The numbering is weird, there aren’t actually 50 Propositions because you need a certain number of signatures to get something onto the ballots. Only like 10 Propositions actually make it onto the ballot each year.
Everyone is eligible to receive a mailer that contains the full wording of the proposition, a couple of pages summary with complete “for” and “against” arguments (and rebuttals), as well as a ~2 paragraph summary from a coalition of folks representing the “for” and “against” campaigns.
On top of that, outside groups like DSA provide “Voter guides” like the above, that you can independently research.
The ballot itself just has a title. You are not required to read anything to vote, but I’d wager most folks just read the official “for” and “against” blurbs and form an opinion.
ETA: You can see the official voter guides here, just scroll to the PDFs and choose your preferred language.
To be honest and blunt, the quick reference opposition arguments were quite weak, which is likely what carried this proposition over the line.
It’s also why I’m excited about the Steam Machine despite not actually owning or wanting one. It gives a consistent benchmark upon which game developers can be judged, and hopefully further encourages Linux support.
If reviewers start consistently referencing Steam Machine performance, it’ll give developers something to optimize for instead of just optimizing for the latest, fastest hardware.