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CP: 162500
BT: 329
CITY: SAN DIEG 2

Our Ballot Picks

San Diego County, California
Gubernatorial General Election
November 3, 2026
ERIC & JUSTINE
Instructions to voters: every race below is in the same order as the real ballot. Fill in the oval that is filled black and highlighted yellow (marked ◀ MARK THIS). Tap Done as you go. Tap More about … under any choice for background on it, and Why we chose this for our reasoning. Use a dark pen (not red ink or pencil).
Quick version
  • Party races: the Democrat in every one. Insurance Commissioner has two Democrats: pick Jane Kim.
  • Judges: YES on all 17.
  • Props YES: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 37, 38, 40 · Props NO: 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45.
  • County / school: YES on A, B and M.
  • Fill in both sides of both cards. Card A's back has the county and city races.
CARD A

Front

State offices, Congress, judges, superintendent
State · left column
Governor
Vote for One
  1. Xavier Becerra◀ MARK THIS
    DEM · Voting Rights Attorney
    Former CA Attorney General, 20+ years in Congress, and U.S. Health Secretary under Biden.
    More about Xavier Becerra ▾
    • Sued the first Trump administration more than 100 times as Attorney General, many over environmental rollbacks.
    • Would declare an emergency to freeze utility and insurance rates and crack down on price gouging.
    • Would fund 40,000 already-approved affordable homes that lack financing, and expand down-payment help.
    • Wants to tax corporations that pay so little their workers need public health care.
    • Supports extending the high-earner tax (Prop 3), but OPPOSES the billionaire tax (Prop 40).
    • Open to loosening the 2035 gas-car ban if energy costs climb.
    • Endorsed by Planned Parenthood, Equality California and the CA Faculty Association.
  2. Steve Hilton
    REP · Small Business Owner
    Former Fox News host (2017–2023) and adviser to UK Prime Minister David Cameron; endorsed by Donald Trump.
    More about Steve Hilton ▾
    • Would roll back climate rules, end clean-energy purchase requirements and expand natural-gas production.
    • Would suspend environmental rules to lower gas prices and halve the gas tax.
    • Would end state income tax on the first $150K of earnings with a flat rate above that, a big cut for high earners.
    • Would limit CEQA environmental lawsuits and labor/environmental suits against businesses.
    • Would overturn California's sanctuary law, reopen closed prisons and loosen gun restrictions.
    • Supports school vouchers; also opposes Prop 40.
Why we chose this ▾
  • Hilton's platform is close to the opposite of ours: fewer environmental rules, more fossil fuels, and tax cuts that favor high earners.
  • Becerra has a long record of using state power against polluters and federal environmental rollbacks.
  • His plans to freeze insurance and utility rates and fund affordable housing help regular families, not corporations.
  • He isn't perfect for us: he opposes the billionaire tax and is softer on the gas-car ban. On balance he's still far closer to our values.
Lieutenant Governor
Vote for One
  1. Fiona Ma◀ MARK THIS
    DEM · State Treasurer/CPA
    State Treasurer since 2019; earlier on the Board of Equalization, SF Board of Supervisors and 4 terms in the Assembly.
    More about Fiona Ma ▾
    • As Treasurer she manages the state's money and bond sales.
    • Official supporter of Prop 37, the middle-income homebuyer loan program.
    • Endorsed by the CA Labor Federation, the Building Trades and AFSCME.
  2. Gloria Romero
    REP · Educator/Businesswoman
    Former Democratic state senator (nearly 12 years; Senate majority leader 2005–08) who became a Republican in 2024.
    More about Gloria Romero ▾
    • Breaks with Democrats on school choice, COVID-era policy and gender identity.
    • Steve Hilton's ally; he asked her to be "on the ticket" with him.
    • Endorsed by the CA Republican Party and Reform California.
Why we chose this ▾
  • The Lieutenant Governor fills in for the Governor and sits on the UC and CSU boards and the State Lands Commission, which manages coastline and public lands.
  • Ma has pushed homeownership programs (Prop 37), which matches our first-time-homebuyer priority.
