Justin Leff and Sawyer Kroll

Co-Editor-in-Chiefs

In anticipation of the upcoming November elections, The Roar released a poll asking students about the whole California ballot. About 20% of students responded to some of the biggest and most challenging issues facing voters this year. Each student was only allowed one submission with their Milken email address. A complete breakdown and analysis can be found below — featuring graphics and charts.

The results of the poll show that Milken students lean left on most issues. Gun control had the most support from Milken students, while repealing the death penalty was split 50/50.

The student breakdown of the respondents of this survey were as follows:

111 responses:

9th graders – 27 responses

10th graders – 30 responses

11th graders – 22 responses

12th graders – 32 responses

Female – 56 responses

Male – 55 responses

Students were asked to choose what party they most identify with. The results are displayed in figure 1 below.

Propositions:

Proposition 55: Income Tax

A ‘yes’ vote would extend an increase in income taxes on families that make more than $250,000. A ‘no’ would allow the measure passed in 2012 to expire in 2019.

Proposition 56: Tobacco Tax Increase

A ‘yes’ vote would increase cigarette taxes by $2.00 a pack and increase taxes on other tobacco products and e-cigarettes.

Proposition 57: Parole for Nonviolent Criminals

A ‘yes’ vote would increase parole opportunities and reward good behavior for non-violent crimes.

Proposition 58: Non-English Languages Allowed in Public Education

A ‘yes’ vote is a vote in favor of repealing most of the 1998 Proposition 227, the “English in Public Schools” initiative, effectively allowing non-English languages to be used in public educational instruction.

Proposition 61: Drug Price Standards

A ‘yes’ vote supports regulating drug prices by requiring state agencies to pay the same prices that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays for prescription drugs.

Proposition 62: Repeal of the Death Penalty

A ‘yes’ vote supports repealing the death penalty and making life without the possibility of parole the maximum punishment for murder.

Proposition 63: Background Checks for Ammunition Purchases and Large-Capacity Ammunition Magazine Ban

A ‘yes’ vote supports prohibiting the possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines and requiring certain individuals to pass a background check in order to purchase ammunition.

Proposition 64: Marijuana Legalization

A ‘yes’ vote would allow Californians over the age of 21 to legally purchase marijuana. Since 1994, medical marijuana has been legal, however, a similar measure to legalize marijuana was rejected in 2010.

Proposition 65: Dedication of Revenue from Disposable Bag Sales to Wildlife Conservation Fund

A ‘yes’ vote is a vote in favor of redirecting money collected from the sale of carry-out bags by grocery or other retail stores to a special fund administered by the Wildlife Conservation Board.

Proposition 66: Death Penalty Procedures

A ‘yes’ vote supports changing the procedures governing state court appeals and petitions that challenge death penalty convictions and sentences.

Proposition 67: Plastic Bag Ban Veto Referendum

A ‘yes’ vote is a vote in favor of upholding the contested legislation banning plastic bags that was enacted by the California State Legislature under the name Senate Bill 270.

Senate: Harris or Sanchez

Democrats Kamala Harris and Loretta Sanchez compete for Senator Barbara Boxer’s spot in the first open seat Senate election in California in 24 years.

Students had the option to voice their opinion on any of the issues on the California ballot. Here are the highlights:

“We should definitely ban large ammo magazines, assault rifles, and have a comprehensive background check system.” – 10th grade male; Democrat

“Marijuana should not be legalized for recreational use, because I have met people who have had this drug take over their lives, just like cigarettes. We would just be creating easier access to drugs which will result in more people having their lives ruined by addiction. Obviously medical marijuana is needed, as it is a good drug with low side effects when used correctly, however there is no huge need to make recreational marijuana legal and the consequences would be horrible.” – 10th grade female; Independent

“ALL people should be background checked before being allowed to purchase ANY type of gun or ammunition. All people other than law enforcement and military should be banned from purchasing assault rifles. Guns are extremely dangerous and powerful weapons that should be held with caution. They should not be sold to just anyone, because in the wrong hands they can cause serious damage.”  – 10th grade female; Democrat

Are you surprised by any of these results? Let us know in the comments below!