalize recreational use of marijuana and hemp under state law for adults. It will enact a 15 percent sales tax with exemptions for medical marijuana.
This law allows persons 21 years and older to legally possess, consume and purchase up to one ounce of marijuana or eight grams of marijuana concentrate.
Provisions relating to rights of employers, driving under the influence, and marijuana business locations are still intact. Consuming marijuana in public and driving under the influence will still be illegal.
Psychology major, Rebecca Marnette will vote yes on Proposition 64. “I’m all for it. I absolutely believe it does less harm than alcohol does,” she said.
To register to vote, go to registertovote.ca.gov