Easy Voter Guide
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Your Vote. Your Voice.
California General Election
November 3, 2026

ARE YOU SIGNED UP TO VOTE?

October 19, 2026 Last day to register to vote in this election.
November 3, 2026 ELECTION DAY Your voting location is open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

GET READY:

Register to vote by October 19 at registertovote.ca.gov (https://registertovote.ca.gov).
Check your registration to make sure it’s up to date. If your signature has changed over time, then re-register to update your signature at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov (https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov).
If you want to get voting materials in a language other than English, make that choice at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov (https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov).

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Help for Voters

VOTE411, an online election guide from the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund – VOTE411 makes it easy to see everything that will be on your ballot, including national, state and local candidates and measures. You can also see your voting location. Type in your address at Vote411.org.

Official Voter Information Guide from the California Secretary of State – In addition to a ballot, all registered voters will receive a Voter Information Guide from the state. It includes voting resources and statements from the candidates. Find the Official Voter Information Guide online at voterguide.sos.ca.gov.

Easy Voter Guide – Order copies or download this guide in five languages at easyvoterguide.org.

County Elections Offices – You may have other contests on your ballot. If so, you will receive a County Voter Information Guide. Find your County Elections Office online at sos.ca.gov/county-elections-offices.

Voter Hotlines from the California Secretary of State – Voters who want to find out more can also call the Secretary of State at these numbers:
ENGLISH (800) 345-VOTE (8683)
ESPAÑOL / SPANISH (800) 232-VOTA (8682)
中文 / CHINESE (800) 339-2857
HINDI (888) 345-2692
日本語/ JAPANESE (800) 339-2865
KHMER (888) 345-4917
KOREAN (866) 575-1558
TAGALOG (800) 339-2957
THAI (855) 345-3933
VIET NG / VIETNAMESE (800) 339-8163
TTY /TTD 711

Election Protection – The national, nonpartisan Election Protection coalition works year-round to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to vote and have that vote count. Call or text 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).

About the November 3, 2026 General Election

How the Statewide GENERAL Election Works in California

In this “general” election, voters will:

• Choose a Governor and other representatives for national, state, and local government.
• Decide if judges on the state’s Supreme Court should keep their positions.
• Vote “YES” or “NO” on 14 proposed state laws.

You will also be asked to decide on local candidates and possibly local ballot measures. What’s on your ballot depends on where you live. Every registered voter will get a Voter Information Guide in the mail that lists everything they can vote on.

You do not have to vote on everything. Your votes still counts even if you choose to skip some things on your ballot.

For the following offices, only the two candidates who got the most votes in the June 2026 primary election will appear on your ballot. These two candidates could be from the same political party.

Offices that represent everyone in California (elected for a four-year term)

• Governor – The highest elected official in California: Oversees most state departments and agencies. Prepares annual state budget. Approves or rejects new state laws.
• Lieutenant Governor – Next in line: Becomes Governor if the elected Governor leaves office. Has a tie-breaking vote in the State Senate. Serves on boards and commissions.
• Secretary of State – Head of elections and record keeping: Coordinates statewide elections and oversees election laws. Also keeps records about new corporations and businesses and other state databases.
• Controller – The state’s bookkeeper: Keeps track of how the state’s money is spent. Issues most checks from the state and manages collection of money due to the state. Reports on finances of state and local governments.
• Treasurer – The state’s banker: Manages the state’s investments and assets. Coordinates the sale of state bonds.
• Attorney General – The state’s top lawyer: Makes sure laws are enforced the same way across the state. Manages the state Department of Justice. Oversees sheriffs and district attorneys.
• Insurance Commissioner – Insurance overseer: Manages the state Department of Insurance. Enforces laws that insurance companies must follow.
• Superintendent of Public Instruction – Head of public schools: Provides leadership and assistance to all public schools in California. Enforces education regulations.

Offices that represent YOU in NATIONAL and state GOVERNMENT

• U.S. Senator (6-Year term)
• Representative in U.S. Congress (2-Year term)

• State Senator (4-Year term; even-numbered districts will be voted on in this election)
• State Assembly Member (2-Year term)
• State Board of Equalization (state tax commission; 4-Year term)

California Courts and Judges

There are three levels in California’s state court system:

County Court – Each county has a Superior Court where criminal and civil trials take place.

