Vote NO on Prop 36 (and tell 10 friends)

Ten years ago, California passed Proposition 47, which made punishments fit their crimes. Two years before that, 2012’s Proposition 36 ended the failed policy of “three strikes and you’re out” and the violence it caused, making all Californians safer.

This year brings a new Proposition 36, which aims to re-break some of the things that the earlier propositions fixed. It takes a huge step backwards in California’s progress by trying to take us back to the failed policy era of “tough on crime” and “three strikes.”

Proposition 36 is a false solution to real problems. As noted in this 48 Hills opinion piece, 

“Backed by big-box retailers and law enforcement, Proposition 36 is being touted as a solution to homelessness and the scourge of fentanyl on the streets. But the initiative does not provide money for housing or treatment beds or allocate any money to create new funding sources to enforce it. In fact, the ballot measure has little to do with addiction and nothing at all to do with homelessness.“

Since 2014, Proposition 47 has reduced California’s prison overcrowding and saved the state more than $800 million, which the state uses instead to fund projects that prevent further crime, trauma recovery for crime victims, and programs to prevent violence in schools. By ending Prop 47’s successes, Proposition 36 would cost Californians between tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars every year,

Worse, Proposition 36 would create a new “three strikes” policy. We know these don’t work and create more violence as offenders seek to avoid a third arrest that could turn into a felony conviction. Let’s not have more police chases and armed showdowns on our streets.

Other resources to learn more about Proposition 36 include the LA Times Endorsement to vote No on Proposition 36, the Vera Institute's explanation, and the No on Prop 36 campaign website.

Let’s protect the progress we’ve made in making our cities safer. We urge you to vote NO on Proposition 36. 

In addition, many of your friends and family are likely not aware of the harms that this proposition will do, and they’re likely getting lied to about Prop 47. We ask you to talk with 10 or more of your friends and family members about this proposition to help pre-bunk or debunk the disinformation and fill them in on the truth. The ACLU of Northern California has talking points, resources, and other ways to get involved.