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California already has some of the toughest gun control laws in the nation. But Proposition 63 aims to tighten them even further, while also placing new regulations on selling or buying ammunition. Joe Raedle/Getty Images
California already has some of the toughest gun control laws in the nation. But Proposition 63 aims to tighten them even further, while also placing new regulations on selling or buying ammunition. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Ballot Measures on Marijuana, Guns, Early Parole, Taxes Hold Strong Leads

Ballot Measures on Marijuana, Guns, Early Parole, Taxes Hold Strong Leads

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Ballot measures to legalize marijuana, enact stronger gun controls, give some state prisoners a chance at early release and increase tobacco taxes are leading in a poll released today, just four days before the election.

The Field Poll found voters split among three other measures, however, including Proposition 61, the prescription drug pricing initiative that the pharmaceutical industry has spent record amounts of money trying to defeat. An equal amount of respondents -- 47 percent -- said they support and oppose the measure, while just 6 percent remain undecided.

And whether California will change its death penalty system remains up in the air: Proposition 62, which would repeal capital punishment in California, has just 51 percent support, while Proposition 66, which seeks to expedite the death penalty, is shy of majority support at 48 percent. Forty-two percent of those surveyed said they will vote against Proposition 66, while just 10 percent are undecided -- last month, 42 percent of those surveyed said they had yet to make a decision.

The news was better for proponents of several other ballot measures.

Proposition 64, which would legalize marijuana use for adults 21 years and older, is leading with 57 percent of likely voters intending to vote yes and 40 percent saying they will vote no.

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Proposition 57, a ballot measure by Gov. Jerry Brown to let some state prison inmates apply for earlier parole if they participate in rehabilitation programs, is leading among 64 percent of those polled with 32 percent opposed.

Proposition 56, which would increase cigarette taxes by $2 a pack and instate commensurate hikes for other tobacco products -- including electronic cigarettes -- showed 55 percent support, with 43 percent opposed.

Proposition 55, which would extend higher income taxes on wealthy Californians for another 12 years, holds a strong lead of 59 percent to just 38 percent opposed.

Proposition 63, which would expand gun control laws in California, is also in a strong position, with 59 percent of respondents saying they will vote for it and 38 percent opposed.

The online survey was conducted by the Field Poll and the Institute of Governmental Studies at UC Berkeley between October 25-31. It was conducted in English and Spanish among 1,498 Californians considered likely to vote in the November 2016 general election,

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