With election season in the air, there are many of us who get to vote for the first time. In November we students get to finally have a say in who we think is best fit to run our country. In addition to this, we also get to vote on propositions that can impact our society just as much as our presidential vote. However, I for one can say that I have had little to no information relayed to me about these propositions. So I took it upon myself to get informed in order to make sure my vote really counts.

1. California Proposition 56 Tabacco Tax Increase

In California, there is a tax on tobacco products of $0.87. This proposition wants to raise taxes by $2.00 creating a total of $2.87 tax on tobacco products such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. This proposition is very significant and could make a huge impact in the college and/or student community. If you decide to vote YES on this proposition you are voting to increase tax and make it difficult for people of our age and older to purchase cigarettes. This can be a great thing for our community regarding health statistics considering that the Center For Disease Control reported that in 2014, 16.8% of adults 18 years or older smoke cigarettes. This means that, 16.8% of the adult population are predisposed to the numerous diseases and conditions associated with smoking. If we were to vote yes, there is a chance that adults will stop spending their money on tobacco products therefore, decreasing this percentage. However, Tabacco companies have been trying to promote the fact that if we raise this tax we will be taking money away from education. Supporters of this proposition believe the contrary and report that the increase of this tax could actually create more opportunities for anti-smoking campaigns to be brought to schools throughout the state. Whichever way you decide to vote, make sure to stay informed, and stay aware of the campaigns as you make your decision.

2. California Proposition 62 Repeal of The Death Penalty

The death penalty is a touchy subject for most people not to mention students. It is hard to determine in what situation should another person be put to death. If you decide to vote YES on this proposition you are supporting the repeal of the death penalty and making it no longer legal in the state of California. If you vote NO on this proposition you are voting to keep legislation regarding the death penalty the same. This is one proposition that requires a lot of thought and research in determining your opinion.

3. California Proposition 64 Marijuana Legalization

The legalization of Marijuana in California is a subject in which California residents have debated upon for years. Should it be legal? Should it not? Will it promote the usage of other drugs? Prop 64 will be allowing citizens over the age of 21 to recreationally use marijuana. Citizens must be on their own private property or places that have permitted the usage of marijuana. Although there are many negative connotations associated with the use of cannabis, politicians have said that this legalization could impact our state in a positive way. The profit made from the purchase of recreational marijuana will be used to fund drug treatment programs and drug research. This will help us better understand marijuana itself and how it can be used to help people in a medical sense.

These are three important propositions on this year's California ballot. It is important for us as young voters to stay informed and aware of what our state is proposing! Make sure you vote this november and make your vote count!