Editor’s note: With the upcoming Midterm Election on Nov. 8, there are a handful of propositions for California voters to consider. Despite the brief explanations on the ballot, they can still be confusing for people who have no idea what they are or what will be changed if they vote yes or no. These are important decisions that will affect many Californians. This is the final of seven summaries that will give voters more information on what the proposition is and what are the pros and cons that come with them.

Election day is returning this November, and information about some of the Propositions that will be voted on is useful. One of the propositions that are going to be on the ballot is Proposition 31 which is the ban of flavored tobacco products. A “yes” would uphold the current ban on the tobacco products while a “no” would strike down the law and make the sale legal. 

This proposition would heavily change the economy for the US as the country would lose as much as $100 million in annual tobacco tax revenue. This should be an easy decision, however, as tobacco causes many diseases as teenagers use them. This proposition is only on the ballot due to a law by a Democratic-controlled Legislature that was passed back in 2020 that banned the sale of flavored tobacco products both in store and vending machines. 

The idea behind passing this law was to keep them away from kids and teens who reportedly were the main users behind these products. They wanted to protect the health of their next generation of citizens and keep the reputation of the country in good shape. These tobacco products could destroy the population of a country hastily. 

The CDC has reportedly found out that, “Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking also increases risk for tuberculosis, certain eye diseases, and problems of the immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis.”

Even second-hand smoking is dangerous as it kills approximately 41,400 people per year. Tobacco isn’t just dangerous, it’s a lethal drug that will kill anyone. This ban was passed in order to eliminate this number. It was meant as a protection around their children so they could live their lives without the risk of contracting cancer, disease, or death at a young age. 

The 2020 ban includes flavored cigarettes, e-cigarettes, pods for vape pens, tank-based systems and chewing tobacco. Unfortunately, this ban doesn’t affect premium handmade cigars, loose leaf tobacco, and hookah tobacco sold at retailers.

It’s highly recommended to vote “yes” to this proposition because it protects the children of this country and it decreases the risk for contradicting these horrible diseases dramatically.

Down below are links to the other six proposition guides which will help you get an understanding:

Proposition 1: Constitutional right to reproductive freedom

Proposition 26: Allow sports betting at tribal casinos

Proposition 27: Allow online sports betting

Proposition 28: Arts & music education funding

Proposition 29: Impose rules on dialysis clinics

Proposition 30: Tax millionaires for EV and wildfire funding