Poll Shows California Voters Disapprove of Elected Officials, Favor Stronger Penalties for Crimes

Most feel the state and the nation are headed in the wrong direction, and say the economy is the most important issue in the coming election.

Voters cast their ballots in Los Angeles on June 5, 2018. Mario Tama/Getty Images

According to a survey, a strong majority of California voters are frustrated with state and federal politicians and support Proposition 36, the law change on the Nov. 5 ballot that would turn certain drug and theft offenses into felonies.

According to the survey by the Public Policy Institute of California, published on Oct. 23, more than half of respondents—across demographic groups—said they disapprove of how Gov. Gavin Newsom is leading the state.