After careful consideration, the CFT makes the following recommendations for November 8. On measures not listed here, the CFT has taken no position. Props 57, 62 and 66 reflect the CFT’s progressive positions on criminal reform.

NO PROP 53
Stop attack on local control
Asks voters to approve certain state revenue bonds that exceed $2 billion and requires a statewide vote even for some local infrastructure projects. Funded by a wealthy individual with an agenda.

NO PROP 54
Billionaire attack on legislative proceedings
Prohibits the Legislature from passing any bill not published online at least 72 hours before the vote, except in cases of public emergency. Requires the Legislature to make audiovisual recordings of most proceedings and post them online. Sounds good, but funded by a billionaire with an agenda.

YES PROP 55
Maintain taxes on the wealthy to keep education funded
Continues the current income tax rates Proposition 30 established for the wealthiest Californians — individuals earning $250,000 or more and couples earning $500,000 or more — and extends them for another 12 years. Generates up to $8 billion annually and allows schools and colleges to restore programs lost during the Great Recession. Bars use of this revenue for education administrative costs, but gives local governing boards discretion to determine how funds can be spent and contains strict public accountability measures.

YES PROP 57
Parole for nonviolent felony convictions
Allows parole consideration for persons convicted of nonviolent felonies upon completion of prison term for their primary defense and allows the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to award sentence credits for rehabilitation, good behavior, or educational achievements.

YES PROP 58 
Allow multilingual education, repeal Proposition 227 
Allows the use of non-English languages for instruction in public schools by repealing most of Proposition 227. Preserves requirement that public schools ensure students become proficient in English, yet authorizes districts to establish dual-language programs for both native and non-native English speakers, and allows families to select the program that best suits their child.

YES PROP 59
State resolve to overturn Citizens United 
Asks state officials to use their authority to propose and ratify an amendment to the federal Constitution overturning the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. Prop 59 is advisory and therefore non-binding.

YES PROP 62
Repeal death penalty
Repeals the death penalty and replaces it with life imprisonment without possibility of parole. Applies retroactively to existing death sentences and increases the portion of wages earned by life inmates allowed for victim restitution.

YES PROP 63
Background checks to purchase ammunition
Requires background check and Department of Justice authorization to purchase ammunition, prohibits possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines, and establishes procedures for enforcing laws prohibiting firearm possession by specified persons.

NO PROP 66
Expedites death penalty appeals, executions
Changes state law to expedite death penalty appeals and executions, and houses death row inmates in non-death row prisons, requiring them to work and pay restitution. 

QUICK TIPS | Be sure your vote counts!

» Deadline to register to vote on November 8: October 24

» Register to vote online with the Secretary of State. 

» Apply for a vote-by-mail ballot between October 10 and November 1 by returning the application included with the sample ballot mailed to you, or by contacting your county Registrar of Voters.

» Return your voted mail ballot to the Registrar’s office or to any polling place by 8 p.m. on election day.

» If you have moved, you must reregister to vote, regardless of how you vote, even if you didn’t change counties or precincts in your move.

» Go to The Educators Choice and type in your home address. A page tailored to your local ballot will load, showing endorsed candidates ranging from U.S. President to local school and college trustees as well as local and state ballot measures. You will also see a map showing your polling location. The positions on The Educators Choice represent the endorsements of your local union and the CFT.