  • Romero is running as Hilton's partner, and his platform works against our environmental goals.
Secretary of State
Vote for One
  1. Shirley N. Weber◀ MARK THIS
    DEM · California Secretary of State
    The incumbent, from San Diego; appointed in 2021 as California's first Black Secretary of State, then elected in 2022.
    More about Shirley N. Weber ▾
    • Oversaw the permanent move to vote-by-mail for every voter.
    • Ran the 2021 recall election against Gov. Newsom.
    • Has taken local governments to court to enforce voting-rights laws.
    • Pledges to expand access, make election filings more transparent and strengthen cybersecurity.
  2. Donald P. (Don) Wagner
    REP · Orange County Supervisor
    Orange County supervisor, former Irvine mayor and former assemblymember; runs on "election integrity."
    More about Donald P. (Don) Wagner ▾
    • Supports voter ID at the polls (see Prop 39).
    • Pushed to give sensitive voter information to the Trump Justice Department over claims of voting irregularities.
    • Criticizes California's slow ballot counting.
Why we chose this ▾
  • This office runs our elections, and the choice is about voting access versus voter-ID restrictions.
  • Weber expanded mail voting and has a clean record running elections.
  • Wagner's push to hand voter data to the federal government is a privacy and voter-suppression red flag.
Controller
Vote for One
  1. Herb W Morgan
    REP · Chief Investment Officer
    Founded a San Diego investment firm later bought by Cantor Fitzgerald; has never held public office.
    More about Herb W Morgan ▾
    • Runs on exposing "fraud" in state government, echoing Trump administration accusations against California.
    • Endorsed by the CA Republican Party and the CA Republican Assembly.
  2. Malia M. Cohen◀ MARK THIS
    DEM · State Controller/Mother
    California's Controller since 2023 (the state's chief fiscal officer: pays the bills and audits spending).
    More about Malia M. Cohen ▾
    • Urged the Governor and Legislature to spend cautiously during recent budget talks.
    • Running on "transparency, efficiency and fairness" in the state's finances.
    • Endorsed by the CA Democratic Party, the CA Labor Federation and Equality California.
ⓘ Our pick is listed SECOND.
Why we chose this ▾
  • The Controller is the state's watchdog on spending: audits, paychecks and tracking where tax dollars go.
  • Cohen has done the job since 2023 (no controversies in the coverage we checked) and has urged caution with the budget.
  • Morgan, an investment executive with no public experience, mainly echoes federal "fraud" attacks on California, and that framing tends to be used to justify cutting public programs.
  • Labor backs Cohen, consistent with our pro-worker values.
Treasurer
Vote for One
  1. Eleni Kounalakis◀ MARK THIS
    DEM · Lieutenant Governor of California
    Two-term Lieutenant Governor and former U.S. Ambassador to Hungary.
    More about Eleni Kounalakis ▾
    • On the UC and CSU boards she has regularly voted AGAINST tuition increases.
    • Endorsed by the CA Labor Federation, the Teamsters and the National Union of Healthcare Workers.
    • Daughter of a Sacramento developer; built her political profile as a major Democratic fundraiser.
  2. Jennifer Hawks
    REP · Retired Business Executive
    Retired Silicon Valley executive and local Republican activist; no elected experience.
    More about Jennifer Hawks ▾
    • Says her business career gives her the independence to be a check on state government.
    • Endorsed by the CA Republican Party and Reform California.
Why we chose this ▾
  • The Treasurer manages the state's investments and sells bonds, including the housing and school bonds on this ballot.
  • Kounalakis has statewide experience and a record of protecting students from tuition hikes.
  • Labor unions back her; Hawks has no public-office experience.
Attorney General
Vote for One
  1. Michael E. Gates
    REP · Deputy United States Attorney
    Huntington Beach city attorney for a decade; briefly in the Trump Justice Department's Civil Rights Division in 2025.
    More about Michael E. Gates ▾
    • Fought state laws requiring Huntington Beach to build more affordable housing.
    • Challenged state criminal-justice policies as too lenient.
