Your Vote. Your Voice.
November 5, 2024 General Election.

Are you signed up to vote?
October 21, 2024 – Last day to register to vote in this election
November 5, 2024 – ELECTION DAY. Your voting location is open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Get Ready

• Register to vote by October 21 at 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.
• If you want to get voting materials in a language other than English, make that choice at voterstatus.sos.ca.gov.

Help for Voters

What’s New for Voters

The state of California wants to make it easier to vote. Now, every registered voter in California will receive a ballot in the mail about a month before Election Day. You can choose to return the ballot by mail, drop it off, or instead vote in person. Read page 11 for more details.

MISSED THE OCTOBER 21 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.

No Longer in Prison? Once you have been released from prison in California your right to vote is automatically restored – you just need to register to vote. You may vote while you are on parole, but cannot vote if you are currently serving a state or federal prison sentence.

Help for Voters

VOTE411, an online election guide from the League of Women Voters – VOTE411 makes it easy to see everything that will be on your ballot, including national, state and local candidates and measures. Type in your home address at VOTE411.org.

Official Voter Information Guide from the California Secretary of State – The Secretary of State’s guide includes voting resources, detailed information about the state propositions, and statements from candidates. Find the Official Voter Information Guide online at voterguide.sos.ca.gov.

County Elections Offices – Find your County Elections Office online at sos.ca.gov/county-elections-offices.

About the November 5, 2024 General Election

In this “general” election, voters will:

• Choose a President, a U.S. Senator, and Representatives in U.S. Congress and the California State Legislature.
• Vote “YES” or “NO” on 10 proposed state laws for California.
• Vote for other candidates and proposed laws depending 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 count even if you choose to skip some things on your ballot.

President and Vice President

In this election, the country will elect a President and a Vice President for a four-year term. The candidates for President and Vice President will run together as a pair. You can vote for one pair.

THE PRESIDENT

• Oversees most federal departments
• Approves or rejects new laws
• Presents a budget each year to Congress
• Is in charge of foreign policy and the armed forces

THE VICE PRESIDENT

• Takes over if something happens to the President
• Runs meetings of the U.S. Senate
• Attends important events for the President
• Has other duties chosen by the President

How We Elect the President

You can think of the election for President as 51 separate elections (one for each state and Washington, D.C.). To win a state, a candidate must win the majority of the people’s votes — which is called the popular vote. In most states, the winner of the state’s popular vote takes all of that state’s electoral votes.

Each state has a certain number of electoral votes, based on how many people live in the state. States with the most people have the most electoral votes.
The total number of electoral votes from all the states is 538. To become President, a candidate must win at least 270 electoral votes. In December, after the General Election, the “Electoral College” officially counts the electoral votes (even though we already know who the winner is). The winner will take office in January 2025.

Your vote for President really matters because just a few people’s votes can decide if a candidate wins all of a state’s electoral votes. Elections for President have been very close, and each state makes a big difference.

Your Representatives in Government

How You’re Represented in U.S. and State Government

Offices that represent everyone in California

• President (4 year term)
• United States Senator (6 year term)

Offices that represent a specific district in California

• U.S. Representative in Congress (2 year term)
• California State Senator (4 year term; odd-numbered districts will be voted on in this election)
• California State Assembly Member (2 year term)

California has 52 members in the U.S. House of Representatives. They are each elected for a two year term.

• Represent the people from their California district in Washington, D.C.
• Help develop the federal budget and U.S. policy priorities.
• Work with other U.S. Representatives to make new laws and hold hearings.

Every state has two U.S. Senators. They are each elected for a six-year term.

• Represent the people of their state in Washington, D.C.
• Help develop the federal budget and U.S. policy priorities.
• Work with other U.S. Senators to make new laws, hold hearings, and approve judges and other appointments.

Voting for Candidates & Proposed Laws

Voting for Candidates

The way we choose our President is different from the way we choose other candidates in California.

