Some major propositions were put before California voters during the midterm elections. Between taxing billionaires and enforcing voter identification requirements, Angelenos were put to the test in an election that posed an example for the rest of the country.
Should stricter parameters be placed on voters? Should billionaires put forth 5% of their earnings to fund California health care? Do firefighters deserve increased funding at the expense of taxpayers?
California was tasked with these questions, and voters answered — but the races have been tight.
These are the five most prominent propositions and measures from Tuesday’s midterm elections and where the races currently stand.
This proposition would invalidate mail ballots that do not include the last four digits of a government-issued identification number on the envelope, including a driver’s license, passport or Social Security number. Additionally, it would prohibit Californians from voting without a government-issued ID.
While supporters argued the mandate would lead to more secure elections, opponents insisted it would not only cost taxpayers millions of dollars but also lead to voter suppression by creating unnecessary barriers for voters.
Though the race has yet to be called, 58.6% of voters have said “no” to Proposition 39. In Los Angeles County, 64.4% of voters said no.
Prop 40, if approved, would impose a one-time 5% tax on the net worth of billionaires who were California residents on Jan. 1, 2026, creating a “2026 Billionaire Tax Reserve Fund,” with most of the revenue going toward health care. Prop 40 would not directly tax the average California homeowner or wage earner under its current terms.
Sen. Bernie Sanders has pushed for Californians to lead by example and show the rest of the U.S. that billionaires can and should be taxed at higher rates, with funding used for welfare services. However, the proposition was highly controversial, with both current Gov. Gavin Newsom and future Gov. Xavier Becerra opposing the measure.
With votes still being counted, many Californians have already voted “no” on the one-time tax. Only 44.4% of Californians have voted to enact the tax, as of 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Prop 41 would require new special taxes approved after Jan. 1, 2026, to undergo financial and performance audits and count toward the state’s spending limit. Supporters of Prop 40 have argued that Prop 41 was added to the ballot in an effort to void the billionaire tax.
With the count more than halfway through, 52.5% of voters have said “no” to Proposition 41, suggesting Californians believe the California State Auditor’s current review of government programs is adequate and that state spending limit requirements should not change.
Prop 42 would amend the California Constitution to prohibit new taxes on retirement accounts, personal assets and savings, and restrict retroactive taxes. Similar to Prop 41, supporters of the billionaire tax also believe this proposition was placed on the ballot in an effort to sabotage the one-time wealth tax.
Unlike Proposition 41, the ban on new personal property taxes is gaining support. A total of 54.3% of voters have said “yes” to this proposition.
This measure was created following the devastating 2025 Palisades Fire in an effort to improve Los Angeles Fire Department resources, staffing and response times. The measure would increase the city’s sales tax by 0.5%, with the revenue being distributed to the fire department. The city of Pasadena has added a similar measure to its ballot.
If approved, the sales tax in Los Angeles would increase from 10.25% to 10.75%. The L.A. County Clerk’s Office has estimated this increase would bring in approximately $345 million annually.
Measure FD has currently received the support of 53.63% of L.A. voters.
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