    • Endorsed by the CA Republican Party and the CA Rifle & Pistol Association.
  2. Rob Bonta◀ MARK THIS
    DEM · California Attorney General
    Attorney General since 2021; previously an East Bay assemblymember.
    More about Rob Bonta ▾
    • Has filed or joined 50+ lawsuits against the current federal administration.
    • Enforced housing laws against cities that refused to build their share of new homes.
    • Endorsed by CA Environmental Voters, the CA Teachers Association and the CA Democratic Party.
ⓘ Our pick is listed SECOND.
Why we chose this ▾
  • The AG is California's top lawyer: the office that sues polluters and corporations and defends state environmental laws against federal rollbacks.
  • Bonta has used that power aggressively and forces cities to allow housing, which helps buyers like us.
  • Gates fought AGAINST affordable housing in Huntington Beach, which is the opposite of our homebuyer priority.
  • Environmental groups back Bonta; the gun lobby backs Gates.
Insurance Commissioner CLOSE CALL
Vote for One
  1. Ben Allen
    DEM · California State Senator
    State senator from the Santa Monica area with a strong environmental record.
    More about Ben Allen ▾
    • Endorsed by the CA Democratic Party, the Sierra Club, CA Environmental Voters and the firefighters.
    • Authored SB 1209, letting the commissioner order insurers to fix problems found in investigations.
    • Wants to fix the existing private market from inside; calls a public insurer unrealistic.
    • A PAC funded by a crypto billionaire raised about $2M for him.
    • Endorsed by the SF Chronicle and OC Register editorial boards.
  2. Jane Kim◀ MARK THIS
    DEM · Attorney/Consumer Advocate
    Former San Francisco supervisor and civil-rights attorney.
    More about Jane Kim ▾
    • Proposes a state-run, NONPROFIT disaster insurer covering every existing home.
    • Premiums would be partly based on risk and partly on property value; excess money stays with homeowners, not shareholders.
    • Endorsed by Bernie Sanders, Dolores Huerta, SEIU California, the Working Families Party and Ro Khanna.
    • Outside spending AGAINST her has outweighed spending for her.
Why we chose this ▾
  • Both are Democrats. This is the first time that's happened in this race since it became elected in 1988.
  • Home insurers are dropping Californians over wildfire risk, and the commissioner decides how hard to push them.
  • Kim would take profit out of disaster insurance entirely, the most direct match to our view that corporations shouldn't profit off of us.
  • Her backers (Sanders, SEIU, Working Families) are the same coalition behind the billionaire tax and consumer protections.
  • Allen is a good second choice with a stronger environmental record and a more realistic plan. This was a judgment call.
State & federal · middle column
State Board of Equalization, 4th District
Vote for One
  1. Tom Umberg◀ MARK THIS
    DEM · Small Businessman/Senator
    State senator from Orange County (termed out); attorney and former federal prosecutor.
    More about Tom Umberg ▾
    • Running as an independent watchdog on fraud, waste and abuse at the board.
    • Endorsed by the CA Democratic Party.
  2. Denis Bilodeau
    REP · Councilmember/Civil Engineer
    Orange city councilmember and president of the Orange Taxpayers Association.
    More about Denis Bilodeau ▾
    • Endorsed by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association (the anti-tax group behind Props 39 and 43).
    • Finished first in the primary (about 45%).
Why we chose this ▾
  • The BOE oversees property-tax assessment rules and some state taxes, including taxes on businesses and utilities.
  • Bilodeau leads a taxpayers association and is backed by Howard Jarvis, the group fighting to make every tax harder to pass.
  • Umberg is the pick who won't treat the board as a tool to shield businesses and the wealthy from paying their share.
U.S. Representative, 50th District
Vote for One
  1. Scott Peters◀ MARK THIS
    DEM · Member of Congress
    Our congressman since 2013; former San Diego City Council president and environmental lawyer.
    More about Scott Peters ▾
    • Focused on climate policy in Congress.
    • Won 64% in 2024.
    • A moderate Democrat who has sometimes broken with progressives.
