Vice President Kamala Harris casts her vote by mail for the upcoming election but remains tight-lipped about her stance on California’s Proposition 36.
Why won’t she say?
At a Glance
- Vice President Kamala Harris, the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee, voted by mail for the upcoming election
- Harris declined to disclose her position on California’s Proposition 36, which would toughen penalties for certain drug and theft-related crimes
- Proposition 36 aims to recategorize some theft and drug crimes as felonies and is a contentious issue in California
- Harris expressed trust in the mail voting system to deliver her ballot to California
- Crime and criminal justice are central issues in the current election cycle in California
Harris Votes by Mail, Keeps Proposition 36 Stance Private
Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential race, has cast her vote by mail for the upcoming election. However, she has chosen not to reveal her stance on California’s controversial Proposition 36, a measure that would impose harsher penalties for certain drug and theft-related crimes.
She’s running for president and she thinks now is the time to keep secrets about serious public policy matters?
When questioned about her vote on Proposition 36, Harris maintained a neutral position, stating, “I’m not going to talk about the vote on that because honestly, it is the Sunday before the election and I don’t intend to create an endorsement one way or the other around it but I did vote,” Harris said.
Harris votes by mail, declines to say how she voted on Proposition 36 https://t.co/Np412vzYFZ
— Just the News (@JustTheNews) November 4, 2024
Proposition 36: A Controversial Measure
Proposition 36 is a measure that seeks to amend Proposition 47, a 2014 initiative that reduced punishments for some crimes to alleviate jail overcrowding. The new proposition aims to recategorize certain theft and drug crimes as felonies and requires courts to warn drug sellers about potential murder charges if their substances cause death.
Supporters of Proposition 36 include district attorneys, Republican lawmakers, and major retailers like Walmart, as well as some Democratic mayors. They argue that tougher penalties are necessary to combat rising crime rates. However, opponents claim that the proposition could disproportionately affect poor individuals and those with substance-use issues.
Crime and Criminal Justice: Central Issues in California
The debate surrounding Proposition 36 reflects the broader focus on crime and criminal justice in California’s current election cycle. Several prominent officials, including San Francisco Mayor London Breed and Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón, face criticism for their handling of crime-related issues.
Crime data indicates an increase in shoplifting in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles between 2021 and 2022, though rates are still below pre-pandemic levels. This trend has contributed to the urgency surrounding measures like Proposition 36.
Harris, with her background as a prosecutor, has historically balanced a tough-on-crime stance with progressive policies. Her approach to crime and past policies have been scrutinized throughout her political career and presidential campaign.
As the election approaches, Harris’s decision to withhold her position on Proposition 36 reflects the delicate balance she must maintain as a national figure weighing in on state-level issues. By remaining neutral, she allows California voters to form their own opinions on this contentious measure without the influence of her endorsement.
