For years, low-wage workers organized around a $15 minimum wage, but by the time California got there in 2022, it already didn't seem enough.

The cost of living had skyrocketed.

Startup investor and anti-poverty advocate Joe Sandberg wanted a gradual increase to $18 in 2025, but his measure missed a deadline two years ago, so it's before voters now.

A lot has changed since then.

If it passes, it would have a smaller impact than envisioned.

In the past two years, many businesses have raised wages on their own.

Inflation pushed the minimum wage up to $16 this year, and workers in health care and fast food have won their own minimum wages beyond $18.

Sandberg, unions, and other advocates say Prop 32 will still help 2 million workers get a raise and afford the basics.

According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, the average single Californian with no children needs to make more than $27 an hour to afford basic needs.

Business groups, restaurant owners, and grocers are opposed.

They say employers who can't stay afloat will have to cut workers' hours or raise prices.

They point to surveys in West Hollywood where the minimum wage is $19.08 as an example.

Now that's only one city.

In a recent statewide study, economists have found less evidence that wage hikes cause job losses.

Vote yes on Prop 32 if you want to raise the minimum wage to $18 next year.

Vote no if you want to keep things the way they are.