Crime, or the perception that it is rising, is a political issue at the national, state and local levels this election season.

In California, voters will be asked to decide on Proposition 36, for instance, which will have the ballot title “Allows Felony Charges and Increases Sentences for Certain Drug and Theft Crimes.”

The proposed legislation would indeed increase punishment for some crimes, and would create a new treatment-focused judicial process for some drug possession crimes. It would also require courts to warn people convicted of selling illegal drugs that they can be charged with murder if someone dies.

Prop. 36, touted as an antidote to the decade-old Prop. 47, would go against the judicial-reform grain of recent years by turning some misdemeanors into felonies, lengthening sentences and making some criminals do time in state prisons rather than county jails.

How are you planning to vote on Prop. 36, and why?

That’s our Question of the Week for readers.

Do you think that crime is rising in California? If so, which kinds — property crime? Violent crime? Do you think criminals stay apprised of legislation such as 47 and 36, and commit their crimes differently because of potential sentencing guidelines?

Critics say that the passage of 36 would result in “The War on Drugs 2.0,” noting the failure of past prohibition efforts.

They say its passage would greatly drive up state prison costs through a return to mass incarceration while at the same time cutting funding for behavioral health treatment. They worry it would push even more Californians into homelessness.

Backers note that if you “follow the money,” you’ll see that the biggest donors to the campaign include Walmart ($2.5 million), Target ($1.5 million) and Home Depot ($1 million), and that these retailers are the ones whose stores get hit by shoplifting and more brazen crimes. Some Democrats such as San Francisco Mayor London Breed back it, citing “chronic retail theft.” Others say it smacks of failed 1980s agendas. Who’s right?

Email your thoughts to opinion@scng.com. Please include your full name and city or community of residence. Provide a daytime phone number (it will not be published).