Court of Appeals – These courts review cases appealed from county courts if one of the parties wants to protest the decision.

Supreme Court – This is the top court in the state with seven judges (called “justices”). It has the final decision on cases that have been appealed from lower courts.

Judges in the higher courts get into office and stay in office in a different way than other elected officials. Judges for the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court are appointed and then confirmed. Voters are asked to vote on whether to keep the judge after confirmation, and again after every twelve years.

In this election, all voters will be asked to vote YES or NO on whether to keep two Supreme Court judges. Some voters will also be asked whether to keep judges at the Court of Appeals, and there will be elections for judges in some County Courts.

State Propositions

Propositions are proposed laws presented to the public to vote on. They may also be called ballot measures.

This guide has short descriptions of the 14 statewide propositions being decided by voters in the November 3, 2026 election. You may also be asked to vote on local ballot measures in this election.

Propositions 1, 2, 4, 5 and 43 were placed on the ballot by the State Legislature. The other propositions have been placed on the ballot by people who collected enough signatures.

Prop 1 – Bonds for Affordable Housing and Veteran Home Loans
Prop 2 – Increases the State’s “Rainy Day” Fund
Prop 3 – Extends Certain Income Tax Rates
Prop 4 – End Ban on Public Financing of Campaigns
Prop 5 – Changes to Recall Elections
Prop 37 – Bonds to Help Middle-Income Californians Buy New Homes
Prop 38 – Bonds for Research on the Immune System
Prop 39 – Prohibits Voting Without ID
Prop 40 – The 2026 Billionaire Tax Act
Prop 41 – Spending Limits and Audits for New Special Taxes
Prop 42 – Limits New State Taxes on Personal Property
Prop 43 – Two-Thirds Vote for Certain Local Taxes
Prop 44 – 90% Health Care Spending for Nonprofit Safety-Net Clinics
Prop 45 – Changes Environmental Review for Certain Projects

A YES vote means that you support the way the proposition would change things and a NO vote means that you want to leave things the way they are now.

Prop 1 – Bonds for Affordable Housing and Veteran Home Loans
Legislative Statute

The way it is now: Affordable housing is housing with rents and prices that people and families with low or moderate incomes can afford. There are not enough affordable homes in California for the number of people who need them. The state operates programs that help build affordable housing and provide housing assistance. Since 2018, voters have approved $6 billion in bonds for housing programs, including $1 billion for veteran home loans.

What Prop 1 would do if it passes: Prop 1 would allow the state to borrow $11.25 billion through general obligation bonds. Of this amount, $10 billion would be used to build, preserve, or improve affordable housing. The money could support affordable housing and homeownership for families with low incomes, farmworkers, tribal communities, public university students and people experiencing homelessness. The measure also includes $1.25 billion for home and farm loans for California veterans.

Effects on government budgets: The state would repay the $10 billion housing bond, plus interest, from its General Fund, which would cost about $500 million to $600 million each year for about 25 years. Veterans’ home and farm loan payments are expected to repay the $1.25 billion in bonds.

People for Prop 1 say:

• Prop 1 would build and preserve more affordable housing for veterans, working families, seniors, people with disabilities, and people at risk of homelessness.
• It would expand homeownership opportunities without raising taxes and require public reporting on how the money is spent.

People against Prop 1 say:

• No official argument against Prop 1 was submitted.

WHAT IS A BOND? Bonds are a way for governments to borrow money, usually for things that last a long time, like hospitals and bridges. The government sells bonds to get money now and pays them back with interest, usually over 30 years. A General Obligation Bond is money that the state borrows and repays with tax dollars from the General Fund over time. Using money from the General Fund means the state will have less money to spend on other budget items like education and health care. A Revenue Bond is money the state borrows and repays using income from a specific program, such as loan payments from borrowers. Propositions 1, 37, and 38 in this election ask voters to approve bonds.

Prop 2 – Increases the State’s “Rainy Day” Fund
Legislative Constitutional Amendment

The way it is now: California’s General Fund pays for most of the state’s public services like education and health care. The money in it comes mostly from taxes. State revenues go up and down, so to prepare for tough times, California keeps a “rainy day” fund. The state adds money to it when the economy is doing well and can take money out during budget emergencies. The state stops having to save money in the fund once it hits 10% of General Fund taxes. The State Constitution limits how much tax money California can spend, and money put into the rainy day fund now counts toward that limit. The state also sets aside some of the tax revenue to pay off debts.

