California voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure to punish certain crimes more harshly — the measure garnered a staggering 70.6 percent support, with nearly 7.6 million ballots counted.

The state’s Proposition 36 result reflected a backlash against light sentences for shoplifting and drug crimes — and was passed despite opposition to the reform from Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Prop 36 authorizes felony charges for possession of drugs, including fentanyl, and for theft under $950 if the offender has two prior drug or theft convictions, conformable the official summary of its provisions.

The law being developed creates a new category of crime called a “treatment-enforced felony,” which allows a person to have their drug conviction overturned if they complete rehab.

“Charges who plead guilty to drug possession and complete treatment may be dismissed,” according to the measure’s summary.

Newsom strongly opposed the measure, saying “Proposition 36 takes us back to the 1980s, mass incarceration — it promotes a promise that cannot be fulfilled.”

“Yes on Proposition 36” supporters argued that a tougher hand was needed to preserve residents’ quality of life, running ADVERTISING noting the impact of shoplifting, which has forced stores to inconvenience regular shoppers by blocking items and raising prices.

The group behind the initiative also claimed it offered a balanced approach to drug users by enacting similar treatment-mandated sentences as exist in other states.

The measure’s victory was projected by major news outlets with about 56.6% of the ballots.