Who has time to read the whole ballot?  Just take a quick look at our summary of the propositions on the ballot.

Prop 19 legalizes possession of 1 ounce of marijuana for adults 21 and over and seeks to tax and regulate it like alcohol.  Supporters predict large tax revenues and a profit loss for Mexican drug cartels. Opponents say it’s a poorly written law that will have “severe, unintended consequences.” Their chief concerns include more stoned drivers and a protected class of pot-smoking employees.

Props 20 & 27 propose two different solutions to the issue of redistricting, that is, redrawing the boundaries of voting districts.  Voting yes on Prop 20 empowers a citizen’s commission to map new districts and provides a clear definition of what a district is.  Voting yes on Prop 27 would return the responsibility of defining the term and redistricting to the legislature.  Whatever you choose, only vote yes on one of them!

Prop 21 proposes an $18 annual vehicle surcharge for state parks, deposited into a secure trust fund. Aside from replenishing Yosemite’s coffers, this charge gets you free entrance into state parks.  Although opponents say it’s just the “car tax” in disguise.

Prop 22 prevents the state from borrowing funding from transportation, redevelopment, or local government projects or services.  This will prevent the state from raiding local funds—something supporters hail as a long-awaited solution to an unfair situation.  But opponents say it will hurt state schools and firefighting while benefiting redevelopment agencies.

Prop 23 suspends air pollution control law AB23 until unemployment stays under 5.5% for one year—which is unlikely anytime soon.  Those for Prop 23 say that suspending the law will create more jobs and allow the state to recover economically.  Opponents assert that Prop 23 is a scheme by Texas oil companies to repeal clean energy efforts and that it would hurt the “green energy” sector.

Prop 24 repeals tax breaks for businesses.  Supporters say much of the tax revenue would go towards ensuring that schools are well funded.  Opponents say repealing tax breaks would cost Californians over a hundred thousand jobs.

Prop 25 makes the budget approval process easier by lowering the votes required to a simple majority; tax changes would still require a two-thirds vote.  Prop 25 also punishes legislators for a late budget by giving them zero pay for every day it’s late.

Prop 26 expands the definition of a tax, which will pass regulatory fees—currently paid by businesses—to the public as taxes. In effect, fees for oil recycling, hazardous waste management, and alcohol education programs currently paid for by oil, tobacco, and alcohol companies would be passed to average taxpayer.

See the official voter guide online for a more in-depth look: www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov/propositions/