What Prop 2 would do if it passes: Prop 2 would make the state keep saving until the rainy day fund reaches 20% of General Fund taxes, instead of 10%. Money put into the rainy day fund would count toward the state spending limit only when the state uses it. The state would save even more when the economy is strong. Prop 2 would also require extra debt payments for 10 more years and let them cover more kinds of debt. The state would have a bigger financial cushion in years when less tax money is collected and/or there is a budget emergency.

Effects on government budgets: State budget reserves would be higher. More reserves would make balancing the budget easier in years when the state revenues are lower. The state could also use more money to pay off debts, especially in years when the economy is doing well.

People for Prop 2 say:

• Prop 2 would keep the state from spending all the extra tax money when the economy is strong and help protect funding for schools, health care, and public safety when the economy slows.

People against Prop 2 say:

• Prop 2 would weaken the state spending limit, allow more wasteful spending, and make it less likely that extra tax money would be returned to taxpayers.

Prop 3 – Extends Certain Income Tax Rates
Initiative Constitutional Amendment

The way it is now: In 2012 voters raised the income tax rates on people with higher incomes. These higher rates affect the top 2% of California taxpayers. Married couples and people who file taxes as heads of household can earn more before the higher rates apply. About 40% of the tax money raised goes to schools and community colleges. The rest goes to other state programs, including health care, with some saved in reserves. The higher rates are now set to end in 2031.

What Prop 3 would do if it passes: Prop 3 would change the State Constitution so these higher tax rates do not end in 2031. They would be permanent unless voters choose to end them in a future election. Prop 3 would not create a new tax. About 40% would go to K-12 schools and community colleges. The rest would go to other state programs like health care, with some set aside in reserves.

Effects on government budgets: Keeping the higher rates would bring in between $5 billion and $15 billion in state revenue each year. The amount would change from year to year, mainly because some of the income being taxed rises and falls with the stock market.

People for Prop 3 say:

• This will prevent billions of dollars in future cuts to education and healthcare.
• There are strict rules about how the money is spent.

People against Prop 3 say:

• When we voted for these tax rates we were told they were only temporary.
• We need to reduce waste and overspending instead of extending tax rates.

Prop 4 – End Ban on Public Financing of Campaigns
Legislative Statute

The way it is now: The state and most local governments in California are not allowed to use public money to help candidates pay for their campaigns. Some charter cities provide public funds to certain campaigns for local office. What Prop 4 would do if it passes: Prop 4 would allow the state and local communities to create programs that use public money to help candidates pay for their campaigns. It would not create any programs by itself. It would also allow for fines up to three times the amount of any illegal foreign money contributed or spent. If Prop 4 passes, any public finance program created by the state or by any local community would have to follow these rules:

• Candidates must show broad community support before receiving public money.
• Candidates must accept spending limits. A program could raise the limit if an opponent has more money, or if an outside group spends money against them.
• Government money set aside for education, transportation, or public safety could not be used.
• Public money could not pay legal defense fees or fines, or personal campaign loans.
• Programs could not favor a political party or current officeholders.

Effect on government budgets: The state would spend a few hundred thousand dollars each year for staff from the Fair Political Practices Commission to answer questions from jurisdictions about how to set up these programs. The state or any local government that starts a program would also have costs.

People for Prop 4 say:

• Candidates do not have to depend on fundraising from wealthy donors and special interests to fund political campaigns. The voices of everyday voters will be heard.
• Communities could choose whether to create a program, with rules to protect taxpayers.

People against Prop 4 say:

• Taxpayer money could pay for politicians’ campaigns, including negative ads, junk mail, and text messages.
• Prop 4 places no limits on how many candidates could receive public money or how much money could be provided.

WHAT IS PUBLIC FINANCING OF CAMPAIGNS? Candidates usually pay for their campaigns with private donations. Some candidates rely heavily on large donations from rich individuals, corporations, labor unions, and other groups that have an interest in government decisions. Public financing uses taxpayer money to help candidates pay campaign costs and can reduce their dependence on large donors and special interests. Depending on the program’s rules, candidates who receive public money could also collect private donations.

