On Saturday during voter registration, one man, a relatively new citizen shepherding his two children to the supermarket, wearily asked what the heck the point was of voting in California, when the presidential race has pretty much been decided here already. Among my answers (It's still important to participate! It's a good example for your kids!) there was this one: there's other stuff on the ballot that's really important too. Like a ton of annoying ballot initiatives. Same as every damn election in California since I don't know when. So here's the run-down:
Prop. 1A
Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act.
It's a LOT of money at a time when the state is dead broke. On the other hand: it would be nice to be able to take the train to L.A. in a couple of hours - especially if gas is going to be $10/gallon sooner than we think. I'll probably vote for it.
Prop. 2
Standards for Confining Farm Animals. Initiative Statute.
Yeah, I'm voting for this one. Too many horror stories about "downer cows" have turned my stomach. Let's have some standards.
Prop. 3
Children's Hospital Bond Act. Grant Program. Initiative Statute.
I'll probably vote for this one for emotional reasons - I know Children's Hospital in Oakland has literally been a lifesaver.
Prop. 4
Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Termination of Minor's Pregnancy. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.
HELL NO. See my earlier post on this subject.
Prop. 5
Nonviolent Drug Offenses. Sentencing, Parole and Rehabilitation. Initiative Statute.
Need to do my homework.
Prop. 6
Police and Law Enforcement Funding. Criminal Penalties and Laws. Initiative Statute.
Need to do my homework.
Prop. 7
Renewable Energy Generation. Initiative Statute.
Need to do my homework.
Prop. 8
Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.
HELL NO. I hope this one goes down to a stomping defeat. I'm glad Jerry Brown made them have an honest title for it, anyway. None of this "defending marriage" crap.
Prop. 9
Criminal Justice System. Victims' Rights. Parole. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute.
Need to do my homework.
Prop. 10
Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Renewable Energy. Bonds. Initiative Statute.
Need to do my homework.
Prop. 11
Redistricting. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute.
Need to do my homework.
Prop. 12
Veterans' Bond Act of 2008.
Need to do my homework.
So there you have it. I have lots of studying to do before November!
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