A quick guide to propositions that could affect students
Although there is a lot of focus centered around the presidential election, there are many other options on the ballot that are also impactful. If you are mailing in your ballot, make sure that it is postmarked before or on Nov. 3rd and received by your county elections office no later than 17 days later.
While all 12 propositions on the ballot hold value for Californians, those listed below will especially affect students.
Proposition 14: Stem Cell Research Bonds
This proposition would issue $5.5 billion dollars in bonds to support stem cell research. This would continue the work of Proposition 71, a law passed in 2004 for stem cell research funding that has now run out of money. A portion of the money will go to university research.
Pros: Some doctors and researchers say that stem cell research has the potential to help those with spinal cord injuries, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, burns, cancer, osteoarthritis and more.
Cons: The funding from Proposition 71 resulted in very little progress. Additionally, the proposition states that it would result in “increased state costs to repay bonds—estimated at about $260 million per year over the next roughly 30 years.”
Proposition 16: Affirmative Action
This proposition would repeal Proposition 209, passed in 1996, which says states “cannot discriminate against or grant preferential treatment on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education and public contracting.”
Pros: This would allow public institutions to create better opportunities for minorities by giving increased access to better wages, jobs and quality schools.
Cons: This would allow schools and government offices to discriminate by giving preferential treatment to some, taking away equal rights.
Proposition 18: Voting at 17
Voting yes on Proposition 18 will permit “17-year-olds to vote in primary and special elections if they will turn 18 by the next general election and be otherwise eligible to vote.”
Pros: First-time voters can participate in the entire election process from start to finish, which can increase youth interest in civic engagement.
Cons: There are studies that show a brain does not become fully developed until the age of 25. These children cannot enter into legal contracts and require parental permission for activities.
Proposition 21: Rent Control
This would allow the local government to establish rent control on properties over 15 years-old. This would not apply to university-owned housing, but it would apply to students living in privately-owned apartments.
Pros: Cities could pass laws that would prevent rent increases, protecting tenants from being forced out.
Cons: This could make California’s housing crisis worse, as it would demotivate new housing to be built.
Proposition 22: App-Based Jobs
This Proposition would define app-based transportation or delivery (Uber, DoorDash, Instacart) drivers as independent contractors instead of employees.
Pros: This would save thousands of jobs in the industry, and would allow drivers to continue to create their own schedules.
Cons: Independent contractors do not have benefits like paid sick leave or unemployment insurance.
Proposition 24: Consumer Privacy
This proposition would limit businesses from sharing and holding on to a consumer’s personal data, and establishes an agency to oversee.
Pros: This especially protects children, with big fines for violating their privacy.
Cons: Some aspects of Proposition 24 make it easier for businesses to charge the consumer for privacy.
Proposition 25: Abolishing Bail
This would replace payment for bail to be released from jail until the trial with an algorithm that determines the level of risk for not appearing at trial.
Pros: The current system gives wealthy people a luxury that those who are poorer do not have, even if they committed the same crime.
Cons: Algorithms may not be trustworthy for release decisions. This could possibly lead to a spike in crime from those released before trial.