In essence, Prop 23 asks voters to choose between their immediate environmental situation and their immediate economic conditions.
The proposal is designed to delay implementation of California's 'global warming law' -- a law that limits greenhouse gas emissions from factories, power plants and cars -- until unemployment in the state is at 5.5 percent or lower for four consecutive quarters.
The original greenhouse law, passed in 2006, sought to cut the amount of air pollution to certain levels, or lower, by 2020.
An LA Times poll on Sept. 24 showed that 21 percent of voters were undecided on Prop 23, with 40 percent in favor of passage. By Oct. 21, voters had started to make up their minds, though.
A follow-up poll showed that 48 percent opposed passage of Prop 23 -- the picture becoming less cloudy.
The ads, like most during proposition races, have been highly charged. Most were targeted at "Texas Oil Companies" who were alleged to back Prop 23, ostensibly to continue production at the present, less expensive, levels.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger completely opposes passage, mentioning his opposition at any chance -- including after the San Francisco Giants won the World Series and at a women voters' forum in Los Angeles last month.
