With the 2024 March Primary Election only a week away, early numbers are suggesting a historically low turnout. As of Saturday, only 7% of ballots have been returned. Turnout so far is highest among people over 65 at 15% and lowest among 18–34-year-olds at 2%.
Yes on Proposition 1
Proposition 1 is the only statewide measure appearing on the March Primary Election Ballot.
The measure authorizes $6.38 billion in state general obligation bonds for mental health treatment facilities ($4.4 billion) and supportive housing for homeless veterans and homeless individuals with behavioral health challenges ($2 billion).
It amends Mental Health Services Act to:
- Allow funding to be used to treat substance use disorders (instead of only mental health disorders);
- Re-allocate funding for full-service treatment programs, other behavioral health services (e.g., early intervention), and housing programs;
- Require annual audits of programs.
The California of Chamber of Commerce endorses Proposition 1 because it provides an effective and ambitious plan that addresses the three interrelated social crises of homelessness, untreated serious mental illness and drug abuse in California. The measure will provide the resources to help communities across the state recover from what has been an unprecedented mental health and homelessness crisis.
Proposition 1 authorizes nearly $6.4 billion in bonds and directs billions more annually to fix the broken mental health system and move people off the streets, out of tents and into treatment.
Proposition 1:
- Expands community-based mental health and addiction services across the state and will serve tens of thousands of Californians each year.
- Builds supportive housing where more than 11,000 Californians with the severest mental health needs can live, recover, stabilize and thrive.
- Prioritizes treatment over incarceration. Today, 1 in 3 California prisoners has a diagnosed mental illness and California spends more than $100,000 per incarcerated person. Research shows incarceration is costly and counterproductive.
- Helps homeless veterans. Proposition 1 will provide $1 billion to serve veterans experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance abuse issues. More than 10,000 California veterans, many suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are homeless and on the street.
- Addresses shortage of mental health workers. Currently, persons with serious mental health issues can wait six months or longer for just an introductory appointment. Proposition 1 will fund additional professionals.
- Requires strict accountability. The measure includes mandatory audits to ensure that funds are spent as promised.
For more information on Prop 1, visit treatmentnottents.com
Voting Information
The March Primary Election Ballot also includes statewide and local candidates, party nominations for president and an open U.S. Senate contest to determine the top two finishers who will advance to the November election.
Polls open on March 5, 2024 from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Counties throughout the state have opened vote centers where voters may vote early or drop off vote-by-mail ballots.
People who want to vote but missed the voter registration deadline can fill out a conditional registration form at a vote center in order to cast a ballot, which will be tallied after election officials confirm voter eligibility.
To find a vote center, click here.
For more information on the March Primary Election, click here.
