Proposition 16: Restoring Affirmative Action
Official Results
Available once the California Secretary of State has certified the election. This can take up to 3 weeks or more.
Yes votes: 7,216,721 (42.8%)
No votes: 9,655,024 (57.2%)
Proposition 16 would repeal Proposition 209 (1996) by permitting state and local entities to consider race, sex, color, ethnicity, and national origin in public education, public employment, and public contracting to the extent allowed under federal and state law.
Voter Information
Public Opinion
- Berkeley IGS Poll, September 23, 2020
- Survey USA, September 29, 2020
- Berkeley IGS Poll, October 26, 2020
- Public Policy Institute of California Statewide Survey, September 16, 2020
- Public Policy Institute of California Statewide Survey, October 22, 2020
Non-Partisan Resources
Pro/Con Statements
| Pro | Con |
|---|---|
|
Supporters say Proposition 16 would increase opportunities for people who faced discrimination on account of their race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. They say that Proposition 16 would support small businesses and will invest in minority neighborhoods.
|
Opponents claim that Proposition 16 would allow politicians to give preferential treatment to special interests. They say that the measure will open the door to costly bureaucracies in state and local government. They believe that the measure actually creates more discrimination, not lessens it.
|
| Supporters | Opponents |
|---|---|
| Vote Yes on Prop. 16 | Californians for Equal Rights |