Where do California voters stand on the Prop 36 crime initiative?

A recently released survey shows massive support from Californians for Proposition 36 as election day nears.

Likely voters were polled by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) between Oct. 7 and 15 with the survey finding that Prop 36 (increasing crime sentences) had the most support and interest among the 10 state propositions.

The crime initiative would allow felony charges for possessing certain drugs and for theft under $950 if the defendant has two prior drug or theft convictions, the PPIC stated.

The Institute’s survey showed that 73% of voters would vote “yes” after reading the Prop 36 ballot title and summary, while 25% said they would vote “no”.

The support was slightly higher than in September’s poll which showed 71% “yes” and 26% “no”.

Regionally, support for the prop was highest in the Inland Empire (80%) and lowest in the Los Angeles area (70%), according to the poll.

“Today, as there was last month, there is broad—and bipartisan—support for Proposition 36,” PPIC stated.

Crime is a major campaign issue heading into November as viral videos of flash mob-style retail burglaries have garnered national attention.

In one of the more egregious incidents, an estimated 50 juveniles ransacked a 7-Eleven store in Los Angeles near its border with Beverly Hills in late September.

Videos posted to social media showed a crowd of minors biking into the parking lot, running inside and escaping with their hands and pockets full of snacks and other items.

The incident led to several 7-Eleven franchisees joining together to present a $1 million check for the Yes on Prop 36 campaign. 

Voting for this presidential election year is scheduled for Tuesday, November 5, 2024.