How many propositions are on California's November 2026 ballot?

Fourteen statewide measures qualified for the November 3, 2026 ballot. The June 25, 2026 withdrawal deadline removed several of the most contested fights, including the competing Uber and Consumer Attorneys of California measures and the SEIU-UHW / California Hospital Association retaliatory measures. The proposed 5% one-time billionaire tax did not qualify.

What is Proposition 1 in 2026?

The Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026 (SB 417): an $11.25 billion bond funding housing for low-income families, people experiencing homelessness, at-risk youth, and veterans, including down-payment assistance. A version of the measure was pulled from the 2024 ballot before the election.

What does Proposition 3 do?

It is an initiative constitutional amendment making the 2012 voter-approved high-income tax rates permanent instead of letting them expire in 2031. The rates apply to income above roughly $360,000 for single filers and $721,000 for joint filers, with 89% of revenue allocated to K-12 schools and the balance to healthcare.

Can I bet on California propositions on Kalshi or Polymarket?

Not directly as of early August 2026. Neither venue runs a deep, continuously quoted contract on Proposition 1, 2, or 3. If a proposition contract is listed, Kalshi is the likelier venue because it lists US-specific state political contracts that Polymarket's global book usually skips. Check the live market list before building a thesis.

What can Californians trade instead of proposition contracts?

Four liquid alternatives: House control on Polymarket and Kalshi, the six competitive California House races on Kalshi (CA-22, CA-27, CA-41, CA-45, CA-47, CA-11), the California governor 2026 contract on Kalshi as a statewide turnout proxy, and Senate control on Polymarket for the national midterm view.

Is it legal for California residents to trade election contracts?

Yes. Kalshi and Polymarket list election contracts as federally regulated event contracts under the Commodity Exchange Act, which preempts state-level election-betting restrictions. California residents 21 and older can hold positions in listed political contracts.

What dates move California's November contracts?

Mid-August 2026 (Secretary of State certifies final ballot order and titles), late September (official voter guides mail and bond-measure polling firms up), early October (vote-by-mail ballots go to every registered voter), and November 3 election day. With California's slow count often leaving down-ballot contracts unresolved for days.

How are gains on election contracts taxed in California?

Kalshi issues 1099-B forms that report to the IRS and the Franchise Tax Board. Polymarket does not issue 1099 forms, so California residents self-report those gains. Both are subject to California state income tax. See our California prediction-market tax guide for the full picture.

Why are there no direct proposition markets on Kalshi?

Kalshi is a CFTC-regulated exchange, and federal regulators have historically scrutinized or restricted contracts related to specific election outcomes. While some event contracts are permitted, others may be restricted to ensure compliance with federal law. California residents often use Polymarket to find higher volume and more diverse listings for specific state-level ballot measures and legislative outcomes.

What is the cost of one contract for a California ballot measure?

Prediction market contracts trade between $0.01 and $0.99. The price represents the market's estimated probability of the proposition passing. For example, if a contract for a tax measure is trading at $0.60, the market estimates a 60% chance of approval. If the measure passes, the contract pays out $1.00; if it fails, the contract expires at $0.00.

Politics·8 min read·LOS ANGELES

California's November 2026 Ballot: All 14 Propositions and What Prediction Markets Actually Price

By Catie Di StefanoPublished August 18, 2026Updated September 18, 2026

Fourteen measures qualified for California's November 3, 2026 ballot: an $11.25B housing bond, a rainy-day amendment, and a permanent high-income tax. Here's what's on the ballot, what you can trade from California, and where the market gaps are.

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California's November 2026 Ballot: All 14 Propositions and What Prediction Markets Actually Price

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Frequently asked questions

How many propositions are on California's November 2026 ballot?: Fourteen statewide measures qualified for the November 3, 2026 ballot. The June 25, 2026 withdrawal deadline removed several of the most contested fights, including the competing Uber and Consumer Attorneys of California measures and the SEIU-UHW / California Hospital Association retaliatory measures. The proposed 5% one-time billionaire tax did not qualify.
What is Proposition 1 in 2026?: The Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026 (SB 417): an $11.25 billion bond funding housing for low-income families, people experiencing homelessness, at-risk youth, and veterans, including down-payment assistance. A version of the measure was pulled from the 2024 ballot before the election.
What does Proposition 3 do?: It is an initiative constitutional amendment making the 2012 voter-approved high-income tax rates permanent instead of letting them expire in 2031. The rates apply to income above roughly $360,000 for single filers and $721,000 for joint filers, with 89% of revenue allocated to K-12 schools and the balance to healthcare.
Can I bet on California propositions on Kalshi or Polymarket?: Not directly as of early August 2026. Neither venue runs a deep, continuously quoted contract on Proposition 1, 2, or 3. If a proposition contract is listed, Kalshi is the likelier venue because it lists US-specific state political contracts that Polymarket's global book usually skips. Check the live market list before building a thesis.
What can Californians trade instead of proposition contracts?: Four liquid alternatives: House control on Polymarket and Kalshi, the six competitive California House races on Kalshi (CA-22, CA-27, CA-41, CA-45, CA-47, CA-11), the California governor 2026 contract on Kalshi as a statewide turnout proxy, and Senate control on Polymarket for the national midterm view.
Is it legal for California residents to trade election contracts?: Yes. Kalshi and Polymarket list election contracts as federally regulated event contracts under the Commodity Exchange Act, which preempts state-level election-betting restrictions. California residents 21 and older can hold positions in listed political contracts.
What dates move California's November contracts?: Mid-August 2026 (Secretary of State certifies final ballot order and titles), late September (official voter guides mail and bond-measure polling firms up), early October (vote-by-mail ballots go to every registered voter), and November 3 election day. With California's slow count often leaving down-ballot contracts unresolved for days.
How are gains on election contracts taxed in California?: Kalshi issues 1099-B forms that report to the IRS and the Franchise Tax Board. Polymarket does not issue 1099 forms, so California residents self-report those gains. Both are subject to California state income tax. See our California prediction-market tax guide for the full picture.
Why are there no direct proposition markets on Kalshi?: Kalshi is a CFTC-regulated exchange, and federal regulators have historically scrutinized or restricted contracts related to specific election outcomes. While some event contracts are permitted, others may be restricted to ensure compliance with federal law. California residents often use Polymarket to find higher volume and more diverse listings for specific state-level ballot measures and legislative outcomes.
What is the cost of one contract for a California ballot measure?: Prediction market contracts trade between $0.01 and $0.99. The price represents the market's estimated probability of the proposition passing. For example, if a contract for a tax measure is trading at $0.60, the market estimates a 60% chance of approval. If the measure passes, the contract pays out $1.00; if it fails, the contract expires at $0.00.

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