Here’s what you need to know about Prop 25:
Proposition 25 is a California ballot proposition that will appear on the ballot for the general election on November 3, 2020.
Until 2019, California used a cash bail system that allowed the release of criminal suspects waiting for trial, a system that helped to ensure these suspects would later return for their appointed court date. However, on August 28, 2018, then governor of California, Jerry Brown, signed SB10, which ended the previous use of cash bail and instead evoked a risk assessment method. This risk assessment 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.
Voting “yes” on Prop 25 will keep SB10 in place, while a “no” vote will repeal it.
To be blunt, Prop 25 is unfair, unsafe, and costly. Keep reading to find out why.
What Others Say about Prop 25
To get a better idea of Prop 25 and why you should vote NO, we've put together a few quotes from industry professionals.
Victoria Baca, Mayor Pro Team, City of Moreno Valley, stated: “Prop 25 creates a new bureaucracy that will cause more delays in the justice system, and poor and minority defendants will be the ones who suffer. People accused of a crime could remain locked up indefinitely, making it more likely for them to lose their jobs and be unable to take care of their families. Voters must reject Prop 25.”
Sacramento County Supervisor Sue Frost shared: “Prop 25 will cost state and local governments several hundred million dollars each year. This will force us to cut vital public services or raise taxes, something our local communities can’t afford right now.”
Quentin L. Kopp, retired California Superior Court Judge, released this statement: “Imagine a spouse, son, daughter or close friend stuck in jail at the mercy of computers and the bureaucracy, instead of having the immediate choice of getting out on bail or the ability to speak directly to a judge.”
Vote NO on Prop 25—The Safe, Smart Choice
In case it hasn’t been clear, Prop 25 creates additional bias against minorities and the poor. How? As stated, it uses computer algorithms to determine who does and doesn’t get released before trial. It’s understandable to believe that the working poor and minorities will likely face only more discrimination—not less—with this algorithm.
In addition, Prop 25 denies a United States constitutional right, as people could remain locked up indefinitely as bureaucrats face backlogs in the system.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Prop 25 puts our public safety at risk, as it creates more burdens on already overburdened police and sheriff’s departments.
Still not convinced? How about this: Prop 25 stands to cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars each year.
Do Your Part and Vote NO on Prop 25
You have the ability to help protect your community, but only if you vote NO on Prop 25. Don’t put yourself or others at risk.
