Correction appended
Voters will go to the polls today to consider eight ballot
propositions in the statewide special election, which could have
far-ranging political effects for Sacramento leaders.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who called for the election in June,
spent Monday flying around the state in support of his four ballot
propositions.
Those measures are Proposition 74, which would change tenure
rules for public teachers; Proposition 75, which seeks to regulate
political spending of unions; Proposition 76, which would set state
spending limits and give the governor more power over the budget;
and Proposition 77, which would designate the redistricting of the
state’s legislative boundaries to a panel of judges.
Other measures would require parental notification for minors
getting abortions (Proposition 73), make changes to the
state’s prescription drug policies (Propositions 78 and 79)
and regulate electricity providers (Proposition 80).
Voters registered in Los Angeles County can find their polling
place by visiting lavote.net/locator. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to
8 p.m.
Analysts say the passage or defeat of Schwarzenegger’s
propositions could reflect on the governor’s slumping
popularity and possible bid for re-election in 2006.
California Secretary of State Bruce McPherson predicted Friday
that 42 percent of the state’s 15.8 million registered voters
will cast ballots.
The University of California Students Association, citing low
student interest in the election, registered 10,000 voters during
its registration campaign leading up to the election ““ about
half its initial goal. Experts say special elections typically
yield lower voter turnouts than regular elections.
UCLA Chancellor Albert Carnesale, for his part, sent an e-mail
to the UCLA community on Oct. 17, before the registration deadline,
encouraging students, faculty and staff to vote in the
election.
“Voting is a fundamental responsibility and a key
opportunity to have your voice heard on a range of vital civic
issues,” he said in the e-mail.
Compiled from Bruin staff and wire reports.