Public financing programs often require candidates to show support in their community before receiving public money. For example, candidates may have to collect many small donations or vouchers. Vouchers are like coupons that residents give to the candidate they support.

These programs also often limit how much participating candidates can spend. Candidates who do not take public money would not have to follow those limits.

Prop 5 – Changes to Recall Elections
Legislative Constitutional Amendment

The way it is now: California voters can remove a state elected official, such as the governor, attorney general, or a state lawmaker, before the official’s term ends. This is called a recall election. A recall is a type of “special” election held for this specific purpose. The recall ballot asks two questions. First, voters decide whether to remove the official. If more than half vote yes, the official is removed. Second, voters choose a replacement on the same ballot. The candidate with the most votes wins, even if they get less than half the vote. This can happen when there are many candidates on the ballot and they split the vote.

What Prop 5 would do if it passes: Prop 5 would remove the replacement question from the recall ballot. Voters would decide only whether to remove the official. If more than half vote yes, the official would be removed. The office would then be filled under the same state laws used for other vacancies. When voters choose a replacement, the winner would have to receive more than half the votes. For a state legislator this would usually happen in a later special election. Most other vacant state offices are filled by appointment by the governor. If the governor is recalled, the lieutenant governor would take over. If the recall happens early enough, voters would choose a new governor at the next statewide election. Otherwise, the lieutenant governor would serve for the rest of the term.

Effects on government budgets: Prop 5 could save or cost state and local governments millions of dollars. Holding a special election could cost more money. Removing replacement candidates from the recall ballot could save money. The actual effect would depend on the office involved and how often recalls happen.

People for Prop 5 say:

• Under the current system, a replacement can win with far less than half the vote. Prop 5 would protect majority rule.
• Recalls should remove officials who fail voters, not be a shortcut to overturn an election and install someone with little support.

People against Prop 5 say:

• Voters should keep the right to remove an official and choose the replacement at the same election.
• Prop 5 could let the Governor appoint a replacement or require another costly election, where the recalled official could even run again.

There are 14 state propositions in this election. You do not have to vote on everything.
Learn about propositions that are important to you and make your choice, YES or NO.

Prop 37 – Bonds to Help Middle-Income Californians Buy New Homes
Initiative Statute

The way it is now: The California Housing Finance Agency offers programs that help people buy homes. These programs generally are for people with low or moderate incomes. California also has laws that help homeowners resolve problems with newly built homes before lawsuits are filed.

What Prop 37 would do if it passes: Prop 37 would allow the California Housing Finance Agency to sell up to $25 billion in revenue bonds. The money would help middle-income Californians buy newly built or converted homes. Buyers could receive a fixed-rate second loan worth up to 17% of the home’s price for a down payment. To qualify, buyers must meet certain requirements, including:

• Meet income and home price limits.
• Pay at least 3% of the home’s price.
• Have lived in California for at least one year.
• Use the home as their main home.

Buyers’ loan payments would repay the bonds. Builders could also join a voluntary program with higher labor standards and different rules for handling construction problems.

Effects on government budgets: The program would likely have no direct cost to state or local governments. Buyers’ loan payments would repay the bonds and cover the cost of running the program.

People for Prop 37 say:

• Prop 37 would help renters, first time homebuyers, and working families afford the down payment to buy a home.
• The program is designed to be paid for by homeowners, not taxpayers.
• Prop 37 could encourage the construction of more new homes.

People against Prop 37 say:

• No official argument against Prop 37 was submitted.

Prop 38 – Bonds for Research on the Immune System
Initiative Statute

The way it is now: Medical research, including research on the immune system, can lead to new ways to prevent and treat diseases. Most medical research is paid for by private companies and the federal government. In 2004 and 2020, California voters approved a total of $8.5 billion in bonds for stem cell research.

What Prop 38 would do if it passes: Prop 38 would allow the state to issue $8.4 billion through general obligation bonds. The money would support medical research related to the body’s immune system and how it fights disease. About half of the money would go to one research institute. The other half would provide
competitive grants to California universities and nonprofit research groups. At least half of the money would support research on cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. The state would receive 10% of any money earned from discoveries made through the funded research. Treatments developed with the funding would generally have to be offered at a 20% discount in California.

