California ballot propositions for the 2026 election: What voters should know and a voting guide
The measures could reshape school funding, housing aid and election rules as supporters and opponents battle over taxes and state spending.
- California voters will decide on 14 statewide ballot measures this year, with nearly all relating to financing public services, taxes, and housing.
- This year's contentious measures reflect a philosophical divide dating to Proposition 13, passed nearly 50 years ago, as the state continues debating whether expansive public services or lower taxes better serve residents.
- Proposition 40 would impose a 5% tax on billionaires, while opponents placed Propositions 41 and 42 on the ballot to block it; Google co-founder Sergey Brin donated more than $138 million to support the counter-measures.
- California Teachers Association president David Goldberg says Proposition 3 is vital for school funding, as the union seeks to make permanent a temporary income tax that typically raises $5 billion to $15 billion annually.
- Collectively, these initiatives represent what fiscal policy experts call "ballot box budgeting," where voters prioritize funding rather than leaving decisions to elected officials, forcing Californians to weigh whether they can afford to live in the state.
40 Articles
40 Articles
This November, California voters will decide on a variety of issues from housing and elections to health care and taxes.
California voters will decide next November 3rd on 14 state proposals covering housing, taxes, education, health, elections and environmental regulation. Some were sent to the ballot by the state Legislature and others came through citizen initiatives. Next, a simple explanation of what each measure does, what it would mean in practice [...]
A very full ballot in November
A guide to California, San Francisco and regional ballot measures outlines proposals involving housing, public transit, taxes, city governance and the Great Highway. Readers are encouraged to review official voter materials and learn about the measures before casting a ballot.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
