Pollsters and pundits across the country will be closely following the results when Californians vote on Nov. 2, but it’s not the governor’s race that’s drawing their attention. In addition to a number of statewide races, California will have a measure on the ballot to legalize marijuana, Proposition 19.
Governor Schwarzenegger has already signed a bill lowering the charge for possession of an ounce or less of marijuana from a misdemeanor to an infraction. Proposition 19 would legalize recreational use of marijuana for those over 21, would allow small amounts to be cultivated, and permit retail sales of the drug to be taxed.
If Proposition 19 is passed by the voters, it will supersede the law the governor signed, which is set to take effect in January 2011.
“… law enforcement and the courts cannot afford to expend limited resources prosecuting petty pot offenses,” wrote Gov. Schwarzenegger, in explaining why he signed the bill although he is against decriminalizing marijuana.
Democratic strategists believe the marijuana measure will resonate with younger voters and drive more of them to the polls. Young liberals, especially those in swing states, are expected to be a critical component to President Obama’s re-election efforts in 2012. If young voters turn out en masse in California because of Proposition 19, it may encourage other states to add marijuana legislation to their ballots to charge up the voters.
According to the Wall Street Journal, a recent Field poll showed 48 percent of California voters support Proposition 19 and 42 percent oppose it.
President Obama opposes the legalization of marijuana and if Proposition 19 passes in California, his administration may challenge the law. Which would put a big hole in the “energize the youngsters with pot” strategy. The Democrats need to go back to the drawing board on this one.
–marqueta smith