Effects on government budgets: The state would pay about $500 million to $600 million each year for about 20 years to repay the bonds. The money would come from the state’s General Fund. The state might recover some or all of this cost if the research leads to discoveries that generate enough revenue. How much the state would receive is uncertain and could take decades.

People for Prop 38 say:

• The research could lead to new treatments or cures for cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and other illnesses.
• Prop 38 would keep medical research moving forward despite cuts and uncertainty in federal funding.

People against Prop 38 say:

• The state would take on billions of dollars in debt with no guarantees that discoveries would earn enough to repay the bonds.
• Research priorities should be set through scientific review and the state budget process, not through ballot measures.

Prop 39 – Prohibits Voting Without ID
Initiative Constitutional Amendment

The way it is now: To register to vote, a person must be a U.S. citizen and provide information that helps confirm their identity. This may include a driver’s license number, state ID number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number. California maintains a list of all registered voters in the state and removes from the list people who are not eligible to vote. Most voters do not have to show identification each time they vote. People voting in person give their name and address and sign the voter registry. People voting by mail sign their ballot envelope, and election officials compare the signature with the voter’s records.

What Prop 39 would do if it passes: Prop 39 would require voters to provide additional identifying information each time they vote.

• In-person voters would show a government-issued ID.
• Mail voters would provide a government-issued ID in their registration, write the last four digits on the ballot envelope, and the numbers would have to match.
• The state would offer free voter ID cards.
• Election officials would try to verify voters’ citizenship status and report yearly on these efforts.

Effects on government budgets: Prop 39 would cost state and local governments between tens of millions and low hundreds of millions of dollars each year. The cost would depend on how the new rules and free voter ID cards are set up and how many people request cards.

People for Prop 39 say:

• Voter ID is a common-sense, bipartisan way to increase trust in elections.
• Prop 39 would keep mail voting and other voting options and provide free voter ID cards.

People against Prop 39 say:

• California elections are secure and Prop 39 is a Trump-inspired partisan power grab to control elections and decide which voters count.
• It would create unnecessary barriers to voting, put voters’ privacy at risk, and waste hundreds of millions of dollars.

MADE A MISTAKE? YOU CAN GET A REPLACEMENT BALLOT.
To get a new ballot contact your County Elections Office before Election Day or go to your Voting Location when it opens and ask for a replacement.

Prop 40 – The 2026 Billionaire Tax Act
Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute

The way it is now: California taxes income and some kinds of property, like homes and commercial buildings. A wealth tax is different because it taxes a person’s total net worth. Net worth is the value of everything a person owns minus their debts. California does not currently have a wealth tax.

What Prop 40 would do if it passes: Prop 40 would create a one-time tax on people who were California residents on January 1, 2026, and had a net worth of more than $1 billion. Their net worth would be measured on December 31, 2026.

• The tax would be up to 5% of their worldwide net worth.
• Real estate and most pensions and retirement accounts would not be taxed.
• The tax could be paid in 2027 or over five years with an extra charge.
• California residents filing a 2026 state tax return would have to report whether their net assets were more than $1 billion.

Ninety percent of the money would go to health care. The rest would go to education, food assistance, and the cost of running the tax program. The usual state rules for school funding, budget reserves, and the state spending limit would not apply to this money. This money could not replace existing state funding for
those programs.

Effects on government budgets: Prop 40 would probably raise tens of billions of dollars over several years. The amount is uncertain because the value of assets such as stocks can change. The state could lose less than $1 billion each year in income tax revenue if some billionaires leave California or take other steps to reduce their taxes. Running the new tax program could cost tens of millions of dollars each year for several years. Those costs would be paid from the new tax money.

People for Prop 40 say:

• Federal cuts made to pay for tax breaks for wealthy people will cause over one million Californians to lose health coverage and raise premiums for millions more.
• Prop 40 would make about 200 billionaires pay a one-time tax to protect health care, prevent teacher layoffs, and support food assistance.

People against Prop 40 say:

• The tax would drive wealthy people and businesses out of California, costing the state billions for health care, schools, and other services.
• Prop 40 provides only temporary money and could let lawmakers expand the tax later, without enough safeguards over spending.