How We Elect the President

Each of California’s six political parties has a candidate running for president. The parties are: American Independent, Democratic, Green, Libertarian, Peace & Freedom, and Republican. These candidates were chosen from each political party. That process usually occurs during the March primary election.

How We Elect the U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, California State Senator, California State Assembly Member

The two candidates who got the most votes in the March primary election are running against each other. It is possible that these two candidates could be from the same political party.

Voting for Proposed Laws (Propositions)

California voters will also make decisions on 10 proposed state laws (propositions):
Prop 2 – Bonds for Public School & Community College Facilities
Prop 3 – Guarantees Marriage Equality
Prop 4 – Bonds for Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, and Climate Programs
Prop 5 – Decreases Vote Requirement for Local Housing & Infrastructure Bonds
Prop 6 – Ends Forced Labor of People in Jails & Prisons
Prop 32 – Raises the Minimum Wage
Prop 33 – Local Governments and Rent Control
Prop 34 – Restricts Spending of Profits from Selling Prescription Drugs
Prop 35 – Permanent Tax to Support Medi-Cal
Prop 36 – Increase Penalties for Theft and Drug Crimes

State Propositions

Propositions are proposed laws presented to the public to vote on. Propositions can make new laws, change existing laws, and sometimes they change California’s Constitution. They can be placed on the ballot by people who collect enough voter signatures or by state lawmakers (the California Legislature). A proposition passes and becomes law if it receives more than 50 percent YES votes.

Propositions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 were placed on the ballot by the State Legislature. The other Propositions have been placed on the ballot by people who collected enough signatures.

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

There are 10 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 2 – Bonds for Public School & Community College Facilities

Legislative Statute

The way it is now: One of the ways the state government supports schools is by providing money to help build and repair buildings. This money usually comes from bonds which are sold to raise money and then are repaid over time.

What Prop 2 would do if it passes: Prop 2 would allow the state to sell $10 billion in new bonds to help build and repair schools, including:

• $8.5 billion for K-12 schools.
• $1.5 billion for community colleges.

Some of the K-12 money can be used for building pre-K classrooms, gyms, or kitchens. The state will pay for up to 5% more of the costs for school districts that are smaller, have more low income students, and have more difficulty raising money through selling bonds.

Effect on the state budget: The state would spend about $500 million per year for the next 35 years to repay the bonds. The effect on local governments would depend on the choices that school districts and community colleges make about repairs and new buildings.

People for Prop 2 say:

• Prop 2 will allow the state to make California’s schools and community colleges safer.
• Prop 2 will help pay for badly needed repairs and security improvements.

People against Prop 2 say:

• Prop 2 makes taxpayers pay bond interest for many years.
• The bonds will go to wasteful construction projects instead of classroom instruction.

Prop 3 – Guarantees Marriage Equality                   

Legislative Constitutional Amendment

The way it is now: The California Constitution says that only marriage between a man and a woman is legal. In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that it is unconstitutional to outlaw same-sex marriages anywhere in the United States, and that same-sex couples must be treated the same as opposite-sex couples. California now allows same sex marriages to be performed.  

What Prop 3 would do if it passes: Prop 3 would take out the unconstitutional part of the California Constitution that limits marriage to a “man and a woman,” and put in words that say the right to marry is a fundamental right. This will allow marriage no matter what someone’s gender, sexual orientation, or race is.

Effect on the state budget: Prop 3 would have no change in income or costs for state and local governments other than the costs needed to place the measure on the ballot.

People for Prop 3 say:

• Prop 3 protects the right of people to get married regardless of gender or race.
• The California Constitution should affirm marriage equality which is the law of the United States.

People against Prop 3 say:

• There is no need to change California’s Constitution because same-sex marriage is already legal.
• Proposition 3 removes all rules for marriage, opening the door to child marriages, incest, and polygamy.

