Election:
Official Results
Yes votes:
4,238,156 (59.6%)
No votes:
2,871,943 (40.4%)
Proposition 47 would alter the law by requring misdemeanor sentences insted of felonies for certain non-serious crimes. Persons now serving felony sentences for these crimes would be resentenced unless court can articulate unreasonable safety risks. Persons with a previous confiction for violent crimes such as rape, murder, or child molestion would receive felony sentences.
For more information on this proposition, including voter resources, in-depth analysis, and endorsements, please see the California Choices web site.
Pro
Supporters contend that Proposition 47 will focus law enforcement resources on violent and serious crimes. They say it will bring funds to crime prevention, education, and treatment. They contend it will increase public safety by freeing up police to focus on dangerous criminals.
Con
Opponents say that Proposition 47 is a radical measure which will release 10,000 criminals, many of whom have violent histories. They claim that serious crimes like stealing a gun would be changed to misdemeanors under the measure. They say the measure will overcrowd jails with violent crimminals that should be in state prison.