Prop 32 & 37

Prop. 32If passed, the initiative would have banned unions from using payroll-deducted funds to support political campaigns. “It’s a proposition that looks good on the surface, but if you look closely, it’s not an even playing field,” said Steve Kurvink, a political science professor at Santa Monica College. “It weakens the unions, not corporations.” Kurvink reasons that since the initiative prevents unions and corporations alike from dipping into paycheck deducted funds, unions are left with less money to use, while corporations have a greater pool of funds anyway. Teacher unions use that money to endorse candidates and propositions that are often in line with students’ interests, Kurvink said. According to the L.A. Times’ online Voter Guide, the yes on Prop. 32 campaign pulled in over $86 million; opposition almost $72 million – a narrow margin when compared to other ballot initiatives.

Prop. 37

The proposition would prohibit genetically modified food from being labeled “natural,” and  require companies to advertise if food has been modified.

In a state as health-conscious as California, the result of this proposition has been highly anticipated.

As of  2 a.m. Wednesday morning, Prop. 37 was down, 53.7 percent no and 46.3 percent yes.

According to the No on Prop. 37 camp, strange exemptions apply. For instance, soy milk is subject to labeling, but cow’s milk and dairy products are not. Similarly, pet food containing meat requires labels, but grocery meat does not.

“I would like to be GMO free, and it’s impossible without labeling,” said Dana Morgan, adviser of Club Grow. “[It] could have a very dramatic effect on the quality of our food.”

Opponents of Prop. 37 say its passing could cost consumers up to an extra $400 in groceries, according to No of 37. However, Morgan says that GMO laws already in place are proof enough that this won’t happen.

“It’s going to put another label on the food that we buy,” she said.

The Legislative Analyst’s Office reports that 40 to 70 percent of products sold in California grocery stores contain GMOs.

Overall, the initiative could cost up to $1 million.