June 2010 CA Primary Election Results

Prop 13 Pass 84.5%/15.5%

Prop 14 Pass 54.2%/45.8%

Prop 15 Fail 42.5%/57.5%

Prop 16 Fail 47.5%/52.5%

Prop 17 Fail 47.9%/52.1%

Please note that these percentages are as of 6/9/10.  You can check the Secretary of State’s website for current results and changes.

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Proposition 13: Limits on Property Tax Assessment. Seismic Retrofitting of Existing Buildings

Watch the Citizen Voice “Mini-Debate” on Prop. 13
Listen or Download the Audio Version of the Prop. 13 “Mini-Debate”
Easy-to-use Citizen Voice Prop. 13 Ballot Measure Summary (.pdf)

Proposition 13 is a proposed amendment to the constitution that would change the way California reassesses property taxes for earthquake safety improvements. Currently, most buildings are not reassessed for higher property taxes when earthquake safety improvements are made. Those buildings are not reassessed for as long as the same owner holds onto them. However, there is an exception. Buildings made from “unreinforced masonry” that are improved for earthquake safety are only free from reassessment for 15 years. For all other types of buildings there is no time limit. Proposition 13 will change the law so that there is no longer a 15-year limit on property tax reassessment for one type of building. Instead, all buildings undergoing seismic improvements will not be reassessed for tax purposes until they are sold.  Proposition 13 was put on the ballot by unanimous bipartisan vote of the Legislature.

Proposition 14: Top Two Candidates Open Primary Act

Watch the Citizen Voice “Mini-Debate” on Prop. 14
Listen or Download the Audio Version of the Prop. 14 “Mini-Debate”
Easy-to-use Citizen Voice Prop. 14 Ballot Measure Summary (.pdf)

Proposition 14 is a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow all voters to choose any primary election candidate regardless of the candidate’s or voter’s political party preference. The two candidates who received the greatest number of votes in the primary—regardless of party preference—would then appear on the general election ballot. Under the current system, voters receive primary election ballots based on their political party affiliation, and the top vote-getter from each party advances to the general election. This measure would apply to most state and federal offices – including state legislature, statewide offices, such as Governor, and U.S. House and Senate races – but would not change primary elections for President, party committee offices and nonpartisan offices. It would take effect January 1, 2011.

Proposition 15: California Fair Elections Act

Watch the Citizen Voice “Mini-Debate” on Prop. 15
Listen or Download the Audio Version of the Prop. 15 “Mini-Debate”
Easy-to-use Citizen Voice Prop. 15 Ballot Measure Summary (.pdf)

This measure would repeal the ban on public funding of political campaigns and would create a voluntary system for candidates for secretary of state to qualify for a public campaign grant. The grants would be funded by a biennial fee on lobbyists, as well as voluntary grants. The measure expires on January 1, 2019, but the Legislature could extend the expiration date by a majority vote.

Proposition 16: Two-Thirds Voter Approval Requirement for Local Public Electricity Providers

Watch the Citizen Voice “Mini-Debate” on Prop. 16
Listen or Download the Audio Version of the Prop. 16 “Mini-Debate”
Easy-to-use Citizen Voice Prop. 16 Ballot Measure Summary (.pdf)

Proposition 16 would require local governments to get approval from two-thirds of voters before providing electricity service to new customers or expanding service to new territories using public funds. It would also require a two-thirds vote for local governments to use public funds for a community choice program, in which cities or counties opt out of receiving service from the privately-owned, for-profit utilities that would normally serve that area.

Proposition 17: Allows Auto Insurance Companies to Base Their Prices in Part on a Driver’s History of Insurance Coverage

Watch the Citizen Voice “Mini-Debate” on Prop. 17
Listen or Download the Audio Version of the Prop. 17 “Mini-Debate”
Easy-to-use Citizen Voice Prop. 17 Ballot Measure Summary (.pdf)

Proposition 17 would change the current law to allow insurance companies to offer a discount to drivers who have continuously maintained their auto insurance coverage, even if they change their insurance company. Under the current law, a “continuous coverage” discount cannot be carried over to a new insurer. It also allows insurers to increase the cost of insurance to drivers who do not have a history of continuous insurance. Non-continuous coverage would mean a driver went without auto insurance for more than 90 days in five years. Customers would still be eligible for this discount, however, if their lapse in coverage was due to military service in another country.