California voters will decide 14 statewide propositions in November 2026. Parriva explains what each measure does, who supports or opposes it, and what it could mean for housing, schools, healthcare, taxes and Latino communities.
Editor’s note: Parriva does not endorse candidates or ballot measures. This guide is intended to help readers understand what each proposition would do, who supports and opposes it, and why the measures could matter to California families and communities.
On Nov. 3, Californians will vote on 14 statewide propositions that could influence some of the state’s biggest challenges, including housing affordability, school funding, healthcare access, taxes, election rules and government spending.
Some measures would authorize billions of dollars for affordable housing and medical research. Others would change how California saves money during economic downturns, impose new voter identification requirements, reform recall elections or make it harder to approve certain taxes.
For Latino families, many of these decisions touch issues that directly affect daily life: finding affordable housing, paying for healthcare, keeping schools funded, accessing community clinics and participating in elections.
Proposition 1: Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026
What would it do?
Authorize $11.25 billion in state bonds, including $10 billion for affordable housing projects and $1.25 billion for veterans’ housing loans.
Why is it on the ballot?
California continues to face a severe shortage of affordable housing and rising housing costs that have left many families struggling to rent or buy homes.
Why could it matter to Latino communities?
The measure includes funding for farmworker housing, first-time homebuyer assistance, affordable apartment construction and anti-displacement programs. It could also create thousands of construction jobs.
Who supports it?
Gov. Gavin Newsom, Democratic lawmakers, affordable housing advocates and labor organizations.
Who opposes it?
Republican lawmakers and fiscal conservatives concerned about long-term debt obligations.
The big question for voters
Should California borrow billions of dollars to accelerate affordable housing construction and expand homeownership opportunities?
Proposition 2: Save for California’s Future Act
What would it do?
Increase California’s capacity to save money in its rainy day fund and expand options for paying down debt.
Why is it on the ballot?
California’s revenues fluctuate significantly because the state depends heavily on income taxes and capital gains from high earners.
Why could it matter to Latino communities?
Supporters say larger reserves could help protect funding for public schools, Medi-Cal, childcare programs and other services that many working families rely upon.
Who supports it?
Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic legislative leaders.
Who opposes it?
Republican lawmakers who argue California should focus more on controlling spending.
The big question for voters
Should California save more money during good economic years to help avoid future budget cuts?
Proposition 3: Income Tax Rates for Education Funding
What would it do?
Make permanent the temporary income tax increase on high-income Californians that funds public education.
Why is it on the ballot?
The tax is currently scheduled to expire, and supporters want to provide long-term funding stability for schools and community colleges.
Why could it matter to Latino communities?
Latino students make up more than half of California’s public school enrollment. School funding can influence class sizes, student services and educational opportunities.
Who supports it?
Education advocates, teachers’ organizations and many Democratic leaders.
Who opposes it?
Taxpayer groups and some business organizations concerned about California’s high tax burden.
The big question for voters
Should California permanently extend higher taxes on top earners to support education funding?
Proposition 4: Public Campaign Financing
What would it do?
Allow governments to establish publicly financed election systems for candidates who agree to spending limits and fundraising restrictions.
Why is it on the ballot?
Supporters argue that campaign costs make it difficult for ordinary citizens to run for office.
Why could it matter to Latino communities?
The measure could lower financial barriers for community leaders and first-time candidates seeking public office.
Who supports it?
Campaign finance reform advocates and government transparency groups.
Who opposes it?
Critics who believe taxpayer funds should not support political campaigns.
The big question for voters
Should public funds help finance political campaigns under certain conditions?
Proposition 5: Recall Election Reform
What would it do?
Change the recall process for statewide elected officials by eliminating the replacement election on the same ballot.
Why is it on the ballot?
Supporters say the current system can allow officials to be replaced by candidates who receive relatively few votes.
Why could it matter to Latino communities?
The proposal seeks to reduce the likelihood of abrupt leadership changes resulting from low-turnout elections.
Who supports it?
Election reform advocates and many Democratic lawmakers.
Who opposes it?
Some voter rights advocates who believe voters should continue directly selecting replacement candidates.
The big question for voters
Should California change how replacement officials are selected after a successful recall?
Proposition 37: Middle-Class Homeownership Bonds
What would it do?
Create a $25 billion bond program to help middle-income homebuyers finance down payments through second mortgages.
Why is it on the ballot?
Saving for a down payment remains one of the largest barriers to homeownership in California.
Why could it matter to Latino communities?
The program could help working families overcome one of the biggest obstacles to purchasing a home and building long-term wealth.
Who supports it?
Housing advocates and supporters of expanded homeownership opportunities.
Who opposes it?
Critics who argue California’s housing crisis requires more supply rather than additional financing programs.
The big question for voters
Should California provide large-scale down payment assistance to middle-income homebuyers?
Proposition 38: Immunology Research Bond
What would it do?
Authorize $8.4 billion in bonds for research into treatments for diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease.
Why is it on the ballot?
Supporters say California should continue investing in biomedical innovation and medical research.
