Welcome to Monitor Notes, a weekly roundup of news items, event announcements, and updates on past Bay Area Monitor articles.
The November 6 midterm elections are less than a week away and voters have their work cut out for them. In California, we choose a governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. Senator, and weigh 11 statewide propositions. Those measures include two on taxes, four on bonds, and five more covering issues like livestock and daylight savings time.
Unsure how you’ll vote? Then it’s time to fall back into voter guides, articles, and other resources to better understand all the election action on the federal, state, regional, and local levels.
To start, try the nonpartisan Voter’s Edge California, a joint project of MapLight and the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund (LWVCEF). Enter your zip code for your personalized ballot, as well as in-depth information about different candidates, including their top priorities, endorsements, and who funds their campaigns.
When it comes to the propositions, you have several options for getting up to speed. LWVCEF lists nonpartisan pros and cons and features nonpartisan videos about each state proposition. For more detailed information, consult the Secretary of State’s Official Voter Information Guide.
Also, check out these articles touching on some hot-button issues. Water Deeply taps Pacific Institute researchers for context about Proposition 3 and state water investments. They note that if passed, Proposition 3, in combination with June-approved Proposition 68, would make 2018 the second-highest funding year for water-related bonds in California’s history.
Curbed SF looks into Proposition 1 and whether to authorize a $4 billion bond for existing affordable housing programs for veterans and low-income residents. The publication also breaks down Proposition 10, which seeks to repeal an existing law restricting rent-control policies at a time when California continues to face soaring housing costs.
Speaking of costs, Proposition 6 seeks to eliminate the 12-cent gas tax hike enacted by Senate Bill 1 last year as part of a state plan to repair crumbling roads. Fill up on our coverage, which includes a look at several projects underway because of the gas tax infusion.
As you wind down the issues, read KQED’s piece on Proposition 7 and whether we should change our clocks. If you’re wondering, the article noted a clock switch doesn’t provide energy savings or any real benefit to farmers. That brings us to Proposition 12, which would require more space on farms for pigs, veal calves, and egg-laying hens.
Still have last-minute questions? Scan the LWV Bay Area directory and contact your local League. Or head to Marin City on Friday, November 2 for LWV Marin County’s final education event before the election. You also can decompress election stress with LWV Alameda at its “First Friday” social from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Sushi House.
For those of you that already voted, why not encourage others to do so? LWV Palo Alto is holding a “Get Out The Vote” event this Saturday, November 3 and is looking for volunteers to distribute door hangers to remind people to head to the ballot box.
Monitor Notes is produced by Cecily O’Connor. To receive it by email, scroll to the bottom of this page, enter your email address in the box under “RECEIVE EMAIL UPDATES,” and click the red “SIGN UP” button.