Full Breakdown
Californians Split on One-Time Billionaire Tax as Ballots Are Cast
By Drooid · · How we work
Poll Results on Proposition 40
A Citrin-POLITICO poll released as Californians begin voting shows that support for Proposition 40—a proposed one-time 5 % levy on the assets of the state’s billionaires—remains below a majority. Among likely voters, 46 % say they would vote in favor of the measure, while 43 % would oppose it. The poll indicates that voter sentiment has held steady over the past month, despite intensified outreach by the initiative’s advocates.
Context of the Billionaire Tax Initiative
Proposition 40 seeks to impose a single, 5 % tax on the holdings of California’s wealthiest individuals, with the revenue earmarked for state programs. The proposal has been championed by progressive lawmakers, most prominently Sen. Bernie Sanders, who has urged voters to back the tax as a means of addressing income inequality. The measure appears on the ballot this election cycle, marking a rare statewide attempt to target billionaire wealth directly.
Key Participants
Numbers and Public Opinion
The poll’s findings reveal a narrow gap between supporters and opponents, with a 3-point lead for the “yes” side. Analysts note that the lack of a clear majority at this late stage of the campaign is viewed as a warning sign for proponents, who have struggled to convert general anti-billionaire sentiment into concrete ballot support.
Official Commentary
Jon Cohen interprets the results as evidence that while many Californians believe billionaires should contribute more financially, that belief does not automatically translate into votes for a specific tax measure. He cautions that the static polling numbers suggest the initiative faces a challenging path to securing the required majority for passage.