A majority of Californians say they want stronger punishments for theft and drug-related crimes.
The nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California has released the results of a statewide survey of Californians about government that shows strong support for Proposition 36, which would turn some misdemeanor theft charges into felonies, lengthens some felony sentences, and require that some felony sentences be served in prison, rather than county jail.
According to the polling results, Californians are largely in favor of the measure: 71% of likely voters are in favor of Prop 36, while 26% oppose it. Support crosses party lines, with 85% of Republicans, 73% of independents, and 63% of Democrats backing the measure.
Additionally, 77% of voters feel that the outcome of Proposition 36 is very or somewhat important. Finally, 26% of likely voters that it is the proposition they are most interested in.
“When asked how important the outcome of the vote on Proposition 36 is, three in four likely voters say it is very (41%) or somewhat important (36%),” the report noted.
“Those who would vote yes on the measure are three times more likely than those who would vote no to call it very important (51% to 16%).”
The full results of the PPIC survey can be read here.
