CALIFORNIA — November 4, 2026. Three statewide ballot propositions on the November 3 ballot create a complicated tax-policy question. Proposition 40 proposes a one-time tax on the net worth of certain billionaires. Propositions 41 and 42 would change related tax and spending rules, and their texts include provisions intended to limit conflicting measures. The results must be considered together, but none of the figures below is certified.

November 3, 11:33 p.m. snapshot

According to state-data-based election-night reporting, Proposition 40 stood at 43.6% yes (2,965,667) and 56.4% no (3,835,076). Proposition 41 was at 47.6% yes (3,179,864) and 52.4% no (3,504,055). Proposition 42 stood at 54.5% yes (3,680,511) and 45.5% no (3,067,845). Those numbers are statewide, not San Bernardino County-only totals.

What each proposal would do

Proposition 40 would establish a one-time wealth tax on some billionaires to finance specified programs. Proposition 41 addresses audits and how certain tax revenues interact with the state spending limit. Proposition 42 would restrict certain taxes on personal property and retroactive taxation. Proponents and opponents disagree over the economic effects and legality of the proposals; California58 does not endorse a choice.

Why the raw yes-vote count matters

Article II, Section 10(b) of the California Constitution addresses conflicting measures passed at the same election: where provisions conflict, those with more affirmative votes prevail. That principle does not mean that a measure with fewer than a majority of votes automatically passes, and determining whether any particular provisions conflict may require legal interpretation. Read California Constitution Article II.

What readers should watch next

County vote totals will continue changing as remaining ballots are verified. The Secretary of State is expected to certify the statewide election on December 11, 2026. Consult the official proposition results and CalMatters’ neutral explanation of the measures. This article analyzes the interaction among three ballot questions, rather than declaring a winner in a still-unofficial count.

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