Poll: Most Californians Likely to Vote to Strengthen Penalties for Theft, Drug Crimes 

A majority of California voters intend to vote yes to Proposition 36—which would increase penalties for repeat theft and drug offenses—according to a new poll conducted by the University of Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies and released on Aug. 16.  Approximately 56 percent of respondents said they will vote in favor of the proposition, while 23 percent said they are opposed, and 21 percent are currently undecided. A plurality of Democrats is signaling they will vote for Prop 36—with 48 percent saying they approve of the initiative, 29 percent opposed, and 23 percent who have yet to make up their mind.  Republicans overwhelmingly approve of the ballot measure, with 69 percent saying they will vote for it, 17 percent saying they’ll vote no, and 14 percent undecided. ...