Brief Guide to California Ballot Measures in 2022

In addition to electing state officers, a U.S. senator, members of Congress, and other officials, Californians are voting on seven ballot measures in the 2022 midterm election. These include a constitutional amendment, new laws, and a referendum on an existing law.

Due to California’s size and influence, the outcome could effect policy elsewhere.

This list of statewide propositions doesn’t include myriad local measures also on the ballot.

These measures made it to the ballot either through the legislature or by petition. Here’s a brief rundown of each:

Proposition 1: Abortion Constitutional Amendment

Proposition 1 would establish a state constitutional right to an abortion and birth control.

It might surprise you that California’s constitution doesn’t already include such a right. The state constitution includes a right to privacy, but that right isn’t outlined in detail. 

In 1969, the California Supreme Court ruled that this right to privacy included the right to an abortion.

After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, California officials scrambled to enshrine abortion access in the state constitution.

Some legal scholars say Proposition 1’s language is too vague to make abortion rights free from court challenges. Also, federal officials such as Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) have proposed a federal abortion ban. 

Proposition 26: Sports Betting in Tribal Casinos

Proposition 26 is one of two measures related to sports betting. If both receive more than 50 percent approval, the one with the most votes wins.

Prop 26 would allow sports betting in tribal casinos and is backed by several California Native American tribes.

This measure also pits tribal casinos against rival card rooms, non-tribal establishments where card games like poker or blackjack are played which operate differently from traditional casinos. Card rooms are particularly opposed to Prop 26 because it would allow lawsuits against card rooms alleged to be in violation of state gambling laws. There has been long running conflict between card rooms and tribal casinos.

Tribes supporting Prop 26 say it will boost state revenues, while opponents say it will give tribes monopoly power over gambling and put card rooms out of existence. 

Proposition 27: Mobile/Online Sports Betting

Proposition 27 is the second measure related to sports betting. Again, if both receive more than 50 percent approval, the one with the most votes wins.

Prop 27 would allow sports betting online or on mobile apps.

This measure is is backed by online sports betting platforms and opposed by California tribal casinos, which are concerned online and mobile sports betting will draw customers away from their brick-and-mortar casinos. 

Supporters of Prop 27 have framed it as a measure to fund homelessness and mental health programs, and provide revenue to tribes that don’t have casinos. Opponents say it will massively expand gambling, of which California has historically been somewhat skeptical, while enriching out of state corporations.

Proposition 28: Mandatory Arts Education Funding

Proposition 28 would mandate funding for arts and music education in schools. These programs are often seen as optional and the first to be cut when budgets are tight.

Prop 28 would make arts education a core subject just like math, science and reading.

This measure is supported by the California Teachers Association and a who’s who of actors and musicians. 

There is no organized campaign against this measure.

Proposition 29: Dialysis Center Staffing

Proposition 29 would require dialysis clinics to have a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant on site during all treatment hours.

Prop 29 is supported by the SEIU Health Care Workers West labor union and is opposed by medical associations and dialysis clinic owners and operators. 

Prop 29 supporters say staff in dialysis clinics are stretched thin making clinics unsafe. Opponents say Prop 29 will threaten access to dialysis treatment with more regulations, and extra medical staff are not needed in clinics. 

This is the third election in a row with a similar measure on the ballot. Both Prop 8 in 2018 and Prop 23 in 2020 were rejected by voters. 

SEIU has been using these measures as a tactic to put pressure on dialysis clinics to unionize workers.

Proposition 30: Millionaire Tax to Fund EV Subsidies

Proposition 30 would raise taxes on individuals making more than $2 million per year and would spend the money raised on electric vehicle incentives, charging stations, and wildfire prevention.

The campaign for Prop 30 has mostly been funded by Lyft. Prop 30 is opposed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, the California teachers union, and state chamber of commerce.

Supporters of Prop 30 say the measure will help clean the air and fight wildfires. 

Opponents say it raises taxes to fund corporate welfare for Lyft and other rideshare companies, which are required by the state to increase the number of vehicle miles traveled in their fleets by electric vehicles. 

Proposition 31: Flavored Tobacco Ban

Proposition 31 is a referendum on a flavored tobacco ban that was enacted in 2020. A yes vote would affirm the ban and a no vote would strike the law.

The campaign in support of Prop 31 is mostly funded by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, while the campaign against is mostly funded by tobacco companies. 

Prop 31 supporters say flavored tobacco products are marketed to people of color and minors and banning their sale would prevent nicotine addiction. 

Opponents say keeping the ban will reduce tax revenue and drive sales underground.