Ballot: Overview —November 8, 2016 —California General Election
There may be more contests here than on your official ballot.
Enter your full address to show only the contests on your ballot.
Candidates are rotated and randomly ordered based on how much information they have supplied.
Learn more
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 MoreCity of Visalia
Measure N
To provide funding protected from Sacramento; maintain/improve essential city services including police, fire/9-1-1 emergency/ medical aide response, gang prevention programs/ neighborhood police patrols; maintain streets; reduce criminal street activity; attract/retain businesses/jobs; address homelessness;...
Learn MoreExeter Unified School District
Measure K
To improve the quality of education with funding that cannot be taken by the state; upgrade vocational education and performing arts facilities and classrooms; modernize science labs; improve student access to computers and modern technology; modernize/renovate classrooms, restrooms and school facilities;...
Learn MoreBurton Elementary School District
Measure L
To improve the quality of education with funding that cannot be taken by the state; repair or replace leaky roofs; make health and safety improvements; replace outdated heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems; upgrade inadequate electrical systems; replace deteriorating plumbing systems; and...
Learn MoreEarlimart Elementary School District
Measure M
To improve the quality of education for Earlimart students, modernize, construct, and improve classrooms and necessary student support facilities for school and community use, improve health, student safety and security, provide classroom technology infrastructure, and qualify the District for State...
Learn MoreKern Community College District Facilities Improvement District 1
Measure J
To upgrade classrooms to prepare students/veterans for good-paying jobs/ university transfer by updating labs/classrooms for nursing, welding, construction/ high-tech job training, repairing deteriorating gas, electrical/ sewer lines, leaky roofs, improving water conservation, ensuring access for disabled,...
Learn More