Time is literally running out to vote. While the main—and obvious—concern is whether you’re planning to vote Republican or Democrat for President of the United States, there is also another issue on the 2020 ballot that deserves attention and care: Proposition 25.
What Is Prop 25?
To bring some of you up to speed, Proposition 25, or officially the Referendum to Overturn a 2018 Law That Replaced Money Bail System with A System Based on Public Safety Risk, is a California ballot proposition that, as stated above, will appear on the ballot for the general election on November 3, 2020.
A Closer Look at Prop 25
Up until 2019, California used a cash bail system, which allowed for the release of criminal suspects who were waiting for an upcoming trial. This method helped to ensure the accused would return for their appointed court date. Yet, on August 28, 2018, then governor of California, Jerry Brown, signed SB10. SB10 ended the previous use of cash bail, instead evoking a risk assessment method.
This new method relies on a computer algorithm managed by government bureaucrats to decide who can and who can’t get out of jail while waiting for their court date. Further, SB10 stands to cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars each year.
Simply put, to vote “yes” on Prop 25 would keep SB1 in place, while a “no” vote would repeal it.
Why You Should Vote NO on Prop 25
There are two main reasons as to why you should vote NO on Prop 25.
First, an entire industry is at risk of being completely wiped out due to SB10. This is the cash bail industry. Both the California Peace Officers’ Association and the California Bail Agents Association oppose SB10 and are arguing NO on Prop 25.
Second, civil rights advocates have been consistently arguing that SB10 does not completely address the racial biases in the criminal justice system. Therefore, the California Conference of the NAACP and Human Rights Watch have publicly and enthusiastically opposed SB10 and Prop 25.
Just the Facts on Prop 25
In case you’re still unsure about voting NO on Prop 25, here are some basic facts to consider:
- Prop 25 is unfair, unsafe, and costly
- Prop 25 creates additional bias against minorities and the poor
- Prop 25 denies a United States Constitutional Rights
- Prop 25 puts our public safety at risk
- Prop 25 deprives justice for victims of crime
- Prop 25 overburdens local law enforcement
- Prop 25 costs taxpayer hundreds of millions of dollars each year
As a voter you have the ability to help put an end to SB10—and you’re not alone. Many others have come forward to voice their thoughts on why it’s imperative to vote NO on Prop 25.
For example, Chad Bianco, the Riverside County Sheriff, has stated: “Prop 25 will endanger public safety and makes it harder for police and sheriff’s department’s to do our jobs.”
Make the Safest Choices
Money and fairness aside, do what’s safe for the State of California. Vote NO on Prop 25; it’s the safest, smartest choice.
