Propositions get numbers from Secretary of State's office

The ballot measure that will decide whether California openly allows gay marriage will be known as Proposition 8.

That and the 10 other ballot measures state voters will see in November received their number designations from the California Secretary of State's office Friday, after the period to qualify or place a measure for the general election ballot ended Thursday.

In addition to gay marriage, voters will cast ballots on parent notification for minors to get abortions, treatment of caged chickens, two propositions dealing with renewable energy, three propositions on crime and safety, and creation of a redistricting commission.

The propositions are numbered 1 through 11, with a bond for high-speed rail the first on the list because it was placed on the ballot by the legislature.

A press release from the Secretary of State's office notes that the state legislature and governor's office have, in the past, placed measures on a ballot after the deadline, and could do so again for the November 4 ballot.

In recent weeks, legislators have discussed a statewide bond that would address problems with the prison's health care system.

As well, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed a ballot measure that would give voters the option to privatize the state lottery as a partial solution for the state's budget deficit.

The Secretary of State's office also solicited opinions for and against each proposition, with the most compelling arguments considered for inclusion in the state's official voter guide.