Prop 4 – Bonds for Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, and Climate Programs

Legislative Statute

The way it is now: The state pays for activities to conserve natural resources and to protect people from damage caused by climate change. The activities can be projects to increase the amount of safe drinking water or protect against wildfire or flooding. Sometimes cities and counties or other organizations also work to protect natural resources. The state may provide grants and loans to them to do the work. Bonds may be sold to raise money for the activities and then are repaid over time.

What Prop 4 would do if it passes: The state would sell $10 billion in new bonds to fund:

• $3.8 billion for water projects
• $2.7 billion for wildfire and coastline protection
• $1.2 billion toward fish and wildlife

Other programs that would receive money are parks, agriculture and energy, and helping people deal with extreme heat. At least 40% of the bond money must fund activities to help communities that are low income or ones that are more likely to suffer from problems caused by climate change.

Effect on the state budget: Prop 4 would increase state costs about $400 million annually for 40 years to repay the bond plus interest. Activities that protect natural resources could reduce state and local costs of dealing with damage from natural disasters.

People for Prop 4 say: 

• Prop 4 will help protect our communities, health and the economy.
• This bond will provide money for water, to prevent wildfire, and to protect us from climate change.

People against Prop 4 say:

• Bonds are the most expensive way to fund government spending and should not be used.
• Prop 4 provides funding for unproven technologies with no real evidence of success.

Prop 5 – Decreases Vote Requirement for Local Housing & Infrastructure Bonds         

Legislative Constitutional Amendment

The way it is now: Cities, counties and special districts can borrow money by issuing bonds and then repay it by increasing property taxes. The bond money can be used for projects such as building roads, fire stations and water treatment plants. It can also be used to help pay for housing for people with low-incomes, people with disabilities, and those at risk of homelessness. Current law requires 66.7% of voters to vote “yes” to pass a local bond measure that will increase property taxes to repay the bonds.

What Prop 5 would do if it passes: Prop 5 would lower the voting requirement so that some types of local bond measures could pass with 55% of the vote. This lower voting requirement applies to housing program bonds for low-income families, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and other groups. For example, bond funding can be used for programs that help low-income people with down payments for housing. It could also be used to improve infrastructure for police, flood and fire protection, libraries, public health, and public transit.

Effect on the state budget: This measure has little effect on the state budget but will impact local budgets. Prop 5 could increase local borrowing to fund affordable housing, supportive housing, and public infrastructure. The amount of increased borrowing would depend on decisions by local governments and voters. Borrowed funds would be repaid with higher property taxes.

People for Prop 5 say: 

• Prop 5 gives local communities more tools to make housing affordable with programs to help first time buyers and to build and repair affordable housing.
• Prop 5 will allow local voters to address community needs such as housing and safe streets.

People against Prop 5 say: 

• Prop 5 changes the California Constitution which has protected everyone from high debt caused by bond issues.
• Prop 5 pushes the cost of building and maintaining infrastructure onto local governments and their taxpayers.

Prop 6 – Ends Forced Labor of People in Jails & Prisons

Legislative Constitutional Amendment

The way it is now: The California Constitution prohibits “involuntary servitude” except as punishment for a crime. Involuntary servitude is when a person is forced to work. Currently 16 states, including California, permit the use of involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime. In the last few years, voters in Alabama, Oregon, Tennessee, and Vermont removed involuntary servitude language from their state constitutions.

What Prop 6 would do if it passes:

• Amend the California Constitution to prohibit involuntary servitude for any reason.
• Prohibit the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) from disciplining people in prison who refuse a work assignment.
• Allow the CDCR to reduce prison time for people who voluntarily accept work assignments.

Effect on the state budget: The effect of Prop 6 on state and local costs are uncertain. It will depend on how rules about work for people in state prison and county jail change. Any effect is unlikely to be more than tens of millions of dollars annually.

