CALIFORNIA, USA — 1:30 p.m. update:
California voters have approved a measure to strengthen data privacy protections that supporters tout as a model for other states.
Proposition 24 triples the fines for companies that violate kids’ privacy and creates a dedicated state agency to enforce a landmark data privacy law that passed in 2018.
It is also aimed at closing some of the loopholes that big business have found to get around that law. The measure had more than 56% support out of over 11 million votes tallied Wednesday. Opponents had argued that the measure wasn't tough enough on big business.
Noon update:
The Sacramento County Election office said in a statement it has counted 342,756 ballots. That number includes mail-in ballots, ballots collects at drop boxes, and in-person voting ballots for the 11 days voting centers were open.
With 883,549 registered voters in Sacramento County, the election office anticipates counting another 359,244 ballots.
If estimates hold, the county could see a voter turnout of 80%, which would be a new Sacramento County record.
Sacramento County will release its next round of results at 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6.
The last day to legally certify results is Tuesday, Dec 1.
10:30 a.m. update:
Associated Press has decidedly called California Proposition 25 to replace cash bail as having failed.
California is sticking with its traditional cash bail system, rejecting a nation-leading move to rely instead on risk assessments to decide which suspects should remain jailed awaiting trial.
With more than 11 million votes counted as of Wednesday, Proposition 25 had just 45% support. Backers had said the traditional bail system punishes the poor, who are often racial minorities, because they lack the money to buy their freedom or can least afford to pay a bail bondsman. Opponents said the alternative’s risk assessment tools also are racially and socioeconomically biased.
Original story:
While some propositions and most measures were decided on election night, other results are still rolling in as votes continue to be tallied.
In all of California, only 72% of the vote has been counted as of 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4, meaning there are millions more votes left on the table. The next update for each precinct differs. For example, in Sacramento County, the next update will be Friday at 4 p.m. Measures that have passed in Sacramento County include Measure M, Citrus Heights' one-cent sales tax increase, and Measure R, Rancho Cordova's half-cent sales tax increase.
Measures that failed are Measure A, the strong mayor ordinance, and Measure C, Sacramento rent control.
The results of several highly anticipated propositions have also already been called. Prop. 17 and Prop. 22 are the only two that have passed so far.
Prop. 17 restores voting rights to California felons who have completed their prison term. Prop. 22 classifies app-based drivers as independent contractors and not employees.
Other propositions have decidedly failed: Prop. 20, which sought stricter parole and sentencing, Prop. 21, which established local rent control, and Prop. 23, which created stricter dialysis clinic standards.
Here are the propositions that are not yet decided as California votes continue to be counted:
Proposition 14 - Stem cell research
A proposition that would keep alive California’s first-of-its-kind stem cell research program has a narrow lead.
Californians have voted 51% in favor and 49% against.
Proposition 15 - Commercial Property
A ballot measure to partially dismantle California's system of tying property taxes to the last sales price was trailing narrowly.
52% of voters have said 'No' so far to this Prop.
Tax Proposition 16 - End the Diversity Ban
A ballot measure to reinstate affirmative action in California government is failing by a pretty large margin.
56% of Californians are saying 'No' to ending the ban on considering race in public hiring, contracting and college admission, with only 44% saying 'Yes'.
Proposition 18 - Allow 17-year-olds to vote in primaries
This proposition is about letting 17-year-olds vote and it was not as sweeping as it sounds. Prop 18 would make a very specific change to the voting rights for 17-year-old citizens that only affects primary elections.
The result for this Prop. is still undecided, as 55% have said 'No' with over a quarter of the vote left to tally.
Proposition 19 - Property Tax
There are two main parts to this proposition, a tax increase as well as a tax benefit. The tax hike will be for people who inherit property from their families. The tax benefit is to help seniors, the disabled, and victims of wildfires and disasters.
52% of Californians have said 'Yes' to Prop. 19 and 48% have said 'No'.
Proposition 24 - Consumer Privacy
The measure to expand California's digital privacy law has maintained its lead with 11 million votes counted. Proposition 24 was leading with 56% of the vote as of early Wednesday.
Proposition 25 - Replace Cash Bail
Prop. 25 is a referendum on a law passed by the legislature in 2018 to end bail in California. It is currently failing, however, with 55% of Californians voting against and 45% voting for the measure.