Measure E: Ahead with 59%
The half-cent sales tax on nonessential goods that supporters say could raise $27 million annually for services affected by federal cuts is in the lead as of 8:45pm, with 35% of ballots counted. Of those who voted, 59% supported Measure E and 41% opposed it.
Revenue would be deposited in the county’s general fund, which the County Board of Supervisors said will prioritize funds for protecting emergency medical services and community health clinics, food assistance, mental health and substance use treatment, and access to reproductive health care. If passed, some of this money could go to Watsonville Community Hospital.
Prop. 3: Ahead with 58.9%
With 71% of total ballots counted, Californians appear likely to pass Proposition 3, which amends the California Constitution to add the existing voter-approved tax rates for individuals earning over $371,000 or joint filers earning over $742,000, adjusted annually for inflation.
As of 10:14pm, 59% of Californians who voted have voted yes on Prop. 3, which applies to about 2% of California’s population and would maintain the $5 billion to $15 billion in annual state income tax revenue generated by the tax.
Prop. 38: Ahead with 57%
As of 10:14pm, 57% of voters had voted to authorize an $8.4 billion general obligation bond for immunology and immunotherapy research that targets diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
If passed, the proposition would direct half of the $8.4 billion to a single UC-affiliated nonprofit medical research institute and half to public and nonprofit research grants.
Prop. 40: Behind with 43%
The controversial billionaire tax that dominated airwaves this season lags behind in the polls, with 43% in support and 57% opposed as of 10:14pm.
The 2026 Billionaire Tax Act would create a one-time 5% wealth tax on taxpayers with more than $1 billion in assets—about 250 people—with 90% to be spent on public health care and the other 10% on education, food assistance and administering the tax.
Prop. 41: Behind with 47.5%
As of 10:15pm, Californians are signaling opposition to this proposal, which would require audits of new tax programs and make it harder to pass new special taxes by requiring review before going to voters. If passed, this would directly conflict with Prop. 40, which is also behind in the polls.
Prop. 42: Ahead with 55%
As of 10:15pm, 55% of Californians who voted support the proposition that would prohibit new taxes on the ownership of assets such as investment accounts, business interests and personal property. These are assets that are typically taxed only when they are sold or generate income. The measure would nullify Prop. 40, which is behind in the polls, if it passes.
Prop. 44: 83% opposed
An overwhelming majority voted against the ballot measure that would require nonprofit community health clinics to spend 90% of revenue on program services. Of ballots counted, 83% were against the proposition, which Santa Cruz County Health estimated would cost the county $2.47 million based on its 2023 tax filing.