People for Prop 6 say:

• Prop 6 restores human dignity by ending forced labor, which constitutes slavery and violates human rights.
• Prop 6 improves public safety by focusing on rehabilitation of incarcerated people.

People against Prop 6 say:

No argument against Prop 6 was submitted.

Prop 32 – Raises the Minimum Wage

Initiative

The way it is now: In California, the statewide minimum wage is $16 per hour. This wage goes up each year to match the cost of living. State law sets a higher minimum wage for some industries. For example, fast food workers are paid $20 per hour. Some California cities set their own minimum wage laws which can be higher than $16 per hour.

What Prop 32 would do if it passes: Prop 32 would raise the minimum wage to $18 an hour for all employers by 2026. The wage would be adjusted for the cost of living each year after 2026. The new law would not lower what is being paid to people who already earn more than $18 per hour.

Effect on the State Budget: Higher wages for state and local government employees will increase government costs. The money the state collects from taxes will likely decrease because some businesses will make less money. If wages are higher, fewer people will qualify for health care and food programs, like Medi-Cal and CalFresh, which could save the state hundreds of millions of dollars to over $1 billion a year.

People for Prop 32 say:

• Raising the minimum wage will improve the standard of living for millions of workers and promote economic fairness.
• People will make more money so they can afford housing and food which makes everyone better off.

People against Prop 32 say:

• Raising the minimum wage will hurt businesses, raise prices, and cause job losses.
• Governments may have to cut services and raise taxes if they pay more for wages.

Prop 33 – Local Governments and Rent Control                           

Initiative

The way it is now:  Some cities have “rent control” laws that limit how much landlords can increase rents each year. State law prevents rent control on single-family homes and housing built after early 1995. It also prevents local governments from telling landlords what they can charge when a renter first moves in. Courts have said that landlords must be allowed to increase rents enough to be able to make some money each year.

What Prop 33 would do if it passes: Prop 33 would remove the law that prohibits rent control on single family homes and housing built after early 1995. This means that local governments would be more free to create their own rent control rules and could apply them to single family houses. Local rent control laws would still have to allow landlords to make some profit each year. Prop 33 would also stop the state from passing any laws to limit local governments from having rent control.

Effect on the state budget: This measure has little effect on the state budget but will impact local budgets. The impact would depend on how many cities and counties pass rent control laws and what landlords do. The measure would likely decrease the money local governments get from property taxes. This decrease could be in the tens of millions of dollars each year. Cities or counties will also need to spend money to enforce rent control laws. These costs will likely be paid by landlords.

People for Prop 33 say:

• Prop 33 will allow local governments to protect renters and keep them housed while more affordable housing is built.
• Prop 33 will allow local communities to vote on whether and how they control rents.

People against Prop 33 say:

• Prop 33 will increase costs to build housing, causing developers to build less and making California’s housing crisis worse.
• Prop 33 will drive up costs for renters and home buyers.

Prop 34 – Restricts Spending of Profits from Selling Prescription Drugs

Initiative

The Way It Is Now: Medi-Cal is a program that provides health care coverage for people with low income.  A federal discount drug program requires drug makers to provide reduced-price drugs to healthcare providers who treat low-income people. These providers are allowed to charge people with private insurance higher prices than people with Medi-Cal. The goal is to give healthcare providers extra money to serve low-income people. The money earned may be used for any purpose that the provider chooses.

What Prop 34 Would Do If It Passes: Prop 34 creates new rules about how certain health care providers can spend money earned from the discount drug program. The rules apply to providers that spend more than $100 million over 10 years on things that are not related to direct patient care and that operate housing units with at least 500 serious safety violations.  If these providers do not spend at least 98% of the money on direct patient care, they could lose their licenses and be banned from receiving government contracts and grants.

Effect on the State Budget: Costs might be in the millions of dollars to identify and punish providers who violate the law. The state will likely pay for those costs by fining those providers.

