California General Election Ballot, November 8, 2016 - Candidate & Ballot Measure Voter Guide

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.

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Prop. 52 — Private Hospital Fees for Medi-Cal

Passed9,427,714 votes yes (70.1%)4,026,710 votes no (29.9%)

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.

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Prop. 53 — Public Vote on Revenue Bonds

Failed6,508,909 votes yes (49.4%)6,660,555 votes no (50.6%)

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.

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Prop. 54 — Changes to the Legislative Process

Passed8,607,266 votes yes (65.4%)4,559,903 votes no (34.6%)

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.

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Prop. 55 — Extend Tax on High Income

Passed8,594,273 votes yes (63.3%)4,988,329 votes no (36.7%)

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.

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Prop. 56 — Tobacco Tax

Passed8,980,448 votes yes (64.4%)4,957,994 votes no (35.6%)

This proposition increases cigarette tax by $2.00 per pack, with equivalent increase on other tobacco products and electronic cigarettes containing nicotine.

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Prop. 57 — Parole, Sentencing and Court Procedures

Passed8,790,723 votes yes (64.5%)4,847,354 votes no (35.5%)

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.

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Prop. 58 — English Language Education

Passed9,994,454 votes yes (73.5%)3,598,855 votes no (26.5%)

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...

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Prop. 59 — Political Spending Advisory Question

Passed6,845,943 votes yes (53.2%)6,027,084 votes no (46.8%)

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...

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Prop. 60 — Condoms in Adult Films

Failed6,168,388 votes yes (46.3%)7,146,039 votes no (53.7%)

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.

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Prop. 61 — Prescription Drug Costs

Failed6,254,342 votes yes (46.8%)7,109,642 votes no (53.2%)

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.

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Prop. 62 — Repealing the Death Penalty

Failed6,361,788 votes yes (46.8%)7,218,625 votes no (53.2%)

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.

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Prop. 63 — Gun and Ammunition Sales

Passed8,663,159 votes yes (63.1%)5,070,772 votes no (36.9%)

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...

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Prop. 64 — Making Recreational Marijuana Legal

Passed7,979,041 votes yes (57.1%)5,987,020 votes no (42.9%)

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.

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Prop. 65 — Money from Carry-Out Bags

Failed6,222,547 votes yes (46.1%)7,276,478 votes no (53.9%)

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.

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Prop. 66 — Death Penalty Court Procedures

Passed6,626,159 votes yes (51.1%)6,333,731 votes no (48.9%)

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...

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Prop. 67 — Plastic Bag Ban

Passed7,228,900 votes yes (53.3%)6,340,322 votes no (46.7%)

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.

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Contra Costa County

Measure X

Failed278,098 votes yes (63.45%)160,165 votes no (36.55%)

To implement a Transportation Expenditure Plan to continue: * Repairing potholes/fixing roads; * Improving BART capacity/reliability; * Improving Highways 680, 80, 24, and 4; * Enhancing bus/transit including for seniors and people with disabilities; * Increasing bicycle/pedestrian safety; * Improving...

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City of Brentwood

Measure A

Passed16,977 votes yes (75.73%)5,441 votes no (24.27%)

If Measure Z passes, should the revenues raised be used to restore and enhance fire, emergency medical response, and other public safety services in the City of Brentwood?

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Measure Z

Failed8,988 votes yes (39.13%)13,979 votes no (60.87%)

To maintain and enhance essential City services, such as fire and emergency medical response, shall an Ordinance be adopted to enact a utility users tax on telecommunications, electricity, gas, and cable television phasing in over two years (3% in 2017 and an additional 3% in 2018, for a total of 6%)...

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City of El Cerrito

Measure B — Bond: 2/3 required to pass

Failed7,910 votes yes (62.96%)4,653 votes no (37.04%)

To replace the 67 year old El Cerrito Library with a safe, energy efficient, 21st century library that meets earthquake and fire codes with space for a children's area for story times/books; public access computers/computer learning center; up-to-date book/resource collections; and improved senior/disabled...

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City of Lafayette

Measure C

Failed6,002 votes yes (41.81%)8,352 votes no (58.19%)

To provide funding that will stay 100% in Lafayette, to maintain the City's quality of life by funding general City services prioritizing: * Protecting open space; * Reducing downtown congestion; * Enhancing police protection; * Increasing downtown parking; * Acquiring land for downtown parks; * Revitalizing...

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City of Martinez

Measure D

Passed12,793 votes yes (71.96%)4,985 votes no (28.04%)

To provide funding that stays in Martinez, to be used exclusively to improve and maintain the City's roadways, shall an ordinance which imposes a temporary, half-cent transaction and use (sales) tax for 15 years, providing an estimated $2.1 million annually, with citizens' oversight and annual audits,...

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City of Oakley

Measure E

Failed4,294 votes yes (32.95%)8,737 votes no (67.05%)

To maintain and enhance essential City services, such as fire protection and emergency medical response services, shall an Ordinance be adopted to enact a three and one-half percent (3.5%) utility users tax on electricity, water, sewer, gas, and cable television to raise approximately two million dollars...

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Measure G — Fire and emergency medical response services

Passed9,181 votes yes (73.71%)3,274 votes no (26.29%)

If Measure E passes, should the revenues raised be used to restore and enhance fire and emergency medical response services in the City of Oakley? If Measure E passes, should the revenues raised be used to restore and enhance fire and emergency medical response services in the City of Oakley?

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City of Pittsburg

Measure H

Failed7,064 votes yes (36.63%)12,223 votes no (63.37%)

Shall the office of City Clerk be appointive?

