This November 4th, Californians were asked to vote on a particularly impactful proposition -- one that would affect the state constitution itself. It passed 52% 'Yes' to 48% 'No' in a vote that showed a clearly divided opinion and nearly equal support on both sides.
A look into the demographics of the vote also show just how diverse and varied in opinion our population was on this issue.
% Yes (voting to amend the constituion) % No (against the amendment)
|
Group |
% Yes |
% No |
|
Obama voters |
21% |
73% |
|
McCain voters |
84% |
13% |
|
Female voters |
42% |
51% |
|
Male voters |
46% |
47% |
|
Voters over 60 |
62% |
32% |
|
Voters Under 24 |
30% |
66% |
|
Conservative |
87% |
10% |
|
Liberal |
10% |
86% |
|
Protestants |
60% |
33% |
|
Catholics |
44% |
48% |
In this particular case, our state will now write in language to constrain rights of a group whose case had previously been upheld in court.
Regardless of how we each feel about Proposition 8, isn't there risk to all of us in the ability to change a document so universal and fundamental through a simple 51% majority vote? If our constitution is the rule book designed to protect and provide guidelines for all of us, and one the plays such a crucial role in protecting our rights despite all our differences, shouldn't we hold a higher bar for changing it?
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