A vape pen

VOTER GUIDE

YES ON PROP 31

Upholding Ban on Certain Flavored Tobacco Products

This measure would affirm that Californians want to ban flavored tobacco products from being sold here. Big Tobacco is on its deathbed in California, and without creating new generations of addicts, they lose out. This is a cynical attempt by the industry responsible for marketing tobacco to kids and for the vaping crisis to keep their profit margins afloat. Let’s prove that California voters are smarter than the tobacco industry and vote yes to uphold the ban.

The Context

Teen vaping exploded in recent years as JUULs became the go-to tobacco product: more than 20 percent of high school students reported vaping in 2018—almost twice the 2017 rate, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That translates to three million high school students using e-cigarettes in 2018—more than double the number who reported using traditional cigarettes. Enticing flavors that JUUL and other tobacco products companies make are significantly linked to teen usage.

The Money

The Committee to Protect California Kids PAC has raised millions toward passing Prop 31. The California Coalition for Fairness PAC has raised tens of millions to oppose it.

Support & Opposition

This measure is a veto referendum, a type of citizen-initiated ballot measure that asks voters whether to uphold or repeal a law passed by the state legislature. It’s opposed by tobacco companies including ITG Brands, LLC, Philip Morris USA, Inc., R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, and Swedish Match North America, LLC.

It is supported by Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Teachers Association. The PAC the Committee to Protect California Kids was registered to support a "Yes" vote on the veto referendum. The California Coalition for Fairness PAC was registered to support a "No" vote on the veto referendum.

Paid for by TogetherSF Action. Not authorized by any candidate or a committee controlled by a candidate. Financial disclosures are available at sfethics.org.

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