Know What You're Voting On
Plain-language breakdowns of every measure on the LA ballot - no legal jargon, just the facts you need to vote with confidence. A proposition is a type of ballot measure. It usually appears on a statewide California ballot. A measure, on the other hand, is the broader term and can refer to statewide, county, city, school-district, or special-district questions put directly to voters. Both ask voters to make a direct Yes/No decision about a proposed policy change. The practical difference is usually scale and naming: A statewide item is commonly called a proposition. A local item is commonly called a measure. For example: A proposal to change California law across the entire state would likely be labeled Proposition [number]. A proposal affecting only Los Angeles County, such as a local tax or charter change, would likely be labeled Measure [letter].
Summaries are based on official CA Legislative Analyst Office analyses. Our "Black LA Lens" and "Artist Lens" sections describe documented community impact, not voting recommendations. Mobilize LA does not endorse any position on any measure.
LA County Affordable Housing Sales Tax
Replaces the expiring Measure H with a permanent half-cent sales tax, about 50 cents on every $100 you spend, to fund affordable housing construction, rental assistance, and homelessness prevention programs across LA County. It raises roughly $1.1 billion per year.
Authorizes Bonds for Housing Affordability Programs
A legislative statute that authorizes California to sell general obligation bonds to fund affordable housing programs statewide. Bond proceeds would go toward construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of affordable rental housing, homeownership assistance, and housing for farmworkers and people experiencing homelessness.
Increases State's Rainy Day Fund
A legislative constitutional amendment that increases the size of California's Budget Stabilization Account, commonly called the rainy day fund, and changes the rules for how and when the state can withdraw from it. The goal is to make the state budget more resilient during economic downturns.
Permanent Funding for Schools and Health Care by Extending Existing Tax on High Incomes
An initiative constitutional amendment that makes permanent the existing 1.75 percent income tax surcharge on Californians earning more than $1 million per year. That tax was originally set to expire. If passed, the revenue, roughly $2 billion per year, would be dedicated to K-12 schools and community colleges, with a portion going to health care programs.
Repeals Prohibition Against Public Funding of Election Campaigns
A legislative statute that removes the existing California constitutional prohibition on using public money to fund political campaigns. It does not itself create a public campaign financing program, but it clears the legal path for the legislature to create one in the future.
Changes Recall Election Process for Statewide Officers
A legislative constitutional amendment that modifies the process for recalling statewide elected officials. Under current law, a recall election asks voters two questions: should the official be removed, and if so, who should replace them. This measure would change that process so that if a recall succeeds, a special election is held separately to choose a replacement.
Creates Loan Program for Middle-Income Buyers of Qualified New Homes
An initiative statute that creates a state loan program to help middle-income Californians purchase newly constructed homes. The state would provide low-interest loans to qualified buyers who earn too much to qualify for low-income housing programs but cannot afford market-rate homes in high-cost areas.
Authorizes Bonds for Immunology Medical Research
An initiative statute that authorizes California to sell general obligation bonds to fund immunology and related medical research at California universities and research institutions. The bonds would be repaid from the state general fund over time.
Prohibits Citizens from Voting Unless They Present Government-Issued Identification
An initiative constitutional amendment that would require all California voters to present government-issued photo identification before casting a ballot. Currently, California voters can verify their identity using a signature match or other non-photo methods. This measure would change the state constitution to require photo ID.
Imposes One-Time Tax on Certain Taxpayers
An initiative constitutional amendment and statute that imposes a one-time tax on certain high-income or high-wealth taxpayers in California. The revenue would be directed toward specific public programs. The exact structure of the tax and the programs it funds are defined in the measure's full text.
Prohibits New State Taxes That Exclude Revenues from State Spending Limit. Requires Audits for New State Special Taxes.
An initiative constitutional amendment that prohibits the state from creating new taxes whose revenues are excluded from California's constitutional spending limit, known as the Gann Limit. It also requires independent audits for any new special taxes. The measure is designed to constrain the state's ability to raise and spend revenue outside the spending cap.
Prohibits New State Personal Property Taxes and Certain Retroactive State Taxes
An initiative constitutional amendment that prohibits California from imposing new personal property taxes at the state level and bars certain retroactive state taxes. Personal property taxes are taxes on assets like vehicles, equipment, and business inventory, as distinct from real property taxes on land and buildings.
Limits Voters' Ability to Raise Revenues for Local Government Services
A legislative constitutional amendment that changes the voting threshold required to pass certain local tax measures. Currently, some local special taxes can be approved by a simple majority of voters. This measure would require a higher supermajority threshold for certain local revenue measures, making it harder for communities to raise money for local services.
Requires Community Health Clinics Spend 90% of Revenue on Program Services
An initiative statute that requires federally qualified community health clinics and free clinics in California to spend at least 90 percent of their revenue on direct patient care and program services, rather than on administrative costs, executive compensation, or other overhead. Clinics that fail to meet the threshold could face penalties.
Modifies Environmental Review for Certain Projects
An initiative statute that changes the California Environmental Quality Act review process for certain categories of projects. CEQA is the state law that requires environmental impact analysis before major development projects can proceed. This measure modifies how that review is conducted for specific project types, potentially streamlining approvals for some projects while maintaining protections for others.
Primary sources
- CA Secretary of State: Qualified Ballot Measures
- CA Legislative Analyst Office: Ballot Measure Analyses
- LA County Registrar-Recorder: Voter Information
Summaries are based on official LAO analyses and CA SoS filings. Mobilize LA does not endorse any position on any measure. Verify current qualification status at sos.ca.gov.