California Ballot Propositions 17, 18, and 21

While less than a week remains before our country makes a momentous decision, here in California we face nine ballot measures that will significantly impact the social, economic, and environmental future of our state—and our Union. After all the work we have done to volunteer, strengthen our communities, and makes our voices heard, let’s all be sure to finish the job and turn out at the polls.

This week we highlight three more propositions on the California ballot for you to know.

Proposition 17 – vote “Yes”

Prop 17 will restore the right to vote to people convicted of felonies who have served their prison sentences and are on parole. This would represent an important step forward for a disenfranchised group of Californians, who are overwhelmingly poor and black or brown.  Unfortunately, California is behind other states who have already codified into law the citizen’s right to vote after they finish their prison term. This re-integration into society has important impacts, not just on elections, but for safety in our communities. In fact, a recent parole commission report found that parolees who have their voting rights restored are less likely to commit future crimes.

Proposition 18 – vote “Yes”

Prop 18 also centers on voting rights for Californians. If passed, it would allow 17-year-olds who will be 18 at the time of the next general election to vote in primaries and special elections.  In addition to allowing young Californians to participate in politics that will affect them, this would ensure that young people know the importance of voting. This measure is needed to boost youth civic engagement in our elections and help create a generation of life-long participants in our democracy at this critical time.

Proposition 21 – vote “Yes”

As renters across the state saw, the COVID-19 crisis was an opportunity for many landlords to take advantage of California’s broken housing system and increase rents. Prop 21 will help stop out-of-control rent increases by keeping rents stable and by removing the top-down state laws that prevent communities from solving their own housing issues. Additionally, Prop 21 disincentivizes corporate landlords from competing against smaller landlords by stopping corporate landlords’ most egregious behavior, while also ensuring that future rent increases are fairly linked to the cost of living to ensure landlords don’t lose money.