HOW THESE PROPOSITIONS WORK TOGETHER
Props 40, 41, and 42 are separate measures. Each one needs more than 50% of the vote to pass. Some parts of Prop 40 conflict with Props 41 and 42. If two conflicting measures pass, the one with more “yes” votes controls where they conflict. Props 41 and 42 do not conflict with each other. Both could take effect.

Prop 41 – Spending Limits and Audits for New Special Taxes
Initiative Constitutional Amendment

The way it is now: A special tax is a tax whose money must go to a specific purpose, like roads. The State Constitution limits how much general or special tax money the state can spend each year. Some spending, such as building roads and bridges, does not count toward that limit. The State Auditor does not have to review programs paid for by a proposed special tax before voters decide.

What Prop 41 would do if it passes: Prop 41 would change state spending rules and require audits of programs paid for by new or higher special taxes.

• Before a voter-proposed special tax reaches the ballot, the State Auditor would review the programs it would pay for. The State Auditor is required to identify ways to cut the programs’ yearly costs by 10%. A summary of the review would appear in the voter guide.
• Programs paid for by new or higher special taxes would be audited every four years by the State Auditor.
• The state could not collect a new tax starting on or after January 1, 2026 if the money it raises would not count toward the state spending limit.

Effects on government budgets: The audits would cost a few million dollars a year at first and more later. New tax money would pay most of the costs. Otherwise, the General Fund would pay. Adding audit summaries to the voter guide adds costs. The audits might save money, but the total effect is unknown.

People for Prop 41 say:

• Independent audits would expose waste and help voters see whether programs funded by new taxes are working.
• New taxes should follow the state spending limit so taxpayers get better results and may receive refunds when revenue is too high.

People against Prop 41 say:

• Prop 41 is funded by billionaires who want to block the Prop 40 wealth tax and avoid paying more.
• Blocking Prop 40 would take away money for health care, public schools, and food assistance that Prop 40 is supposed to pay for, while the new audits would cost the state time and money.

Prop 42 – Limits New State Taxes on Personal Property
Initiative Constitutional Amendment

The way it is now: California taxes ownership of some personal property, such as cars and business equipment. Personal property means things people own that are not land or buildings. California does not tax people simply for owning financial assets, such as stocks or retirement accounts. It does tax income earned from those assets. The state can also sometimes make a new tax apply to income or other events from the past.

What Prop 42 would do if it passes: Prop 42 would ban new state taxes on owning financial assets or other personal property. It would also limit when new state taxes could apply to income or events from the past.

If Props 40 and 42 both pass and Prop 42 gets more yes votes, a court could stop Prop 40 from taking effect.

Effects on government budgets: Prop 42 would limit the kinds of taxes the state can create in the future. This could reduce future state tax revenue, but the amount is unknown.

People for Prop 42 say:

• Prop 42 would protect retirement accounts, savings, and other personal property from new state taxes.
• It would stop the state from making new taxes apply to money earned in the past.

People against Prop 42 say:

• Prop 42 is not really about protecting retirement savings. Billionaires funded it to block the Prop 40 wealth tax.
• Blocking Prop 40 would protect billionaires from the tax while millions of working people lose health care or pay more for it.

Prop 43 – Two-Thirds Vote for Certain Local Taxes
Legislative Constitutional Amendment

The way it is now: Local voters can place special taxes on the ballot. A special tax pays for a specific purpose, such as schools, roads, parks, or public safety. Under recent court decisions, special taxes that voters put on the ballot can pass as long as they get more than half the vote. Special taxes put on the ballot by local governments need two-thirds approval.

What Prop 43 would do if it passes: Starting January 1, 2027, local special taxes would need approval from two-thirds of those voting to pass, no matter who put
them on the ballot. This would apply to new taxes, tax increases, and extensions of taxes already in place. Prop 43 would also prevent voters from using the
local initiative process to create taxes based on a property’s value, except for property taxes allowed by the State Constitution.

Effects on government budgets: Local governments could collect less tax money in the future because some measures would not receive enough votes to pass with a higher two-thirds vote requirement. The amount is unknown.

People for Prop 43 say:

• Prop 43 would close a court-created loophole and restore the two-thirds vote for local special taxes.
• It would make it harder to raise taxes and would protect homeowners, renters, and small businesses from costly tax increases.

