2,712,675 / 41.4% Yes votes ...... 3,839,788 / 58.6% No votes

See Also: Index of all Propositions

Meaning of Voting Yes/No

A YES vote of this measure means:

Thirty percent of the General Fund revenues generated from the sales tax on the lease and sale of motor vehicles could be used only for state and local transportation-related purposes, instead of being available for programs funded by the General Fund.

A NO vote of this measure means:

These revenues would continue to be available for General Fund supported programs rather than only for state and local transportation-related purposes.

• Full Text
• Impartial Analysis from the Legislative Analyst

Summary of Arguments FOR Proposition 51:

YES on 51 dedicates EXISTING vehicle sales taxes to repair unsafe roads and highways, replace unsafe school buses, and make walk paths to school safer for children. Includes tough audit requirements. Endorsed by California Transit Association, Lung Association, Nurses Association, Safe Kids Network, firefighters, and Police Chief Arturo Venegas.

Full Text of Argument In Favor, Rebuttal

Summary of Arguments AGAINST Proposition 51:

In a time of continuing budget deficits, Proposition 51 adds $1 billion to the deficit every year for special interest projects. It gives your tax dollars to campaign contributors, not California's priorities. Don't force cuts in vital services or require tax increases. Vote NO ON 51!

Full Text of Argument Against, Rebuttal

Contact FOR Proposition 51:

Eddy Moore
YES on 51--Citizens for Traffic Safety
926 J Street #612
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-313-4519
emoore@pcl.org
http://www.voteyesonprop51.org

Contact AGAINST Proposition 51:

David Kersten
California Tax Reform Association
926 J Street, Suite 710
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-446-4300
caltaxreform@hotmail.com
http://www.votenoonprop51.org

Secretary of State

• Voter Information Guide for Proposition 51
• Cal-Access Campaign Finance Information

• Detailed analysis

League of Women Voters - Analysis

• Easy Reading Voter Guide for Proposition 51
• Easy Reading Voter Guide - Download the guide in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, or Russian
• Pros & Cons of Proposition 51
• Pros & Cons of Proposition 51 (Spanish) - in PDF
• In Depth Analysis of Proposition 51 - for those who want more

• Background Information on Ballot Measures - Learn about California Law-Making and Your Vote
• Criteria for Evaluating Ballot Propositions

• Proposition 51: Should California Earmark the Sales Tax on Motor Vehicles?

• Top Ten Contributors - who gave the most to each side of this measure?
• Summary of Proposition 51 - includes links to some news articles

KQED-FM San Francisco Public Radio

• Discussion and analysis with spokesmen for and against this proposition - 1 hour Forum broadcast on 10/15/02 (opens in new window)

• Unhappy legislators taking aim at Prop. 51 10/8/02
• Legislators see conflict in funding for state transit project initiative 9/26/02

• Prop. 51: Is it a transit plan or backers' Trojan horse? - 10/7/02
• Burton: Prop. 51 would face suit - 10/23/02, Sacramento Bee

• About Proposition 51

• Prop. 51 would skip Legislature to fund projects - 8/19/02

• Prop. 51 gives voters budget role - 8/21/02. Reprinted by the Metropolitan Forum Project

LWV Pros & Cons Public Meetings

• Come to a meeting in your community where League experts discuss all state ballot propositions giving a nonpartisan analysis. Consult your Smart Voter county page for dates, times and locations.