Listen to this note:
March 5, 2024 was the date when California voters came close to tying the decision on whether to approve a measure involving the spending of six billion dollars. In reality, it took a couple of days, as the votes were close enough that it took almost a week after the election to determine whether the measure would pass or not.
One of the key propositions on the March ballot was California Proposition 1, the Mental Health Services Program and Bond Measure. It asked voters whether to take money from county budgets and put that money toward mental health and homeless support.
After careful recounting, California Proposition 1 was approved by voters.
According to official election results compiled by the California Secretary of State, more than seven million people voted in the election.
Despite millions of votes, it was only a slim margin of 26,000 that separated yes from no in approving the proposition.
Under majority rules, a close election can mean that millions get their way while millions don't. That may not sit well with many, but it's far better than the alternative.
Democracy can hurt sometimes. But it gives us a voice and a choice.
At the end of the election day, it is each individual vote put together that determines the results.
Under Proposition 1, the state government will now have $6 billion to fund housing for veterans and homeless people.
Whether the vote in question is about funding for mental health resources or another issue, your vote and your voice will still matter.
You may be interested in: Ballot Proposition 1 What is it? What does it mean?
