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CalMatters is a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how California’s state Capitol works and why it matters.
November 1, 2024 (Sacramento) -- California voters decided on only one proposition on the March primary ballot — narrowly approving Gov. Gavin Newsom’s mental health measure, Proposition 1. In November, voters will determine the fate of 10 propositions — including whether to borrow a combined $20 billion for climate programs and school construction, whether to approve three amendments to the state constitution and what direction to take on crime, health care and taxes.
The 2024 ballot is still more crowded than in 2022, when there were only seven measures, the fewest in more than a century.
Jump to section, or scroll down to view analysis of all initiatives.
- Prop 2 School bond
- Prop 3 Same-sex marriage
- Prop 4 Climate bond
- Prop 5 Voting threshold
- Prop 6 Involuntary servitude
- Prop 32 Minimum wage
- Prop 33 Local rent control
- Prop 34 Patient spending
- Prop 35 Health care tax
- Prop 36 Criminal penalties
- Watch 1-minute videos
Prop 2
Borrow $10 billion to build schools, colleges
This bond issue would authorize the state to borrow $8.5 billion for K-12 schools and $1.5 billion for community colleges for construction and modernization.
Prop 3
Reaffirm the right of same-sex couples to marry
This constitutional amendment would remove outdated language from Proposition 8, passed by voters in 2008, that characterizes marriage as only between a man and a woman.
Prop 4
Borrow $10 billion to respond to climate change
This bond issue would allow the state to borrow $3.8 billion for drinking water and groundwater programs, $1.5 billion for wildfire and forest programs and $1.2 billion for sea level rise. In part, the money would offset some budget cuts.
Prop 5
Lower voter approval requirements for local housing and infrastructure
This constitutional amendment would make it easier for local governments to borrow money for affordable housing and some other public infrastructure projects by lowering the voter approval requirement from two-thirds to 55%.
Prop 6
Limit forced labor in state prisons
This constitutional amendment would end indentured servitude in state prisons, considered one of the last remnants of slavery. The California Black Legislative Caucus included the proposal in its reparations agenda.
Prop 32
Raise the state minimum wage to $18
This initiative would raise the overall minimum wage from $16 an hour and adjust it for inflation, fast food workers received a $20 an hour minimum on April 1 and health care workers will eventually get $25, though not until at least Oct. 15.
Prop 33
Allow local governments to impose rent controls
This is the latest attempt to roll back a state law that generally prevents cities and counties from limiting rents in properties first occupied after Feb. 1, 1995.
Prop 34
Require certain providers to use prescription drug revenue for patients
Sponsored by the trade group for California’s landlords, this measure is squarely aimed at knee-capping the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which has been active in funding ballot measures (see Prop. 33).
Prop 35
Make permanent a tax on managed health care plans
This initiative is sponsored by California’s health care industry to raise more money for Medi-Cal and block lawmakers from using the cash to avoid cuts to other programs. The tax is set to expire in 2026.
Prop 36
Increase penalties for theft and drug trafficking
This measure — supported by Republicans and law enforcement but opposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and most Democrats — may be the most contentious on the ballot. It would partly roll back Proposition 47, approved by voters in 2014, that turned some felonies into misdemeanors.
1-Minute Videos
Find out where you stand on the propositions before Election Day.
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