California Election Nears With 14 Propositions and a Governor's Race

California voters face 14 statewide propositions and a two-candidate governor's race when polls close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The ballot also contains local measures and runoff contests for Superior Court judge seats. Voters who have not returned a vote-by-mail ballot may still drop it off at a secure official box through the close of polls.

The governor's contest narrowed from six candidates to two. Democrat Xavier Becerra carries an endorsement from outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom. Republican Steve Hilton, a former senior advisor to British Prime Minister David Cameron, has positioned himself as an ally of President Trump.

In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass faces Councilmember Nithya Raman. The two met in October for their only televised debate. Bass described Raman as unprepared to lead the city. Raman has said the mayor is "missing in action." Los Angeles County voters will also decide the sheriff's race and four Superior Court judge seats.

Proposition 1 would borrow money for low-income and veteran housing. Proposition 2 adds to a rainy-day fund. Proposition 3 would make a high-income tax extension permanent. Proposition 4 would allow public campaign financing. Proposition 5 changes how recall elections are conducted.

Proposition 37 offers loans to middle-income homeowners. Proposition 38 funds immunology and immunotherapy research. Proposition 39 sets stricter voter ID rules. Proposition 40 is California's billionaire tax proposal. Proposition 41 creates a special tax audit that could block that tax.

Proposition 42 bans taxes on retirement and personal savings. Proposition 43 sets voting thresholds for local special taxes. Proposition 44 covers federally funded health clinic spending. Proposition 45 would speed up CEQA reviews for housing and infrastructure.

The registration deadline passed on Oct. 19. Eligible citizens who missed it can register at a county elections office, polling place or vote center under same-day voter registration and fill out a ballot the same day. Secure ballot drop-off locations opened Oct. 5.

Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Nov. 3 and reach a county elections office by Nov. 10. To hit the Nov. 3 postmark, mail the ballot by Thursday. Anyone mailing on election day should request a hand-stamped postmark from a postal employee at a United States post office.

Ballots can be returned in person to a polling place, vote center or county elections office by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. Voters can check registration status through the secretary of state's website by entering a California driver's license or identification number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number.