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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% |
Sponsored message
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.
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.
Sponsored message
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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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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