Kamala Harris Declines To Share Her Vote On California’s Proposition 36

Workers place wooden boards over windows as graffit is shown on walls at the Alameda County Courthouse in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, July 26, 2020. A protest Saturday night through the streets of downtown Oakland, California, in support of racial justice and police reform turned violent when "agitators" among the demonstrators set fire to a courthouse, vandalized a police station and shot fireworks at officers, authorities said. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris remained tight-lipped on Sunday regarding her stance on California’s Proposition 36. The proposition, if passed, would implement stricter penalties for serial retail thieves and drug traffickers. When asked how she voted, Harris declined to disclose her decision.

“I am not gonna talk about the vote on that because, honestly, it’s the Sunday before the election,” she said. “And I don’t intend to create an endorsement one way or another on it.”

Harris added, “But I did vote,” clarifying that while she had cast her ballot, she would not reveal her choice on the issue.

Background on Proposition 36 and Harris’ Criminal Justice Views

Proposition 36: Stricter Penalties for Repeat Offenders

California’s Proposition 36 aims to:

Increase penalties for individuals convicted of serial retail theft.

Target drug trafficking offenses with stricter sentencing laws.

Enhance protections for communities by aiming to deter repeat offenders.

Supporters argue that the proposition addresses the increase in organized retail theft and drug-related crimes, while opponents express concern over the potential impact on California’s prison system and broader criminal justice reform goals.

Harris’ History with California Justice Reform

-Before becoming vice president, Harris served as California’s attorney general and was notably vocal about her support for certain criminal justice reforms. Her approach included:

Reducing penalties for some non-violent crimes,

Supporting Proposition 47 (also known as the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act).

The latter measure, co-authored by George Gascón (Harris’ successor as San Francisco district attorney) and Lenore Anderson (executive director of Californians for Safety and Justice), aimed to:

-Reclassify non-violent felonies, such as drug possession and minor property crimes, as misdemeanors.

Reduce incarceration rates and redirect funding to community initiatives, including: mental health services, drug rehabilitation programs and educational resources.

Since the passage of Proposition 47, several types of crime, including retail theft and drug trafficking, have increased in California.

Two police vehicles are seen near a building where a shooting occurred in Monterey Park, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023. Nine people were killed in a mass shooting late Saturday in a city east of Los Angeles following a Lunar New Year celebration that attracted thousands, police said. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Retail Theft:

-Shoplifting: In 2023, reported shoplifting incidents increased by 39% compared to 2022, reaching 113,916 incidents. This marks a 78% rise since 2020, when there were 64,105 reported cases.

-Commercial Burglary: While commercial burglaries decreased by 9% in 2023, they remain approximately 6% above pre-pandemic levels, indicating a persistent issue.

Drug Trafficking:

-Fentanyl Seizures: In 2023, California seized a record 62,000 pounds of fentanyl, a significant increase from previous years. This amount is enough to potentially kill the global population nearly twice over, highlighting the severity of the trafficking problem.

The statistics underscore a concerning trend in both retail theft and drug trafficking within the state. Efforts to address these issues are ongoing, including ballot measures—like Proposition 36—aimed at curbing these crimes.

READ NEXT: The Town Of 3,400 Where The Biden-Harris Regime Dumped 3,000 Migrants

Picture of Patrick Houck

Patrick Houck

Patrick Houck is an avid political enthusiast based out of the Washington, D.C., metro area. His expertise is in campaigns and the use of targeted messaging to persuade voters. When not combing through the latest news, you can find him enjoying the company of family and friends or pursuing his love of photography.

1 Comment
    Walter T. Deveau

    Of course she won’t say she voted against it! That would be the opposite of everything she’s intending to do nationwide!

Leave a Reply

SECURITY

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

HEALTH & SCIENCE

At American Liberty News, we eschew the mainstream media’s tightly controlled narrative to provide our readers with real news, real insights, and the means to take action. We seek out insightful coverage – and partner with knowledgeable and experienced people and organizations to bring you the information and insight our readers demand.

 

We humbly seek to provide the tools and information necessary for our readers to decide for themselves what is true and what is right.

American Liberty News ©2024

Evolution Digital Media

1900 Reston Metro Plz

Suite 600

Reston, VA 20190