California Secretary of State's official election results

Kamala Harris Declines to Reveal Vote on California's Prop 36 to Reverse Criminal Justice Reforms

Nov 3, 2024, 09:09 PM

US Vice President Kamala Harris declined to disclose how she voted on California's Proposition 36, a ballot measure aimed at increasing criminal penalties for shoplifters, drug traffickers—including fentanyl dealers—and 'smash-and-grab' offenders. When asked by reporters, Harris responded, "I am not gonna talk about the vote on that because, honestly, it's the Sunday before the election, and I don't intend to create an endorsement one way or another around it." Harris, who mailed her ballot back to California where she is registered, had previously suggested she might reveal her stance on the measure. Proposition 36 seeks to reverse some criminal justice reforms enacted in California over the past decade, toughening penalties and holding repeat offenders accountable amid rising concerns over thefts and drug-related offenses. Harris's refusal to comment has drawn criticism given her background as a former California Attorney General and District Attorney of San Francisco, roles in which she was deeply involved in the state's criminal justice policies.