Kamala Harris recently chose not to disclose her stance on California’s Proposition 36, a tough-on-crime measure on the state ballot, sparking interest as she campaigned in Michigan ahead of Election Day.

This decision comes as crime and public safety remain top issues in the 2024 election, with both parties scrutinizing policies affecting law enforcement and criminal sentencing.

During a conversation with reporters, Harris was asked about her vote on Prop 36, which proposes strengthened penalties for certain drug and theft offenses. “So I have my ballot; it’s on its way to California, and I’m going to trust the system that it will arrive there,” Harris responded. “I am not going to talk about the vote on that, because, honestly, it’s the Sunday before the election, and I don’t intend to create an endorsement one way or another around it.”

🚨 Kamala was just asked how she voted on California’s Proposition 36, which would increase criminal penalties for shoplifters and drug traffickers:

“I am not gonna talk about the vote on that because, honestly, it’s the Sunday before the election.”pic.twitter.com/3wlkWkM0Ax

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) November 3, 2024

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Proposition 36 is a significant measure, aimed at tightening sentencing rules for repeat offenders.

The measure has drawn strong support from a majority of Californians who see it as a way to address rising crime rates by setting tougher penalties.

However, the proposition faces opposition from progressive Democrats who argue that more stringent penalties don’t solve underlying social issues contributing to criminal behavior and may disproportionately affect certain communities.

Harris’s decision not to share her stance on Prop 36 highlights her campaign strategy this cycle, where she has been careful to navigate issues that may alienate either moderate or progressive voters.

Known for holding some of the Senate’s more liberal stances before becoming vice president, Harris has adopted a noticeably centrist approach in the 2024 election.

Her silence on Proposition 36 is seen by some as part of her broader effort to present herself as a unifying candidate, especially on divisive issues like criminal justice.

Kamala’s stance on crime has been closely watched, particularly as Republicans have ramped up their criticism of the Biden-Harris administration’s policies. GOP candidates are consistently raising concerns about crime, seeking to paint the current administration as lenient on criminal activity and pointing to the administration’s border policies as a factor in recent crime trends.

For Republicans, Prop 36 represents an opportunity to emphasize their “law and order” stance, underscoring their commitment to tough measures on crime.

Harris spent the weekend campaigning in Michigan, another critical state in this election cycle, with plans to visit Black-owned businesses and speak at a rally at Michigan State University in Lansing. Michigan, a key battleground, has a history of swinging between parties, and its outcome could prove crucial to deciding the next administration.

As Harris focused on her campaign appearances, she continued to avoid taking a definitive stance on policies like Prop 36, which would likely polarize her voter base.

As she attempts to balance between the progressive and centrist factions of her party, Harris’s reticence on Proposition 36 and similar issues reflects the challenges the campaign faces in appealing to a wide spectrum of voters.

Republican candidates, meanwhile, have used the issue of crime as a focal point, arguing that only a tough stance on law enforcement will restore order and safety.

They have called out the Kamala’s reluctance to discuss specifics on her criminal justice policies, asserting that it leaves questions about her commitment to handling crime effectively.