In the Golden State, a ballot measure seeking to strengthen penalties for various crimes looks well on its way to passing in November.
Proposition 36, titled the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act, would allow felony charges for certain drug possessions and for thefts under $950 in value, for offenders who have two prior similar convictions. The measure would also increase prison sentences for other drug and theft charges, in a partial repeal of 2014’s Proposition 47.
A poll released Wednesday evening from the Public Policy Institute of California shows likely voters heavily support the measure, 71%-26%.
The measure received pushback from some state Democratic leaders, who argued the measure would revive “failed” incarnation policies and has attempted to quickly mount a counter-ballot measure against Prop 36.
Despite pushback from some California Democrats, the measure has received bipartisan support, and voters from both parties appear on track to vote the measure into law in November, according to the survey.
The poll shows that Republicans surveyed support Prop 36, 85%-13%, independents polled support the measure, 73%-24%, and Democrats surveyed support the measure 63%-33%.
The ballot proposition comes as California has taken multiple actions to combat crime, which has decimated many of the state’s major cities in recent years. In Oakland, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) has taken a hands-on approach to crime as both the mayor and district attorney are up for a recall in November.
The other high-profile ballot measure in the state, repealing a defunct provision of the state constitution affirming marriage as being between a man and a woman, has the support of 68% of likely voters surveyed, with majorities of Democrats and independents.
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In the presidential and Senate races, Democratic candidates Vice President Kamala Harris and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), respectively, have commanding leads over their Republican opponents. The state is considered “solid Democrat” in both of those races by the Cook Political Report.
The last time the Golden State voted for a Republican for president or Senate was 1988.
