CALIFORNIA, USA — On Nov. 5, 2024, Californians will vote on several statewide ballot propositions, each one carrying impacts on laws or taxes across the state.
Proposition 36 would reclassify some misdemeanor theft and drug crimes as felonies.
The measure would also create a new category of crime — a “treatment-mandated felony.” People who don’t contest the charges could complete drug treatment instead of going to prison, but if they don’t finish treatment, they still face up to three years in prison.
Prop. 36 is an attempt to unwind Prop. 47, a prop passed 10 years ago in an effort to reduce California's prison overcrowding by making some theft and drug crimes into misdemeanors. Prosecutors, police and big box retailers have blamed the law for an increase in property crimes and homelessness.
Prop 36 Results
► Watch Now: Live election coverage on ABC10+. The TV streaming app is available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung and Vizio. Here’s how to download it for free.
When do we find out who won the election?
Voters in California will start to see results not long after 8 p.m., but these aren't the final results. Every number seen on election night and the days after are unofficial results.
While some elections might be called on election night, that's generally a projection from media outlets, experts or because a candidate conceded. Mail-in ballots, provisional ballots, ballots from registered voters in the military deployed overseas and more all get counted for the final result.
The last day for counties to certify results is Dec. 5. The California Secretary of State will then have until Dec. 7 to certify the vote, with the Statement of Vote certified on Dec. 13.
