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Measure R: What We Know So Far
L.A. County official sample ballot
RESULTS: EARLY RETURNS
(Last updated 5:59 a.m. Wednesday)
Keep in mind that even after all precincts have been counted, there will still be ballots to count. In some cases, it could be weeks before the official outcome is clear.
| Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | 705,369 | 71.17% |
| No | 285,685 | 28.83% |
Measure R is a civilian-driven ballot initiative that would two do things.
- Expand the power of the Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission. If approved by L.A. County voters, the commission would have subpoena powers.
- Require the Civilian Oversight Commission to build a comprehensive plan to find alternatives to incareration, especially for inmates who are mentally ill.
BACKGROUND
The push for Measure R comes amid ongoing tension between Sheriff Alex Villanueva and county supervisors over Villanueva's attempts to rehire fired deputies and terminate internal misconduct investigations.
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Sheriff Villanueva went on KPCC's show, AirTalk, recently to denounce Measure R. He called it "in essence a taxpayer-funded shaming effort."
Measure R is backed by a coalition called Reform L.A. Jails, which includes Black Lives Matter and the ACLU of Southern California.
WHAT'S AT STAKE?
If Measure R passes, it would give the Civilian Oversight Commission the power to issue subpoenas to the Sheriff's Department, rather than having to go through the inspector general.
It would also require the Commission to develop a jail reduction plan.
The Board of Supervisors is already crafting its own plan, with input from experts and advocates, for diverting more inmates with mental illness to non-jail alternatives. A report from the Board's Alternatives to Incarceration working group is due later this month.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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