Voter support for a ballot measure to repeal California’s death penalty has increased dramatically now just 3 percentage points behind those in favor of capital punishment, a new USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll has found. [LATimes]
The survey, conducted last week, showed that the gap between supporters and opponents of Proposition 34, the capital punishment measure has shrunk. Forty-two percent said they would vote for Proposition 34, with 45 percent saying no, the LA Times said
If passed, Proposition 34 will apply retroactively to the 727 inmates on death row, require convicted murderers to work in prison and contribute to victim restitution funds, and direct $100 million to law enforcement over four years. It could save the state up to $130 million a year, according to California’s nonpartisan legislative analyst.
Opponents, primarily law enforcement and victims’ groups, contend that any savings could be consumed by the cost of healthcare for lifetime inmates.
