Propositions explained: Do you know what you’re voting for?

Voting can be intimidating when it comes to making a decision that ultimately decides the future for the country and community you live in. Voting ballots use complicated terminology that in most cases many people don’t understand. There are a few things that everyone who votes in elections should know before voting in November.

PROPOSITIONS – STATE

Propositions are laws, amendments or initiatives that can differ through each state as they are proposed by citizens or legislatures to be voted on later by the public. There are many ways to research each proposition. You can pick up a voters guide at your local election office with arguments for and against each proposition to help understand your vote as well as staff to help answer any questions.

Propositions on this upcoming ballot

PROP 2: Authorizes bonds for public school community college facilities. Legislative Statute.

Many public schools and community colleges throughout California are outdated and need repairs or upgrades to meet basic health and safety standards. These upgrades will prepare students for college and 21st Century careers to retain and attract quality teachers. Prop. 2 offers to meet those needs and is guided by strict taxpayer accountability protections so funds are spent as promised with local control.

PROP 6: Eliminates Constitutional Provision Allowing Involuntary Servitude for Incarcerated Persons. Legislative Constitutional Amendment.

Prop 6 eliminates all forms of slavery and involuntary servitude within California, ensuring no person is subjected to such conditions regardless of their
confinement circumstances.

MEASURES – COUNTY/LOCAL

Measures on your ballot are what you decide to vote for in your county and city. A measure is put on the ballot or a district. An example of this would be a school district. Measures can potentially change your tax rates in some of your cities or districts or even change previous policies that have been put in place. An example is Measure F in Eureka, CA. City measures will only ever appear on general election ballots. Those are the ones that come around in November which could be a midterm election or presidential election.

“I think people maybe forget that they interact with day to day. You know the President doesn’t decide how much you pay for water, your community service district does that. And if you skip out on that race then your skipping out on a decision for who is going to provide your basic services or who is going to decide what your children get taught and their school if you don’t vote in a school board race,” said Genevieve Serna a candidate running for Arcata City Council.

If you have more questions regarding the upcoming election ballot you can visit the Humboldt County Elections Office at 2426 6th St, Eureka, CA 95501.

Information from Genevieve Serna Arcata City Council Candidate and https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/