Direct Democracy and Correctional Policy: Explaining California Voter Choices on Ballot Measures

• In Event: Public Attitudes toward Inmates and Criminal Justice Policies

Abstract

This work extends the sentencing and correctional policy literatures by taking a first look at direct citizen decision-making on criminal justice policy. Drawing on the results of the American National Elections Studies’ voter survey, we examine citizen preferences for three California ballot measures: the repeal of the death penalty, modification of the Three Strikes law, and increased penalties for sex trafficking. While modification of the Three Strikes law and increased penalties for sex trafficking passed, the repeal of the death penalty failed. This research examines the determinants of citizen voting outcomes and tests theoretical predictions about the sources of punitiveness.

Authors

• Kathryn Schwaeble, North Carolina State University

• Jody Sundt, IUPUI