Official Results
Yes votes:
7,216,721 (42.8%)
No votes:
9,655,024 (57.2%)

Proposition 16 would repeal Proposition 209 (1996) by permitting state and local entities to consider race, sex, color, ethnicity, and national origin in public education, public employment, and public contracting to the extent allowed under federal and state law.

Voter Information

Public Opinion

Non-Partisan Resources

Endorsements

Pro

Supporters say Proposition 16 would increase opportunities for people who faced discrimination on account of their race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. They say that Proposition 16 would support small businesses and will invest in minority neighborhoods.

Con

Opponents claim that Proposition 16 would allow politicians to give preferential treatment to special interests. They say that the measure will open the door to costly bureaucracies in state and local government. They believe that the measure actually creates more discrimination, not lessens it.