MANY ISSUES BACK ON STATE BALLOT AGAIN

When Californians cast their votes on a dozen statewide measures on
Nov. 4, they will see several issues that have been on the ballot before.

Backers of Proposition 4 are making a third try to require that a
minor's parents or guardian be informed before she could have an
abortion. The first two measures, in 2005 and 2006, were defeated.

Prop. 8, a constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage,
is a new version of Prop. 22, approved in 2000 and overturned by the
state Supreme Court in May.

The latest redistricting proposal, Prop. 11, is the seventh
reapportionment overhaul measure to make the ballot since 1982. None
has passed.

And Prop. 12, a $900 million bond issue to help military veterans buy
homes and farms, is the most familiar measure of all. Versions of it
have been on the ballot 26 times since 1921, and every one has passed.

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A LOOK AT THE MEASURES

Proposition 5

Sentencing for Nonviolent Drug Offenses

What it does: Provides $640 million a year for drug treatment
programs, limits judges' ability to jail some drug offenders,
shortens parole for some offenses.

Thumbs up: More drug rehabilitation will keep young people out of prison.

Thumbs down: This is a get-out-of-jail-free card for drug offenders
and other criminals.

Supporters: California Democratic Party, California Labor Federation,
California Academy of Family Physicians, financier George Soros. Web
site: www.prop5yes.com. Reported contributions: $4.5 million.

Opponents: Mothers Against Drunk Driving, California District
Attorneys Association. Web site: www.noonproposition5.com. Reported
contributions: $20,000.