People against Prop 43 say:

• Prop 43 would make it harder for communities to fund schools, roads, housing, health care, police, and fire services.
• Just over one-third of voters could block a tax supported by nearly two-thirds of voters.

After returning your ballot, check WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov to find out where your ballot is in the process and when it has been accepted.

Prop 44 – 90% Health Care Spending for Nonprofit Safety-Net Clinics
Initiative Statute

The way it is now: Safety-net clinics provide low-cost or free care, mainly to low-income and uninsured people. California has about 2,000 clinics, most of which are private, non-profit clinics. The rest are run by counties or other public agencies. Private nonprofit safety-net clinics report each year how they receive and
spend money. On average, they report spending about 80% of their revenue on health care services, but the amount varies by clinic.

What Prop 44 would do if it passes: Proposition 44 would require private nonprofit safety-net clinics to spend at least 90% of their yearly revenue on health care services. The Attorney General would decide which costs count. Some clinics could get a temporary exception. Clinics that spend less than 90% would payt the state the amount they fell short. They could get the money back by meeting the rule within five years. Otherwise, the state would use the money for programs that support clinic workers.

Effects on government budgets: The state would spend in the low tens of millions of dollars each year to enforce the rules. Prop 44 directs the state to cover these costs with fees charged to affected clinics. Other costs are uncertain. Clinics might provide more services to Medi-Cal patients, increasing state costs. Some clinics might close if they cannot meet the rule, creating other uncertain costs for state and local governments.

People for Prop 44 say:

• Prop 44 would reduce wasteful spending, including high executive pay, and direct more money to patient care.
• With federal health care cuts, clinics should use every possible dollar for patients and be more open about their spending.

People against Prop 44 say:

• The rules would limit spending on staff, equipment, translation, and other services patients need.
• Clinics could cut services or close, leaving millions without care and sending more patients to crowded emergency rooms.

Prop 45 – Changes Environmental Review for Certain Projects
Initiative Statute

The way it is now: Before many projects can be built, government agencies must study how they could affect the environment. These projects can include housing, roads, public transportation, power systems, water systems, schools, and hospitals. This review is required by the California Environmental Quality Act, called CEQA. Agencies may require changes to reduce harms to things like air, water, wildlife, traffic, or public health. The public can comment on the review. People sometimes challenge project approvals in court, which can lengthen project timelines and increase costs. Many projects need other government permits too.

What Prop 45 would do if it passes: Prop 45 would change CEQA and let applicants for certain “essential” projects choose new rules for environmental review, permits, and court cases. These projects include some housing, clean energy, water systems, schools, hospitals, internet service, wildfire prevention, and transportation projects. The new rules would not apply to high-speed rail, projects that move water through the Delta, nuclear power projects, jails, or prisons. The new rules would:

• Set stricter deadlines for environmental reviews, permits, and court cases.
• Limit public comment periods and which California Native American tribes must be consulted.
• Limit what courts could consider in lawsuits. If a court finds a CEQA problem, it could stop only the affected part of the project while the problem is fixed, not the whole project.

Effects on government budgets: State and local governments could spend high tens of millions of dollars a year at first to put the new rules in place, and possibly more than $100 million a year. Fees paid by project applicants and people filing lawsuits would cover some costs. The long-term effect is uncertain. Faster public projects could save money, while environmental harm from some projects could raise government costs.

People for Prop 45 say:

• Delays, red tape, and lawsuits raise the cost of housing, electricity, water, and public projects. Prop 45 would help essential projects get built faster and cost less.
• Prop 45 would keep environmental laws and public input while setting firm deadlines and reducing unnecessary lawsuits.

People against Prop 45 say:

• Prop 45 would weaken environmental review, public input, and increase risks to air, water, and public health.
• It would not require lower rents, mortgages, or utility bills, and taxpayers could end up paying for environmental harm.

MISSED THE OCTOBER 19 VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE? NO PROBLEM! YOU CAN STILL VOTE IN THIS ELECTION! If you missed the deadline, go to any Voting Location. You can register and vote on the same day – all the way up through Election Day.

• If possible, find your assigned location at findmypollingplace.sos.ca.gov. Go to that Voting Location to make sure you get a ballot with all your local contests.
• Same-day register and vote from home. If you need to register after October 19 and want to vote from home, contact your County Elections Office to find out how to register and get a vote by mail ballot through Election Day. Check sos.ca.gov/county-elections-offices.

