DETROIT — On Sunday, Vice President Kamala Harris refrained from disclosing her vote regarding a significant ballot measure in California aimed at reversing recent criminal justice reforms. While campaigning in Michigan, she chose not to address the specifics of the initiative during her interaction with reporters, even as she confirmed that her mail-in ballot was en route to California just two days ahead of the Election Day.

“I won’t comment on how I voted for that,” Harris stated. “It’s the Sunday before the election, and I don’t plan to take a position on it at this time,” she added. Before becoming vice president in 2020, Harris held various roles including San Francisco district attorney, California attorney general, and U.S. senator.

The proposed measure seeks to classify repeat shoplifting offenses as felonies and to enhance penalties for certain drug offenses, particularly those related to fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid. Additionally, the initiative would empower judges to mandate treatment for individuals charged multiple times with drug-related offenses.

Supporters of the measure argue that it aims to address gaps in current legislation that hinder law enforcement’s efforts to effectively penalize shoplifters and drug traffickers. In contrast, critics, including leaders from the Democratic party and advocacy groups focused on social justice, contend that the proposal would unfairly target low-income individuals and those grappling with substance abuse, instead of focusing on the masterminds who orchestrate organized theft schemes for online resale.