Voters in some states will consider ballot questions or referendums that will have major policy implications for residents of these states. We sample a few key states and provide a rundown of what voters will be asked to consider on Election Day. All of these ballot questions have a fiscal impact and major policy implications for these states. The following are public questions on the November 8 ballot that African-Americans should particularly take heed. 

CALIFORNIA


Proposition 51

School Bonds. Funding for K–12 School and Community College Facilities. Initiative Statute. (PDF)


Proposition 52

Medi-Cal Hospital Fee Program. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute. (PDF)


Proposition 53

Revenue Bonds. Statewide Voter Approval. Initiative Constitutional Amendment. (PDF)


Proposition 54

Legislature. Legislation and Proceedings. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute. (PDF)


Proposition 55

Tax Extension to Fund Education and Healthcare. Initiative Constitutional Amendment. (PDF)


Proposition 56

Cigarette Tax to Fund Healthcare, Tobacco Use Prevention, Research, and Law Enforcement. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute. (PDF)


Proposition 57

Criminal Sentences. Parole. Juvenile Criminal Proceedings and Sentencing. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute. (PDF)


Proposition 58

English Proficiency. Multilingual Education. Initiative Statute. (PDF)

SB 1174 (Chapter 753, Statutes of 2014), Lara.


Proposition 59

Corporations. Political Spending. Federal Constitutional Protections. Legislative Advisory Question. (PDF)

SB 254 (Chapter 20, Statutes of 2016), Allen.


Proposition 60

Adult Films. Condoms. Health Requirements. Initiative Statute. (PDF)


Proposition 61

State Prescription Drug Purchases. Pricing Standards. Initiative Statute. (PDF)


Proposition 62

Death Penalty. Initiative Statute. (PDF)


Proposition 63

Firearms. Ammunition Sales. Initiative Statute. (PDF)


Proposition 64

Marijuana Legalization. Initiative Statute. (PDF)


Proposition 65

Carryout Bags. Charges. Initiative Statute. (PDF)


Proposition 66

Death Penalty. Procedures. Initiative Statute. (PDF)


Proposition 67

Ban on Single-Use Plastic Bags. Referendum. (PDF)


Source: California Secretary of State


COLORADO


Amendment T

No exception to Involuntary Servitude Prohibition


Amendment 69

State Healthcare System


Amendment 70

State Minimum Wage


Amendment 71

Requirements for Initiated Constitutional Amendments


Amendment 72

New Cigarette and Tobacco Taxes


Amendment 106

Medical Aid in Dying


Amendment 107

Presidential Primary Election


Source: Colorado Secretary of State


GEORGIA

Amendment 1

An amendment that gives the state the power to take over faiing public schools and for the creation of an Opportunity School District with a state school superintendent. Failing schools could be converted to charter schools.


Source: Secretary of State


MASSACHUSETTS

Question 2

This proposed law would allow the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to approve up to 12 new charter schools or enrollment expansions in existing charter schools each year.


Source: Secretary of the Commonwealth

MISSOURI

Constitutional Amendment 2

Amend the Missouri Constitution to: Establish limits on campaign contributions by individuals or entities to political parties, political committees, or committees to elect candidates for state or judicial office; prohibit individuals and entities from intentionally concealing the source of such contributions; require corporations or labor organizations to meet certain requirements in order to make such contributions; and provide a complaint process and penalties for any violations of this amendment?

Constitutional Amendment 6

Shall the Constitution of Missouri be amended to state that voters may be required by law, which may be subject to exception, to verify one’s identity, citizenship, and residence by presenting identification that may include valid government-issued photo identification?


Source: Secretary of State


NEW JERSEY

Public Question 1

Authorizes two new casinos in northern New Jersey


Public Question 2

Dedicates revenues from newly enacted gas tax to the Transportation Trust Fund


Source: New Jersey Division of Elections


VIRGINIA

Public Question 2

Amend Article I of the Virginia Constitution to establish a Right to Work


Source: Secretary of State