California voters will decide these 10 ballot props

California voters will decide 10 statewide ballot propositions with wide-ranging ramifications in the November election.

The props include bond money for several projects, a change in how local governments get approval for those bonds and future money borrowing, the state minimum wage, rent control, prison labor, an existing tax for health-related funds and more.

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Below, you'll find summaries of each prop. Click on the prop number to learn more.

Decision 2024 Sep 17

See key dates, voter information, ballot props and more for the Southern California election

Decision 2024 Oct 4

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California's 10 ballot props

Proposition 2: This prop asks voters for approval of bonds for public school and community college facilities.

Proposition 3: The Constitutional right to marriage prop would replace language in the California Constitution saying marriage is between a man and a woman.

Proposition 4: This prop asks for approval of bonds for protecting communities and natural lands from climate risks.

Proposition 5: This prop would allow for local bonds for affordable housing and public infrastructure with 55% voter approval instead of supermajority.

Proposition 6: Eliminates constitutional provision allowing involuntary servitude in prisons.

Proposition 32: California voters will decide whether to gradually increase the statewide minimum wage to $18 an hour.

Proposition 33: Expands local governments' authority to enact rent control on residential property.

Proposition 34: Restricts spending of prescription drug revenues by certain health care providers.

Proposition 35: Provides permanent funding for Medi-Cal health care services.

Proposition 36: Allows felony charges and increases sentences for certain drug and theft crimes.

How are propositions added to the California ballot?

There are two ways a ballot proposition can get on an election ballot in California.

First, the prop can be placed before voters by the California State Legislature.

Second, a prop can be added through a petition, which can be brought by anyone. If the petition receives enough signatures, it qualifies for the election ballot.

Important Nov. 5 general election dates

Last day to register is Oct. 21
Registered voters will get a vote-by-mail ballot. County elections office will begin mailing ballots by Oct. 7
Ballot drop-off locations open Oct. 8. Click here for map of locations in Los Angeles County.
Vote centers open for early in-person voting in all Voter's Choice Act counties starting Oct. 26
Election Day is Nov. 5.
Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by Nov. 12

Prop 2 explained: School bond

Proposition 2 would authorize $10 billion in general obligation bonds for public school and community college facilities, increasing state costs of about $500 million annually for $35 years to repay the bond. NBCLA's Conan Nolan explains.

Prop 3 explained: Same-sex marriage

Proposition 3 would amend the California Constitution by removing language stating that marriage is only between a man and a woman, and would recognize the fundamental right to marry, regardless of sex or race. NBCLA's Conan Nolan explains.

Prop 4 explained: Climate bond

Proposition 4 would authorize $10 billion in general obligation bonds for safe drinking water, wildfire prevention, and protecting communities and natural lands from climate risks, increasing state costs of about $400 million annually for 40 years to repay the bond. NBCLA's Conan Nolan explains.

Prop 5 explained: Lower voting threshold

Proposition 5 would allow local bonds for affordable housing and public infrastructure with 55% voter approval; borrowing would be repaid with higher property taxes. NBCLA’s Conan Nolan explains.

Prop 6 explained: Limit forced labor in state prisons

Proposition 6 would amend the California Constitution to remove the current provision that allows jails and prisons to impose involuntary servitude to punish crime (i.e., forcing inmates to work). NBCLA’s Conan Nolan explains.

Prop 32 explained: Minimum wage

A yes "vote" on Proposition 32 would raise the state minimum wage to $18 per hour in 2026. A "no" vote means the state minimum wage likely would be about $17 per hour in 2026. State and local government costs could increase or decrease by up to hundreds of millions of dollars annually. NBCLA's Conan Nolan explains.

Prop 33 explained: Local rent control

Proposition 33 would repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act of 1995 and expand local governments' authority to enact rent control on residential property in California. NBCLA's Conan Nolan explains.

Prop 34 explained: Patient spending

Proposition 34 would require certain health care entities to follow new rules about how they spend revenue they earn from a federal drug discount program. NBCLA's Conan Nolan explains.

Prop 35 explained: Health care tax

Proposition 35 would provide permanent funding for Medi-Cal health care services. NBCLA's Conan Nolan explains.

Prop 36 explained: Criminal penalties

Proposition 36 would allow felony charges for possessing certain drugs and for thefts under $950 in California, if the defendant has two prior drug or theft convictions. NBCLA's Conan Nolan explains.