By: Katelyn Chang, Staff Writer
The 2020 Election cycle not only brought us a new presidential candidate, but it also gave us the deciding results over California propositions and national measures. Propositions and measures are voted on to enact new laws and constitutional amendments or to repeal existing laws. Here are the results on those that affect us the most:
FAILED: Prop.16 – End Ban on Affirmative Action
This proposition would have repealed 1996’s Proposition 209, which made it illegal for the government and public institutions to take race, ethnicity, and sex into account when making an admission, hiring, or contracting decision. The aforementioned Proposition 209, otherwise known as the California Civil Rights Initiative (CCRI) was key to amending the controversial and historic 1978 Supreme Court case “Regents of the University of California v. Bakke”, in which the courts ruled that the quota system that was once used by the University of California, Davis’ admission process for minority students was unlawful. They also determined that higher-level academic institutions were not prohibited from considering race in the admissions process. Now in 2020, with the introduction of Prop.16 and the oppurutnity to return to Affirmative Action, many argued that passing this proposition would make California’s institutions more diverse and inclusive, while those on the opposing side affirmed that the discrimination against other races that Affirmative Action would allow was unacceptable, regardless of who it benefited. Students applying to colleges or universities this year and in the future will be affected as certain minority groups will not receive benefits or preferences in admissions. Within Mills, students’ responses to affirmative action efforts have been mixed and nuanced as the effort benefits some student groups while hindering the success of others. Supporters in favor of passing included Senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris, as well as the Teacher’s Union and the UC Board of Regents. 2 Republican State Senators and a handful of former U.S Republican representatives stood on the opposing side. With voting in the California 2020 cycle concluded, as determined by the Associated Press, Proposition 16 was defeated by a vote of 57% to 43%. California still cannot carry out affirmative action efforts that would favor people of a specific race, ethnicity, or sex.
FAILED: Prop.18 – Allow Age 17 Primary Voters
Proposition 18 was failed by a majority of 55.9%. If passed, this would have allowed youth who would be turning 18 by the next general election to vote in the primary or special elections. Under the status quo, an 18-year-old whose birthday was after the March 3 presidential primary would miss out on the chance to pick the candidates who made it to the Nov. 3 ballot. Although at least 19 other states hold a similar law, the opposition argued that 17-year-olds would legally still be children, and therefore be too young to vote. Those who voted in affirmation proclaimed that voters who would be in that age range should have the ability to participate in the full electoral cycle. Major supporters of this proposition included California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, as well as other Democrat Senators. At Mills, there is also a strong consensus that this proposition should have been passed. Sophomore, Kalea Sheung, voices her thoughts that “I feel that 17-year-olds should be able to vote in the primary elections because, come November, they will be giving their vote to one of the candidates chosen from the primaries. It’s only fair to give them the option to elect the person they will eventually be voting for.”
PASSED: Prop 22 – App-Based Drivers as Contractors, Not Employees
Proposition 22, which classified rideshare and delivery drivers as contract workers, passed with a majority of 58.6%. This proposition also provided them with labor laws specific to their jobs, as well as a new minimum wage while online and working, healthcare subsidies for frequent drivers, and accident insurance. Those in support asserted that passing this proposition would make app-based driving services more expensive, while companies wouldn’t be able to offer as many positions. But, on the flip side, the opposition disagreed with the conclusion that companies were using this ballot proposition as a way to get out of paying drivers hourly wages and offering them the benefits entitled to them under California law. Although Uber and Lyft do not allow those under the age of 21 to work as drivers, apps such as Doordash and Postmates do allow anyone over the age of 18. For potential students who want to make extra money, this proposition will give them more benefits.
PASSED: Measure RR – Caltrain Funding
Measure RR, which was passed with a 72% majority vote in San Mateo County provides Caltrain with a reliable and dedicated funding source for the first time in its 30 year history. This measure would implement a 0.125% sales tax for the next 30 years to expand service. Caltrain stated that a small sales tax would provide it with a more stable source of revenue so that it could make improvements to the system. Along with this, those in favor of this Measure emphasized that it would reduce traffic congestion on Highways 101, 280, and 92, as well as El Camino, create additional jobs, and preserve access for essential workers. Now that this measure has passed, it is expected to generate an additional $100 million per year for Caltrain. For students that rely on Caltrain to travel to either school or elsewhere in the Bay Area, this measure can be seen as a much needed positive, as it will allow Caltrain the resources needed to increase train frequency, and make the commuter rail system more affordable for lower-income riders.
