Election 2016: Prop 61
Here's what you need to know to decide how to vote on California's Proposition 61.
ICYMI: the 2016 election will be held on Tuesday, November 8, with early voting kicking off at San Francisco’s City Hall on Tuesday, October 11.
In addition to voting for officials at the local, state, and national level, San Franciscans will face a decision on 17 state ballot initiatives and 25 local propositions.
Not sure how to vote on Proposition 61? We hope the brief voter guide below will help you decide!
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What Is Prop 61?
Prop 61 would require that the state buy prescription drugs from manufacturers at prices equal or less than the lowest price paid for that drug by the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
Who Supports Prop 61?
Key supporters of Prop 61 include: AARP – California, California Nurses Association (CNA), and a long list of federal, state, and local officials (including U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (D-Vermont), former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, and Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco)), as well as local Democratic parties.
Supporters argue that the proposition would guard against price-gouging by pharmaceutical companies and increase Californians’ access to life-saving drugs.
Proponents also contend that Prop 61 would save taxpayers billions of dollars in health care costs.
Who Opposes Prop 61?
Key opponents of Prop 61 include: the California Chamber of Commerce, California NAACP, and a long list of veterans’ groups (including the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) – Department of California), local Democratic clubs, and medical associations.
Opponents argue that the proposition would actually reduce Californians’ access to prescription drugs and harm veterans by increasing their drug prices.
Opponents also contend that Prop 61 would cause state prescription drug costs to increase, resulting in higher costs to taxpayers.
Learn More about Prop 61
To learn more, read the full text of Proposition 61.
