Voters go tougher on crime, reject rent control

In the November 5, 2024, California general election, voters are on track to decisively reject Proposition 33, which sought to expand local governments’ authority to enact rent control on residential properties. With 14% of precincts reporting, 64.1% voted against the measure, while 35.9% supported it.

Proposition 33 aimed to repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, thereby allowing cities and counties to implement rent control on all housing types, including single-family homes and new constructions. Supporters argued it would provide relief to renters facing escalating housing costs, while opponents contended it could deter housing development and exacerbate the state’s housing shortage.

Conversely, Proposition 36, which proposed increasing penalties for certain drug and theft crimes, is receiving overwhelming support. With 14% of precincts reporting, 73.1% voted in favor, and 26.9% opposed. This measure seeks to roll back parts of Proposition 47, a 2014 initiative that reclassified some nonviolent offenses from felonies to misdemeanors. Proposition 36 would allow felony charges for repeat offenders of specific drug and theft crimes and mandate treatment or prison sentences for certain drug possession offenses. Proponents believe it will enhance public safety by holding repeat offenders accountable, while critics argue it may lead to increased incarceration rates without effectively addressing underlying issues such as addiction and mental health.