We recommend:
Vote NO — Prop 39: Voter ID Requirement
Requires government-issued ID for in-person voting and a personal ID number on mail ballots. The measure doesn't specify which IDs qualify, creating confusion and barriers that would disproportionately affect voters of color, young voters, and voters with disabilities — while also risking voter privacy.
Vote NO — Prop 41: New Tax Restrictions & Audit Mandates
Adds new constitutional hurdles for statewide special taxes, delaying ballot measures and making it harder to fund voter-approved priorities like health care and education. California already has adequate accountability safeguards.
Vote NO — Prop 42: Permanent Ban on Personal Property Taxes
Permanently bars new state taxes on financial assets and personal property, stripping future voters and lawmakers of tools to respond to crises. Would worsen wealth inequality and shift funding burdens onto middle-class taxpayers via higher sales/income taxes.
Vote NO — Prop 43: Two-Thirds Threshold for Local Revenue Measures
Requires a two-thirds vote for citizen-led local funding measures, letting one-third of voters block majority-supported investments in schools, housing, transit, and emergency services.
Vote YES — Prop 1: Affordable Housing Bonds
Authorizes an $11.25 billion bond to build and preserve affordable housing and expand homeownership — the largest public housing investment in state history, targeted at veterans, seniors, low/middle-income residents, people with disabilities, farmworkers, and people experiencing homelessness.
Vote YES — Prop 3: Permanent School & Healthcare Funding
Makes the existing tax on California's highest earners permanent, preserving $15 billion/year for public education and health care.
Vote YES — Prop 4: Public Campaign Financing
Repeals California's ban on publicly financed campaigns, opening the door to systems that reduce big-donor influence and give more candidates a fair shot at running for office.
Vote YES — Prop 40: One-Time Billionaire Wealth Tax
Imposes a one-time tax of up to 5% on net worth over $1 billion (covering businesses, securities, art, collectibles, and IP; excludes real property and most retirement accounts). Tax is due in 2027, payable over 5 years. Raises tens of billions of dollars — 90% to health care, 10% to food assistance/education — without replacing existing funding. May cause a small (<$1B/year) dip in income tax revenue if some billionaires relocate.