Why could it matter to Latino communities?
The measure could support research on diseases that disproportionately affect many lower-income communities and includes provisions aimed at reducing drug costs.
Who supports it?
Medical researchers, universities and many healthcare advocates.
Who opposes it?
Fiscal critics concerned about borrowing costs and government spending.
The big question for voters
Should California borrow billions to fund medical research and potential drug breakthroughs?
Proposition 39: Voter Identification Requirements
What would it do?
Require government-issued identification for in-person voting and additional identification requirements for mail ballots.
Why is it on the ballot?
Supporters say voter identification requirements could increase confidence in elections.
Why could it matter to Latino communities?
Critics argue additional documentation requirements may create barriers for some eligible voters, while supporters say the rules would apply equally to everyone.
Who supports it?
Republican leaders and election security advocates.
Who opposes it?
Voting rights organizations and many Democratic leaders.
The big question for voters
Would voter identification requirements improve election confidence without making voting more difficult?
Proposition 40: One-Time Billionaire Tax
What would it do?
Impose a one-time 5 percent tax on the wealth of California billionaires, collected over five years.
Why is it on the ballot?
Supporters argue the state’s wealthiest residents should contribute more toward public services.
Why could it matter to Latino communities?
Revenue would support healthcare and social programs that disproportionately serve lower-income communities.
Who supports it?
Progressive organizations and advocates for expanded social services.
Who opposes it?
Business organizations and taxpayer groups concerned about investment and legal challenges.
The big question for voters
Should California impose a one-time wealth tax on billionaires to fund public programs?
Proposition 41: Special Tax Audits and Spending Limits
What would it do?
Require audits for new special taxes and maintain constitutional spending limits on new tax revenues.
Why is it on the ballot?
Supporters say taxpayers deserve greater oversight and accountability.
Why could it matter to Latino communities?
The measure could affect how future community programs and public services are funded.
Who supports it?
Taxpayer advocacy groups and fiscal conservatives.
Who opposes it?
Organizations that believe additional restrictions could make funding public programs more difficult.
The big question for voters
Should California place additional oversight requirements on new special taxes?
Proposition 42: Ban on New Personal Property and Retroactive Taxes
What would it do?
Prohibit new taxes on personal property and ban retroactive taxation.
Why is it on the ballot?
Supporters say taxpayers and businesses need certainty and protection from future tax changes.
Why could it matter to Latino communities?
The measure could limit future revenue options available for public services.
Who supports it?
Business organizations and taxpayer groups.
Who opposes it?
Organizations that argue the proposal could restrict future policy flexibility.
The big question for voters
Should California permanently prohibit certain new taxes and retroactive tax policies?
Proposition 43: Two-Thirds Vote for Local Special Taxes
What would it do?
Increase the approval threshold for citizen-led local special taxes from a simple majority to a two-thirds vote.
Why is it on the ballot?
Supporters argue tax increases should require broader public consensus.
Why could it matter to Latino communities?
The measure could affect future funding for local services such as parks, transportation, libraries and affordable housing.
Who supports it?
Taxpayer organizations and fiscal conservatives.
Who opposes it?
Local government advocates and organizations that rely on voter-approved funding measures.
The big question for voters
Should local special taxes require approval from two-thirds of voters?
Proposition 44: Community Clinic Spending Requirements
What would it do?
Require nonprofit community health centers to spend at least 90 percent of their revenue on direct patient care.
Why is it on the ballot?
Supporters say healthcare dollars should primarily benefit patients.
Why could it matter to Latino communities?
Community clinics provide healthcare for many low-income, uninsured and immigrant patients across California.
Who supports it?
Groups seeking greater spending accountability in healthcare.
Who opposes it?
Many community clinics that argue administrative and operational expenses are essential to patient care.
The big question for voters
Should California require community clinics to devote a fixed percentage of their revenue directly to patient services?
Proposition 45: Building an Affordable California Act
What would it do?
Change California environmental review rules by imposing faster timelines for certain housing and infrastructure projects.
Why is it on the ballot?
Supporters argue environmental reviews and litigation can significantly delay projects that California urgently needs.
Why could it matter to Latino communities?
The measure could accelerate affordable housing, healthcare facilities and infrastructure projects while potentially reducing opportunities for communities to challenge projects they believe may affect environmental quality.
Who supports it?
The California Chamber of Commerce and organizations focused on accelerating construction and infrastructure development.
Who opposes it?
Environmental justice groups, public health organizations and community advocates concerned about weakening environmental protections.
The big question for voters
Can California build housing and infrastructure faster while still protecting communities and the environment?
The campaigns surrounding these measures are only beginning.
What comes next
Between now and Election Day, millions of dollars are expected to be spent on advertising, endorsements, and efforts to persuade voters.
Parriva will follow up on each ballot measure with in-depth explainers, fact checks, and reporting focused on one question:
What do these proposals actually mean for Latino families in California and Los Angeles?
Understanding what each proposition would do is the first step toward making an informed decision at the ballot box.
