Editorial sections of major California newspapers

California Voters Approve Prop 36 by 70 to 30 Margin, Stricter Laws Effective January 1, 2025

Nov 25, 2024, 02:54 PM

Californians have overwhelmingly voted in favor of Proposition 36, with a 70 to 30 margin, signaling a strong desire for stricter criminal justice measures against shoplifting, drug crimes, and related offenses. The proposition, set to take effect on January 1, 2025, aims to reverse the lenient policies established by Proposition 47, which was supported by then Attorney General Kamala Harris. Despite the clear voter mandate, there are concerns about the enforcement of these new laws, with some questioning whether district attorneys will charge offenders with felonies as allowed under Prop 36. The Los Angeles Times, which opposed Prop 36, misjudged the public sentiment as the proposition passed in all 58 California counties.