People for Prop 34 Say:

• Prop 34 will  make sure that money from the discounted drug program is used for direct patient healthcare, not for other purposes.
• Prop 34 will make the drug discount program permanent so that discount drugs will always be available for Medi-Cal patients.

People against Prop 34 Say:

• Prop 34 is an attack by wealthy landlords against one healthcare provider that supports rent control.
• Federal law permits the profits from drug company discounts to be used to support any non-profit mission of healthcare providers.

Prop 35 – Permanent Tax to Support Medi-Cal

Initiative

The Way It Is Now: California’s Medi-Cal program provides health services to over 15 million low-income people. Services are provided through “managed care organizations” (MCOs) such as Kaiser or Anthem Blue Cross. The federal government pays for 50-70% of the Medi-Cal program. California pays for the rest. For the past 20 years, a temporary tax paid by the MCOs has been used to help pay for California’s share of Medi-Cal. This tax will expire at the end of 2026 unless the California legislature and federal government approve it again.

What Prop 35 Would Do If It Passes: Prop 35 would change the temporary tax that helps fund Medi-Cal to a permanent tax on MCOs. It will also create new rules for how the tax money can be spent. The tax money would be required to support Medi-Cal and other health programs and would not be available to put into the general California state budget. 

Effect on the State Budget: In a few years, funding for Medi-Cal and other health programs would increase by about $2 to $5 billion per year. State costs will increase by $1 billion to $2 billion annually to cover some existing Medi-Cal services not included in Prop 35.

People for Prop 35 Say:

• Prop 35 will support health services that help low-income people.
• Increased funding will allow higher payments to healthcare workers and improve access to doctors and other health services for people with low income.

People against Prop 35 Say:

No argument against Prop 35 was submitted. 

Prop 36 – Increase Penalties for Theft and Drug Crimes

Initiative

The way it is now: Felonies are considered severe crimes. Less severe crimes are misdemeanors. In 2014 voters passed a law that turned nonviolent crimes like drug possession and shoplifting into misdemeanors unless someone has prior convictions for serious crimes. Money saved from fewer people in prison is used for mental health and drug treatment, programs to keep kids in school, and victim services.

What Prop 36 would do if it passes: Prop 36 turns some misdemeanors into felonies, can lengthen sentences, and requires some sentences be served in prison instead of jail. For example:

• Someone with 2 past theft convictions who shoplifts could get a 3-year felony sentence.
• A person who gives or sells an illegal drug to someone who suffers a major injury from using it could receive a longer sentence. This includes drugs like psychedelic mushrooms.
• If someone with past drug convictions holds drugs like fentanyl or cocaine, they could be charged with a felony. They could be required to receive treatment, and have charges dismissed when complete. If treatment is not completed or they are not eligible for treatment, they could be sent to jail or prison.

Effect on the state budget: There will be increased state and local costs for prisons, jails, and mental health and drug treatment. State costs for mental health and drug treatment, programs to keep kids in school, and victim services will be reduced.

People for Prop 36 say: 

• Prop 36 would make communities safer and hold repeat thieves accountable.
• Prop 36 will be tougher on thieves and drug dealers by making them serve felony sentences.

People against Prop 36 say:

• Prop 36 would make California less safe by taking away crime prevention, rehabilitation, and drug treatment programs.
• Prop 36 would undo progress on drug policy and cost taxpayers billions to imprison more people without reducing crime.

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.

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 5.

OR 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 5.
Drop off your ballot at any Voting Location or secure Ballot Dropbox in your county. For details and locations check caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov.

VOTE IN PERSON

At in-person Voting Locations you can:

• Vote in-person. n Drop off your completed ballot.
• Vote with an accessible voting machine.
• 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.

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.

Voting is as easy as 1-2-3!

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 21.
• 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 5, 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, 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.

About the Easy Voter Guide

The Easy Voter Guide is made possible in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian. The League of Women Voters of California Education Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that encourages informed and active participation in government and works to increase understanding of major public policy issues.

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