  2. Steve Cohen
    REP · Television News Consultant
    Republican television news consultant (not the Tennessee congressman of the same name).
    More about Steve Cohen ▾
    • Little public record; would vote with House Republican leadership.
Why we chose this ▾
  • Control of the U.S. House decides whether federal environmental rollbacks and tax cuts for the rich get checked.
  • Peters is more moderate than we'd like, but he votes for climate action and to protect health care.
  • A Republican in this seat would vote for the national GOP agenda.
State Assembly, 78th District
Vote for One
  1. Chris Ward◀ MARK THIS
    DEM · Member of the State Assembly, 78th District
    Our assemblymember since 2020; previously on the San Diego City Council.
    More about Chris Ward ▾
    • Won about 68% in the June primary.
    • Endorsed by the United Farm Workers.
  2. Payton Galvez
    REP · Constituent Services Manager
    Constituent services manager running as a Republican.
    More about Payton Galvez ▾
    • Got about 28% in the primary.
Why we chose this ▾
  • The Assembly writes the laws on climate, housing and corporate taxes.
  • Ward is an experienced Democrat for our area who votes with the majority on climate and housing.
  • Farmworkers back him; that reflects his pro-worker record.
Judges · middle + right columns
All 17 judicial retention questions
Vote Yes or No
  1. YES◀ MARK THIS
    Keep the judge on the bench for a new term.
    What a YES vote means ▾
    • The Governor appointed them; voters confirm them at the next governor's election and then every 12 years.
    • A YES majority keeps them; it's how nearly every California justice is retained.
  2. NO
    Remove the judge; the Governor would appoint a replacement.
    What a NO vote means ▾
    • Normally reserved for serious misconduct or a major campaign against a justice.
    • The last time voters removed justices was 1986 (Rose Bird and two others).
Why we chose this ▾
  • These are yes/no votes with no opponents.
  • We found no misconduct case or organized campaign against any of these 17 justices.
  • Removing a judge would let the Governor appoint someone new, with no benefit to us here.
  • Mark YES on every one, in ballot order:
  1. Joshua Groban: Supreme Court
  2. Kelli M. Evans: Supreme Court
  3. Julia C. Kelety: Appeal, Div. One
  4. Jose S. Castillo: Appeal, Div. One
  5. Truc T. Do: Appeal, Div. One
  6. William S. Dato: Appeal, Div. One
  7. Eran M. Bermudez: Appeal, Div. One
  8. Lisa Rodriguez: Appeal, Div. One (top of right column)
  9. David M. Rubin: Appeal, Div. One
  10. Corey G. Lee: Appeal, Div. Two
  11. Michael J. Raphael: Appeal, Div. Two
  12. Joanne Motoike: Presiding, Div. Three
  13. Thomas A. Delaney: Appeal, Div. Three
  14. Nathan R. Scott: Appeal, Div. Three
  15. Deborah C. Servino: Appeal, Div. Three
  16. Martha K. Gooding: Appeal, Div. Three
  17. Juliet O. Macaulay: Appeal, Div. Three
School · bottom of right column
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Vote for One
  1. Richard Barrera◀ MARK THIS
    State Superintendent Advisor
    President of the San Diego Unified school board; describes himself as a "Sacramento outsider."
    More about Richard Barrera ▾
    • Wants more school funding, expanded early-childhood education and an easier path to becoming a teacher.
    • Endorsed by the CA Teachers Association, United Domestic Workers and CA Charter School Advocates.
  2. Sonja Shaw
    School District President
    President of the Chino Valley school board; an outspoken opponent of protections for transgender students.
    More about Sonja Shaw ▾
    • In 2023 she presided over a meeting where the State Superintendent was escorted out during a debate over transgender students.
    • Wants to move schools away from what she calls "radical ideologies."
    • Endorsed by the CA Republican Party, Moms for Liberty and the CA Rifle & Pistol Association.
ⓘ Leave the blank write-in line empty.
Why we chose this ▾
  • Barrera is from San Diego and focused on funding and teachers, the basics that help every kid.
