Election 2016: Prop 66
Here's what you need to know to decide how to vote on California's Proposition 66.
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 66? We hope the brief voter guide below will help you decide!
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What Is Prop 66?
Prop 66 would amend certain procedures related to state court challenges to death sentences.
Specifically, the proposition would require all initial petitions to be submitted to the superior court and would place limitations on successive petitions. In addition, Prop 66 would mandate that attorneys who take on appeals for non-capital sentences also accept appeals for death penalty cases.
Who Supports Prop 66?
Key supporters of Prop 66 include:the California District Attorneys Association and a long list of elected officials (including former Governors Pete Wilson and George Deukmejian), district attorneys, sheriffs, law enforcement associations, and victims’ rights groups.
Supporters argue that the proposition would maintain the state death penalty, which is a necessary sentencing option and ensures that the worst criminals receive the strongest sentence.
Proponents also contend that Prop 66 would make the death penalty appeals process more efficient and provide closure to victims and their families, while also making sure that no innocent people are executed.
Who Opposes Prop 66?
Key opponents of Prop 66 include: Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), the California Democratic Party, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – California, SEIU California, and PowerPAC.org.
Opponents argue that the proposition would actually increase the state’s risk of executing a person who is innocent by eliminating important legal safeguards that are currently in place.
Opponents also argue Prop 66 would result in millions of dollars of unnecessary costs to taxpayers through increased spending on litigation and the construction and maintenance of death row facilities.
Learn More about Prop 66
To learn more, read the full text of Proposition 66.
