WHAT IT WOULD DO: Allow for victim input during certain phases of criminal prosecution and charging and reduce the number of parole hearings offered to prisoners, while enforcing mandatory restitution regulations for cases in which victims experience material loss.

Although paraded under the banner of the expansion of victims’ rights, Proposition 9 is little more than a misguided attempt to increase the stringency of California’s already strict parole process.

Supporters of the measure have exploited the emotional concern of voters for crime victims, courting fear in an attempt to create a state constitutional amendment that would only serve to undo any progress toward relieving California’s overcrowded prisons.

If passed, Proposition 9 would cost California millions as prisoners formerly qualified for early release on parole suddenly lose this right, forcing the state’s prisons to house inmates for longer than courts now deem necessary.
Victims of crimes are already adequately protected under state law.

Vote to oppose a measure that would enforce additional, unnecessary restrictions on prisoners’ rights while placing an even greater strain on California’s prisons. Vote no on Proposition 9.