Election day is less than a month away, and the presidential race has greatly overshadowed the 17 propositions on the California ballot this year.

Come Nov. 8, the world’s focus will be between the two controversial figures running for president, with the propositions a bit of an afterthought.

This year, California has the longest list of propositions it’s had since 2000, and they cover important issues from the legalization of marijuana to the repeal of the death penalty. Seventeen propositions have gone under the radar because of the fireworks that have come from our presidential candidates.

Some people have even decided eschew voting all together, purely out of hatred for both candidates. Longing for better candidates is all well and good, but skipping your vote for president means skipping your vote for legal weed and plastic shopping bags.

The propositions haven’t made any mainstream headlines since the presidential debates began, leaving voters with biased television ads pushing for one side or the other.

While the presidential race caught up in the two most famous contestants. California has many important propositions up for vote not tied to the nominees.

Proposition 51, if passed, would allow the state to issue $9 billion in new bonds to fund improving and building K-12 public schools and California Community Colleges.

Proposition 64, if passed, would legalize and regulate the sale and private cultivation of recreational marijuana.

Proposition 66 and 62 are opposing. While 62, if passed, would repeal the death penalty and make life without parole the maximum sentence for murder, 66 is aimed at modifying the appeals system in an effort to hasten execution and reduce the financial strain of the process.

These are just the most prominent propositions, but all of them have the potential to greatly impact all California residents.

Unfortunately, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, the two infamous presidential candidates, are littering the media with their ruckus.

Scandals here and there from both candidates not only overshadow the propositions, but also the two independent candidates, Gary Johnson and Jill Stein.

This election has become a circus, and as entertaining as it is, it is actually quite sad how much the show distracts from the real issue that will define our country for the next four years.

The most recent debate with Trump and Clinton started off with the video of Trump and his “locker room” talk. Then it took a right turn, and the topic of former President Bill Clinton’s pass was brought up. Both topics that don’t deal with any real issues.

On the ballot, these propositions will be followed by a quick description, but the real information is on the bill. Sites like ballotpedia.

org provide largely unbiased and highly detailed summaries of the propositions and their goals, making research quick and easy.

Take advantage of your ability to change the state, even if you can’t stand the thought of changing the nation.