Voter's Guide "State Propositions"

Proposition 41 Voting Modernization Bond Act of 2002

Bond act put on ballot by the legislature allowing the state to purchase $200 million in bonds to fund modern voting equipment to replace old systems such as punch cards (chads), similar to the controversial ballots used in Florida during the 2000 presidential election. The bonds will cost the state $255 million to pay back over 10 years and will require additional annual county costs in the 10s of millions of dollars statewide. Endorsers of the proposition suggest that this is a necessary improvement to ensure every vote is accurately counted. Supporters include the League of California Voters, Congress of California Seniors, and Secretary of State Bill Jones. Those opposing the proposition, including the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and Assembly member Dennis Mountjoy, argue that only preexisting funds should be used to improve and purchase voting systems.

Proposition 42 Transportation Congestion Improvement Act.

Constitutional amendment put on ballot by legislature to require current state sales and use taxes on the sale of gasoline, which are currently paid at the pump, to be used for local transportation purposes beginning in 2003. The act also requires $1.4 billion in 2008, increasing annually thereafter, be used for additional transportation issues such as public transportation, state road improvements, city and local street repairs. The list of supporters include the California Police Chiefs Association, California Fire Chiefs Association, and California's Taxpayers association. Opponents, which are unlisted, argue that it will tie up useful state funds that could be used for health and public safety.

Proposition 43 Right To Have Vote Counted

An amendment to the state constitution declaring that a voter who casts a vote in an election lawfully will have the right to have the vote counted. It also provides county election offices with the ability to ask the state for an extension of a post-election deadline to count votes. It will also explicitly authorize courts to extend county deadlines. There is no cost for the state to implement this change. The organization opposing the proposition, Voters Information Alliance, is located in Silicon Valley.

Proposition 44 Chiropractors Unprofessional Conduct.

Amendment of the Chiropractic Act put on the ballot by the legislature requiring the Board of Chiropractic Examiners to revoke a chiropractor's license after a second conviction of fraud. The cost to the state in minimal, and the possible savings from lower insurance fraud is unknown. Supporters, including State Sen. Jackie Speier and the California District Attorney's Association, argue that it will lower insurance premiums and create standards for chiropractors that are similar to those that exist for doctors and lawyers. Opponents, including the Libertarian Party of California, want a license revoked only if a patient is harmed.

Proposition 45 Legislative Term Limits. Local Voter Petitions.

Put on the ballot by petition signatures allowing voters to extend term limits of incumbent state Assembly or Senate for an additional four years by submitting petition signatures. County costs would increase when there are petition signatures to be counted, and the state costs would be minimal. Proponents want voters to have the power to extend the term limits of incumbent legislators that they believe are doing a good job in office. Supporters include League of Women Voters, Sierra Club, and U.S. Sen. Diane Feinstein. Opponents argue that this would only dilute the rules and regulations of term limits.

Local measures

Measure B Redwood City School District Bond

A bond allowing the Redwood City Elementary School District to issue bonds not to exceed $22 million for school improvements including repairs to playgrounds, field irrigation and roofs.

Measure A Special Tax, Cabrillo Unified School District

A bond that would allow a $75 property tax to be levied on all properties in the Cabrillo Unified School District for three years.

Source: California Voter Information Guide<