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Measure J

Passed13,693 votes yes (68.27%)6,364 votes no (31.73%)

Shall the City of Pittsburg establish a marijuana business tax on all types of medical and non-medical marijuana businesses within the City, of no more than 10% of gross receipts of the business, generating no revenue unless the City amends the municipal code or State law is amended to authorize such...

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Measure E

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City of Pleasant Hill

Measure K — Sales Tax

Passed10,772 votes yes (67.09%)5,284 votes no (32.91%)

To provide and maintain Pleasant Hill city services and facilities, including fixing potholes, and repairing neighborhood and city streets; replacing the aging library with a 21st century facility including space for after-school homework and tutoring; creating additional walking and biking paths; maintaining...

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City of Richmond

Measure L

Passed21,380 votes yes (65.27%)11,378 votes no (34.73%)

Shall the Ordinance to establish rent control, a rent board, and just cause for eviction requirements in the City of Richmond be adopted?

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Measure M

Failed9,287 votes yes (28.59%)23,198 votes no (71.41%)

Shall the Ordinance to amend the City of Richmond's Municipal Code to increase the City's Real Estate Documentary Transfer Tax from .7% to 1% and 1.5%, based on the property's sale price, be adopted?

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East Contra Costa Fire Protection District

Measure N

Passed27,001 votes yes (62.43%)16,252 votes no (37.57%)

Shall the Board of Directors of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District change from an appointed Board of Directors of nine members to a Board of Directors of nine members, elected at-large?

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Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District

Measure O

Passed10,206 votes yes (78.15%)2,854 votes no (21.85%)

To prevent closing local fire stations, maintain local fire protection/emergency services, rapid 9-1-1 emergency response times, firefighter/paramedic staffing levels, and lifesaving rescue equipment, shall Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District replace an expiring property assessment with an $18 monthly...

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John Swett Unified School District

Measure P

To construct a new Carquinez Middle School at existing site/property that is seismically safe and supports modern learning standards in science, math, reading and arts; increase student access to classroom technology; improve student security; implement site renovations; equip classrooms and facilities;...

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Measure Q

Passed3,570 votes yes (65.86%)1,851 votes no (34.14%)

To complete renovation, modernization, and safety upgrades at John Swett High School that update classrooms, science labs, and career technical education facilities; improve student safety/security; provide for college/career readiness; and renovate, construct, and equip classrooms, facilities, sites...

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Martinez Unified School District

Measure R

Passed9,287 votes yes (67.72%)4,427 votes no (32.28%)

To modernize, construct and/or renovate classrooms, restrooms and school facilities at elementary schools; improve student access to modern technology; upgrade inadequate electrical systems; replace deteriorating plumbing systems; construct career/technical education classrooms, including science labs;...

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Pittsburg Unified School District

Measure S

Passed11,292 votes yes (67.97%)5,321 votes no (32.03%)

To provide a stable, local funding source for art, music and athletic essential program equipment and materials, to attract and retain highly qualified teachers and staff, to enhance and expand access to art, music and athletic programs, shall Pittsburg Unified School District levy an annual tax of $91...

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West Contra Costa Unified School District

Measure T

Passed64,358 votes yes (76.33%)19,956 votes no (23.67%)

To maintain quality education with local funding the State cannot take, including: protecting core academics, reading, writing, math, and science, attracting and retaining quality teachers, supporting science lab materials and activities, providing lower class sizes, preparing students for college and...

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Liberty Union High School District

Measure U

Passed26,237 votes yes (61.04%)16,745 votes no (38.96%)

To provide educational facilities and equipment to support advanced courses in math, science, engineering, arts and technology, modernize aging science labs, computer systems and career educational facilities, repair deteriorating roofs, plumbing, heating, ventilation and electrical systems, add classrooms...

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Moraga School District

Measure V

Passed6,252 votes yes (72.7%)2,348 votes no (27.3%)

To improve the quality of education at Moraga schools with funding that cannot be taken away by the State; repair or replace leaky roofs; improve student access to modern technology; modernize, renovate and/or construct classrooms, restrooms and school facilities; upgrade inadequate electrical systems;...

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Oakley Union Elementary School District

Measure W — School Improvement

Passed7,855 votes yes (64.76%)4,275 votes no (35.24%)

To improve local schools with funding that cannot be taken away by the State; add classrooms and school facilities to prevent overcrowding; provide classroom instructional technology; improve science, math/engineering classrooms; repair, construct, replace/update classrooms/educational facilities; and...

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County Service Area R-7 Zone A

Measure Y

Passed5,721 votes yes (71.02%)2,334 votes no (28.98%)

Shall the appropriations limit under California Article XIII-B for County Service Area R-7A (Alamo Parks and Recreation) be increased to $1,650,000 and adjusted for changes in the cost-of-living and population, with the increase effective for the Fiscal Years 2015/2016 through 2018/2019 (inclusive) to...

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Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District Special District 1

Measure C1

Passed384,465 votes yes (82.1%)83,766 votes no (17.9%)

To preserve essential local public transportation services, including those for youth, commuters, seniors, and people with disabilities, while keeping fares reasonable, shall the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District extend its existing 8 dollars per month parcel tax at current levels for 20 years with...

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San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District

Measure RR

Passed994,140 votes yes (70.5%)415,366 votes no (29.5%)

To keep BART safe; prevent accidents/breakdowns/delays; relieve overcrowding; reduce traffic congestion/pollution; improve earthquake safety and access for seniors/disabled by replacing and upgrading 90 miles of severely worn tracks; tunnels damaged by water intrusion; 44-year-old train control systems;...

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Polling Location & Hours

Open from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 8, 2016.

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Voting Information

All registered voters will get a ballot in the mail. Voters may choose to mail back the ballot, drop it off at any voting location or dropbox in the county, or vote in person.

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