Early voting has begun in California, and in addition to the presidential election and numerous local races, Californians will be treated to ten statewide propositions.

The ballot includes proposals on topics ranging from funding for wildfire prevention to expanding protections for rent control and whether incarcerated people should be forced to work. With just eight days until the election, a poll by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) provides a look at voter sentiment.

California voters identified economic issues — such as the cost of living and housing — and public safety as top concerns this year.

Proposition 36: Criminal Justice Reform San Jose State University political science professor Melinda Jackson noted that two propositions on the ballot deal with criminal justice. Proposition 36, which has strong support, would increase penalties for certain theft and drug offenses. A recent PPIC poll shows 73% of voters are in favor, with 25% against.

Sonoma State political science professor David McCuan has seen a visible rejection of criminal justice reform programs among most California voters.

“California voters don’t want to pay for career incarceration, but they’re frustrated with what’s going on and there’s a backlash,” he said.

Proposition 6: Work in prison Currently, the state constitution allows prisons and jails to require incarcerated people to work. Proposition 6 would end that requirement, though the PPIC poll shows 41 percent of voters support the change, while 56 percent prefer to keep the system as is.

Proposition 33: Extend rent control Proposition 33 would allow cities to implement their own rent control measures, rather than relying on statewide restrictions established decades ago. Jackson points out that when proposals are confusing, voters often choose to reject them. With substantial campaign spending by homeowners and condo associations opposing the measure, support has recently dipped, with 41 percent in favor and 54 percent against.

McCuan commented, “We know voters are frustrated and angry.”

Bond measures for school facilities and fire prevention Despite voter skepticism on many issues, polls show strong support for two bond measures to finance significant projects. Proposition 2 would allow the state to issue $10 billion in bonds to upgrade public schools, and Proposition 4 would authorize $10 billion for clean water and fire prevention. Both measures currently hold over 50% support.

According to McCuan, “This cycle that we’re seeing, we’re seeing something different … measures being supported by voters at a much higher rate.”

Historically, California voters approve about one in three ballot propositions. This election cycle may see different trends. According to the Public Policy Institute poll, about half of the ten measures on the ballot appear to win the approval of a majority of voters.