A new Field Poll finds that 63 percent of California residents support a ballot initiative that would raise cigarette taxes by $2.50 a pack, KPBS reported Aug. 7.

California's Proposition 86, scheduled to appear on the November ballot, would raise money for healthcare through higher cigarette taxes. The poll reflected the views of likely voters.

Field Poll director Mark DiCamillo said that the support for the measure is bipartisan and reflects a couple of factors:  "One is, it really wouldn't affect most voters, that is it only affects smokers. But I think more importantly, the purposes where the money is being devoted to, if this were to pass, I think are very popular, not only with Democrats but with Republicans."

Tobacco company R.J. Reynolds plans to spend $40 million to defeat the tax; supporters like the American Lung Association says that the measure would help prevent youth smoking.