California’s Crime-Fighting Prop. 36 Takes Early Lead After Polls Close

California’s Proposition 36, a grassroots crime-fighting initiative, held a strong lead as early results came in on Nov. 5. The measure to increase sentencing for some drug and theft crimes garnered nearly 71 percent of votes as 23 percent of the state’s precincts reported returns just after polls closed, mostly in rural counties in central California, according to unofficial preliminary results from the Secretary of State’s office. A yes vote on Prop. 36 would mean people convicted of certain drug or theft crimes could receive stronger punishment, such as longer prison sentences. The bipartisan initiative creates tougher penalties for serial retail theft and smash-and-grab burglaries....