The reality of this election day is that tonight the polls will close and the results of all the races will be final. This begs the question, what comes after the election? What are you supposed to do if every proposition that you’ve studied and voted on ends in the opposite outcome from how you voted? What if the candidates you researched and cast your ballot for aren’t voted in? How are you to think about election losses, and what should you do next?

Here is my voter guide for this election’s statewide measures, as well as an external resource recommendation for candidates on the ballot!

Proposition 32 is a familiar proposal, as it seeks to raise the minimum wage in California – this time up to $18 per hour. This would place California as the state with the highest minimum wage across the country. But what economic effects would this increase have? And would it really help minimum wage workers?

Proposition 34 regulates how healthcare entities can spend revenues they earn through drug discount programs. But is this proposition really meant to help patients, or are there deeper motivations underneath the surface?

Proposition 6 seeks to change the language in the California constitution to remove the ability of the state to use involuntary servitude as a form of punishment for crime. Supporters of the proposition argue that this amounts to modern-day slavery and is both inhumane and reprehensible. Does the state constitution allow slavery? Or is there more to understand?

In California, the Managed Care Organization Provider Tax is paid by healthcare providers to fund the state’s healthcare program. Proposition 35 would make this tax permanent, and restrict the ways the government can use the funds. What does all of this mean for you, and how should you think about it at the ballot box?

Proposition 3 seeks to redefine marriage in the California constitution. What changes would it make and what implications would those changes have in our state? Plus, should only Christian values be considered, or are there societal factors to consider as well?

Proposition 5 would amend the California Constitution to lower the requirements to pass local bonds. What effects would this have, and does it really matter?

Proposition 4 is labeled as “supporting safe drinking water, wildfire prevention, and protecting communities and natural lands from climate risks.”

Proposition 2 asks voters to approve additional funding for public school infrastructure. But with a state budget that already spends its highest percentage on education, will incurring more debt solve the identified problems?