So, you believe that since you've decided on your presidential candidate, you are ready for the November ballot. Sorry! There's much more work to be done. As of June 17th, 11 propositions have qualified for the November 4th general election and, if passed, most of them could change your life

So far, the ballot propositions hit several hot-button issues such as same-sex marriage, teen abortions, cruelty to animals, renewable energy, and drug offenders. Then there's a tough-on-crime measure, an extension of crime victims rights, and bonds to support high-speed trains, children's hospitals, and the purchase of high fuel economy/alternative fuel vehicles. The last to qualify at this point would remove the Legislature from redistricting the legislative districts.

This year, the partisanship generated by the presidential election is expected to influence the fate of the propositions. Since there's much to read in those 11 propositions and for voters who adhere to party doctrine, it probably would be easier to just vote with your party. Of course, if everyone voted according to his/her party's preferences, the Democrats would win hands down since they have a growing 11% advantage over Republicans, according to the last California Voter Registration report released by Secretary of State Debra Bowen. The wild card is the increasing number of "Declined to State" registered voters, commonly known as independents. They amount to almost 20 percent of all registered voters and can shift the partisan balance in any contest.