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Election 2016: Guide To California's Propositions, And More

Are you ready to vote on Nov. 8? Here's a closer look at the 17 propositions on the California ballot with stories from California Counts, a collaboration between Capital Public Radio, KQED, KPCC and KPBS to cover the 2016 elections in California. Proposition 51: School BondsProposition 52: State Fees on HospitalsProposition 53: Revenue BondsProposition 54: LegislatureProposition 55: Tax Extension to Fund Education and HealthcareProposition 56: Cigarette Tax to Fund Healthcare, Tobacco Use Prevention, Research, and Law EnforcementProposition 57: Criminal SentencesProposition 58: English language educationProposition 60: Adult Films, Condoms, Health RequirementsProposition 61: State Prescription Drug PurchasesProposition 62: Death PenaltyProposition 63: Firearms, Ammunition SalesProposition 64: Marijuana LegalizationProposition 65: Carry-Out Bags ChargesProposition 66: Death PenaltyProposition 67: Referendum to Overturn Ban on Single-Use Plastic BagsBeyond these measures, there may be others on your local ballot. You can look them up with Capital Public Radio's voter guide.

Update: Butte County's Measure E Would Ban Fracking

North State Public Radio

Published June 7, 2016 at 8:45 AM PDT

Update 6/8/16 6:46 a.m.

Measure E passes with 72 percent voter approval.

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Originally posted 6/7/16

Butte County’s Measure E would ban hydraulic fracturing and the disposal of fracking waste in the county.

The fracking process typically uses pressurized water to blast and break shale, freeing trapped natural gas. The risks aren’t fully understood, but the Environmental Protection Agency identifies potential groundwater contamination and adverse impacts from fracking wastewater disposal.

Because of its geology, Butte County hasn’t been a big target for fracking. Frack-Free Butte County Spokesman Jake Davis says because of the potential consequences, it’s better to nip it in the bud.

“If it does get established, it’s much harder to stop something that’s already started,” Davis said.

A “yes” vote effectively bans fracking in Butte County. A “no” vote would leave the regulation of fracking up to the state.