SJPJC November Voting Guide!

Poster stating "San José Peace and Justice Center. California State-Wide Propositions 2020." There are two people holding up signs, one with the SJPJC logo, and the other stating, "Vote on November 3rd!" The image contains the name of Propositions 15 through 22 and the stance the Center is taking on them. The bottom shows the link https://registertovote.ca.gov.

As many know, it is voting season. If you are able to vote, please use your right to do so! If you are unable to vote, it is always important to stay informed of the county and city changes around you, and educating those that are unaware. Learn about the following propositions and our viewpoints on them:

YES on Proposition 15! Tax on Commercial & Industrial Properties for Education and Local Government Funding Initiative, also known as Schools & Communities First.
This proposition will increase funding for public schools, community colleges, and local governments by requiring that commercial and industrial property be taxed based on current market value rather than purchase price. The revenue of the taxes could net $6.5 to $11.5 billion – 60% for cities, counties and special districts, and 40% for schools and community colleges. This proposition will not affect residential property, agricultural land, and owners of commercial and industrial properties with a value of $3 million or less.

YES on Proposition 16! Repeal Proposition 209 Affirmative Action Amendment
Proposition 209 prohibits California from considering, “race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin” when contracting workers. With Proposition 16, Prop 209 will be repealed, permitting government decision-making policies to consider race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin to address diversity, upholding racial equity and social justice.

YES on Proposition 17! Voting Rights Restoration for Persons on Parole Amendment, also known as Free the Vote
Proposition 17 will amend the state constitution to restore voting rights to those that have been previously disqualified from voting while on parole after they complete their sentence. Prop 17 would allow parolees to run for office if they’re registered to vote and haven’t been convicted of perjury or bribery. This will allow people on parole to be more engaged in democracy, and give a voice to those who have firsthand experience with the criminal punishment system.

YES on Proposition 18! Primary Voting for 17-Year-Olds Amendment
This proposition will allow 17 year-olds who will be 18 by the time of the general election to vote in the primary and special elections. This will encourage voter engagement at an earlier age. Currently, California permits those that are at least 18 years old on the date of an election to vote in that same election.

Proposition 19 – No Recommendation. Property Tax Transfers, Exemptions, and Revenue for Wildfire Agencies and Counties Amendment
Proposition 19 will permit homeowners who are 55, severely disabled, or whose homes were destroyed by wildfire or disaster to transfer their property tax base value to a replacement residence of any value, anywhere in the state. Inherited properties will maintain their low property tax so long as the heir lives at the property and is not renting it out.

NO on Proposition 20! Criminal Sentencing, Parole, and DNA Collection Initiative
This proposition would provide prosecutors the flexibility to increase criminal penalties for “theft-related crimes” from misdemeanors to felonies, and would change how people that have been released from prison are supervised. Additionally, it would limit access to parole programs established for non-violent offenders who have completed the full term of their offense and would require law enforcement to collect DNA samples of persons convicted of specified misdemeanors to submit to a state database. This will reverse efforts to reduce overcrowded prisons and put more people in prison for longer terms, taking funds away from necessary services and programs.  

YES on Proposition 21! Local Rent Control Initiative
Proposition 21 will amend the state law to allow local governments to establish rent control on residential properties over 15 years old, allowing local limits on annual rent increases to differ from the statewide limit. Individuals owning up to 2 properties would be exempt from the new rent control caps.

NO on Proposition 22! App-Based Drivers as Contractors and Labor Policies Initiative
Proposition 22 classifies drivers for app-based transportation such as Uber, Lyft, and delivery companies as “independent contractors” instead of employees. Independent contractors are not covered by state employment laws like minimum wage, overtime, insurance, and workers’ compensation.

If you would like to learn more about why we lean this way on certain propositions, feel free to drop into our office hours and get to know us!

Check out this voter guide by CalMatters to learn more about each Proposition.

See what your ballot will look like here!

Click here to register to vote or check your registration status!

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