Coming Soon to a Ballot Box Near You

With the Presidential election and Wall Street's meltdown dominating headlines, it's hard to find news about the ballot measures you'll see in the voting booth this November. California is just one state whose ballots are riddled with important issues that effect young people. So here at Wiretap, we wanted to give you a quick rundown of what to expect and how to get involved in the fight for your rights.

Proposition 2

This measure makes it illegal to confine pregnant pigs, calves raised for veal, and egg-laying hens in spaces that don't allow them to turn around freely, lie down, stand up, and fully extend their limbs. Although many animal rights advocates cheer this measure, some vegans have raised concerns that this law will make it more acceptable to eat animal products. The Humane Society is Prop 2's largest supporter, with more details here: http://yesonprop2.com/

Proposition 4

Prop 4 makes it harder for teenage girls to get abortions without parental consent. If this law passes, it would be illegal for a teenager to terminate her pregnancy without a parent being notified within 48 hours. To stop a parent from being notified, the young person would have to go to juvenile court and request a waiver from the judge. To help protect a woman's right to choose, you can join the Campaign for Teen Safety here: http://www.noonprop4.org/

Proposition 5

Prop 5 is a drug policy reform effort that reduces criminal charges for non-violent drug offenses, shortens parole for drug offenses, and increases funding for drug rehab programs. With Prop 5, California could lead the nation in a new era of drug policy. For more info, visit: http://www.drugpolicy.org/statebystate/california/nora/

Proposition 6
Prop 6 would increase prison sentences for young people and suspected gang members. Officially dubbed the "Safe Neighborhoods Act", the bill is also known as The Runner Initiative by youth advocates who call the measure a deceptive and costly attack against young and undocumented people. For more, visit: http://www.defeatrunner.org/

Proposition 8

This past May, the California Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have an equal right to marriage. If approved, Prop 8 would take away that right. If you want to make sure that LGBT couples maintain equal access to marriage here in California, vote no on Prop 8. If you want to volunteer, visit: http://www.eqca.org/site/pp.asp?c=kuLRJ9MRKrH&b=4375153

General Resources

The Legislative Analysts Office has summaries of all twelve propositions that have qualified for the November ballot. Check them out here: http://www.lao.ca.gov/laoapp/ballot_source/Propositions.aspx

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To find a voter guide for your state, check out The League's online voter guides: http://theballot.org

A recent graduate of Young People For's inaugural Leadership Academy, Jeremy spent the spring of his fellowship working as a lobbyist for Californians United for a Responsible Budget, a state-wide coalition of 39 organizations working to cut prison spending in California. Over the past five years, he has helped organize against prison expansion through Justice Now, the SF Coalition on Homelessness and Direct Action for Rights and Equality. Jeremy is currently a Ph.D student at UC Berkeley's School of Education and a consultant to the Movement Strategy Action Fund.