Legalize-marijuana measure loses in California



SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Californians have decided not to legalize pot. The ballot issue could have made California the first state to legalize marijuana for recreational use. But it went down to defeat, amid warnings that it could bring legal chaos.



If it had been approved, adults could possess up to an ounce of pot and consume it in non-public places. Supporters said it could provide revenue to the state, and reduce drug-related violence in Mexico. As much of the nation saw conservative advances, voters in Massachusetts rejected a chance to cut their taxes.



They defeated a proposal to lower the state sales tax from 6.25 percent to 3 percent. Voters in Colorado defeated an anti-abortion "personhood" amendment. It would have given unborn fetuses human rights in the state constitution. Arizona voters approved a measure banning state and local affirmative action programs based on race, ethnicity or sex.



In Washington State, voters repealed taxes on candy, soda and bottled water. Voters in Illinois approved an amendment allowing future governors to be recalled by popular vote. And in the littlest state, voters chose to keep the longest formal name - opting to stay as Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, instead of just Rhode Island.