Ways to Vote

Every registered voter in California will receive a ballot in the mail about a month before the election.

There are 3 ways to vote. You can choose to mail back your ballot, or drop it off, or you can vote in person at a Voting Location.

1) vote by mail

MAIL YOUR BALLOT BACK EARLY!
You can fill it in and mail it back as soon as you receive it. No stamp? No problem. You do not need a stamp to mail back your ballot.

Mark your ballot and seal it inside the envelope provided.
Follow the directions on the ballot to mark your choices.
Check that you are using the return envelope with your name on it.
Put your ballot into the envelope & seal. Only 1 ballot in each envelope.

Sign and date the envelope.
Date and sign your name carefully on the back of the envelope using ink.

Return your ballot on time.
Mail your ballot back early because it must be postmarked by Election Day, November 3, 2026. To make sure your ballot arrives on time, send it back at least one week before Election Day.

If you want to mail your ballot close to or on Election Day, ask for a manual postmark from a postal employee inside a United States Post Office. If you cannot get a postmark, then take your ballot to a Dropbox or Voting Location. Find one at findmypollingplace.sos.ca.gov.

2) drop off your ballot

If you decide to hand in your ballot instead of mailing it, you must drop it off no later than 8PM on Election Day, November 3.
Drop off your ballot at any Voting Location or secure Ballot Dropbox in your county.
For details and locations check caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov.

3) VOTE in person

At in-person Voting Locations you can:

• Vote in person.
• Vote with an accessible voting machine.
• Drop off your completed ballot.
• Get help and voting materials in multiple languages.

Early voting, starting before Election Day, will be available in some locations.
Find Early Voting and Ballot Dropbox locations at caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov.
Find your Voting Location at findmypollingplace.sos.ca.gov.

1. SIGN UP

• You are eligible to vote if you are a U.S. citizen, 18 years or older, not currently serving a state or federal prison term for the conviction of a felony, and not currently found “mentally incompetent” to vote by a court.
• You must register to get on the official list of voters. The deadline to register is October 19.
• You can pick up a voter registration form at your library or post office, have a registration form mailed to you by calling 1-800-345-8683, or fill out the form online at registertovote.ca.gov.
• Missed the deadline? You can still register and vote in this election at any Voting Location. If you go to your assigned location, then your ballot will be sure to include all the contests on which you’re allowed to vote. Check findmypollingplace.sos.ca.gov.
• Once you are on the list, you only need to re-register if you change your address, change your name, want to change your political party, need to update your signature, or because you are no longer in prison or on parole for a felony.

2. GET READY

• Before you vote, it helps to learn about what you will be voting on.
• In addition to a ballot, all registered voters will receive two things in the mail:

1. a County Voter Information Guide that lists everything that will be on your ballot.
2. a second Voter Information Guide from the state about statewide candidates and measures

• In addition to this Easy Voter Guide, you can visit VOTE411.org for more information about everything on your ballot.

3. VOTE!

• If you are already registered to vote, you will receive a ballot in the mail. If you wish to use the mailed ballot instead of voting in person, fill it out and mail it back early so that it is postmarked no later than Election Day. You may also drop it off at any voting location in your county on Election Day. Your county will open secure ballot drop box locations starting about a month before Election Day.
• You choose whether to vote in-person at your Voting Location or use a “vote by mail” ballot.
• For voting in person on Tuesday, November 3, the polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. You may also be able to vote before Election Day. Check caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov.
• For information on voting locations, dates, and hours check findmypollingplace.sos.ca.gov.

VOTING TIPS

• If you choose to vote in person, it may help to bring the ballot that was mailed to you.
• If you don’t bring your mailed ballot, some counties will require you to vote using a provisional ballot that will be counted once elections officials check that you are eligible to vote.
• If you live in one of the following counties, you can get a regular ballot at any Vote Center, even if you didn’t bring the ballot that was mailed to you: Alameda, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, El Dorado, Fresno, Humboldt, Imperial, Kings, Los Angeles, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Merced, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Placer, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Diego, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Ventura, and Yolo.

CALIFORNIA GENERAL ELECTION
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2026