Vote 2012

 

Whether you're registered red or blue, there is nothing more important today than voting. If you still need to fill out your sample ballot to take with you to the polls, here's a list of all the measures with brief explanations of each (and links to pro and con arguments). I've also included info on places where you can view election night coverage and take advantage of some food and drink specials.

STATE MEASURES

Proposition 30*  - Temporary Taxes to Fund Education. Guaranteed Local Public Safety Funding. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.
A seven-year tax increase on personal income for Californians who make over $250,000 and a four-year increase in sales tax by .25 of a cent to fund schools in this current school year. Guarantees public safety realignment funding.
PRO and CON

Proposition 31 - State Budget. State and Local Government. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute.
Allows local governments and school districts to create plans to coordinate how public education, social, economic development and health and safety services are provided, subject to approval by governing boards.
PRO and CON

Proposition 32 - Political Contributions By Payroll Deduction. Contributions to Candidates. Initiative Statute.
Forbids government contractors to contribute to elected officials who were involved in getting them the contract, bans employee paycheck reductions for "political purposes" and prevents corporations and unions from making direct contributions to candidates/committees that fund them.
PRO and CON

Proposition 33 - Auto Insurance Companies. Prices Based on Driver's History of Insurance Coverage. Initiative Statute.
Changes state law so that auto insurance companies could determine prices according to a driver's past history of carrying insurance or not. Those who have had continuous coverage would receive discounts, while those who did not would pay higher rates.
PRO and CON

Proposition 34 - Death Penalty. Initiative Statute.
Repeals the death penalty and replaces it with life imprisonment without parole. Directs $100 million to law enforcement agencies for investigations of homicide and rape cases.
PRO and CON

Proposition 35 - Human Trafficking. Penalties. Initiative Statute.
Increases prison sentences and fines for convicted human traffickers and requires them to register as sex offenders.
PRO and CON

Proposition 36 -  Three Strikes Law. Repeat Felony Offenders. Penalties. Initiative Statute.
Revises the current law by imposing life sentence only when the new felony conviction is serious or violent. Authorizes re-sentencing for those with a non-violent/serious third strike.
PRO and CON

Proposition 37 - Genetically Engineered Foods. Labeling. Initiative Statute.
Requires labeling of all food made from genetically-modified plants and animals. Prohibits marketing of such food as "natural."
PRO and CON

Proposition 38* - Tax to Fund Education and Early Childhood Programs. Initiative Statute.
A 12-year personal income tax increase for Californians using a sliding scale (a .4 percent increase for those earning over $7,316 and 2.2 percent increase on those earning more than $2.5 million) to fund schools beginning in the 2013-14 school year.
PRO and CON

Proposition 39 - Tax Treatment for Multistate Businesses. Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Funding. Initiative Statute.
Requires multistate businesses to pay income taxes based on how much of their sales are in California. Increased revenue goes to clean/efficient energy projects.
PRO and CON

Proposition 40 - Redistricting. State Senate Districts. Referendum.
Approves the State Senate's redistricting plan drawn by the Citizens Redistricting Commission.
PRO and CON

* EdSource has a great infographic comparing Prop 30. & 38

 

COUNTY MEASURES

A (Advisory Vote Only)
The Office of the Assessor maintains the evaluation of real and personal property records in the county. This measure asks if voters prefer that it be an appointed or elected position.

B
Requires adult film producers to obtain a county public health permit and performers to use condoms.
PRO and CON

J - Accelerating Traffic Relief, Job Creation.
Accelerates light rail/subway construction and airport connections within five years (not 20).
PRO and CON

 

 ELECTION NIGHT EVENTS

Cafe del Rey (Marina del Rey)
Election-themed drinks, like the Barockin' Bayonet and Not-So Radical Romney, are $6, and you can get them at 2-for-1 if you show an "I Voted" sticker after 4 p.m.

Canelé (Atwater Village)
They're bringing in a projector and screen, and serving up a prix fixe special in addition to their regular menu: romaine hearts with blue cheese, Barack's meatloaf with mashers and buttered carrots and apple tart with vanilla ice cream for $35.

Hammer Museum (Westwood)
Live coverage will be broadcast in Ammo and the Billy Wilder Theater, and you can check out Jonathan Horowitz's Your Land / My Land: Election '12 installation.

Park Your Politics: Grand Park's Election Day Viewing Party (Downtown)
Watch the results on a big screen, while enjoying local food trucks and DJs from dub lab and KCRW.

Stadium Club at Dodger Stadium (Elysian Park)
The L.A. County Democratic Party's Election Night Celebration is free and open to the public, beginning at 8:30 p.m.