  • Shaw's campaign is built on culture-war fights; Moms for Liberty and the gun lobby back her.
  • Note: starting in 2027 much of this job moves to a governor-appointed education commissioner, but the office still has a statewide voice.
TURN BALLOT OVER · VOTE BOTH SIDES OF BALLOT
CARD A

Back

Community college, county, city
SD Community College District Trustee, District A
Vote for One
  1. Maria Nieto Senour◀ MARK THIS
    Governing Board Member, SDCCD
    Trustee since 1990 and a past board president; named the district's 2025 Trustee of the Year.
    More about Maria Nieto Senour ▾
    • District A covers University City, La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Clairemont Mesa and Bay Ho.
    • Endorsed by the SD County Democratic Party and the SD Young Democrats.
  2. Jonny Brown
    Student Advocate/Writer
    Student advocate and writer.
    More about Jonny Brown ▾
    • We couldn't find a published platform, endorsements or press coverage of his campaign.
Why we chose this ▾
  • The board runs City, Mesa and Miramar colleges plus Continuing Education; a 2025 survey found 44% of students are food-insecure.
  • Nieto Senour has deep experience leading the district and the Democratic endorsement.
  • Brown may be well-meaning, but we found no record or plan to judge him on.
County Board of Supervisors, District 4
Vote for One
  1. Kristine C. Alessio
    Attorney
    Attorney and former La Mesa city councilmember; endorsed by the SD Republican Party.
    More about Kristine C. Alessio ▾
    • Served multiple terms on the La Mesa City Council and ran for La Mesa mayor.
    • Running as the Republican-backed choice against the Board's Democratic majority.
  2. Monica Montgomery Steppe◀ MARK THIS
    San Diego County Supervisor
    Supervisor since 2023; the first Black woman on the Board; former San Diego City Council member.
    More about Monica Montgomery Steppe ▾
    • Won the 2023 special election with about 62%.
    • On the City Council she championed the independent Commission on Police Practices.
    • Faced local pushback in 2024 over a proposed homeless sleeping-cabin site in Lemon Grove.
    • Endorsed by the SD County Democratic Party.
ⓘ Our pick is listed SECOND.
Why we chose this ▾
  • Her seat keeps the county board's Democratic majority, which controls a multi-billion-dollar budget.
  • That majority put forward Measure A (ethics) and Measure B (health and sewage funding) and has pushed for Tijuana River sewage cleanup.
  • She has a record of accountability and public services.
  • Alessio is the Republican Party's choice to flip the board.
Assessor / Recorder / County Clerk
Vote for One
  1. Jordan Z. MarksOPTIONAL
    Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk
    The incumbent (a Republican) and the only candidate.
    More about Jordan Z. Marks ▾
    • Sets property assessments; also handles recorded documents and marriage licenses.
Why we chose this ▾
  • He's unopposed, so he wins either way.
  • Fill it in or leave it blank. A blank won't spoil the rest of your ballot.
County Treasurer-Tax Collector
Vote for One
  1. Larry Cohen◀ MARK THIS
    Appointed Treasurer Tax Collector San Diego County
    Appointed by the supervisors in Nov 2025 to fill the vacancy; a Democrat.
    More about Larry Cohen ▾
    • Led the June primary with about 46%.
    • Has published early results from his first months in office.
    • Endorsed by the SD County Democratic Party.
  2. Shirley Nakawatase
    Businesswoman/Treasurer/CPA
    CPA with 40+ years in tax prep, financial consulting and business restructuring.
    More about Shirley Nakawatase ▾
    • Got about 35% in the primary.
    • Endorsed by the SD County Republican Party.
Why we chose this ▾
  • This office collects over $9 billion a year in property taxes and invests the county's cash.
  • Cohen is already running the office and has the Democratic endorsement.
  • Both are qualified; this is mainly a values and party-alignment choice.
San Diego City Council, District 2
Vote for One
  1. Richard Bailey
    San Diego Business Owner
    Former Coronado mayor; a Republican until Feb 2026, now no party preference.
    More about Richard Bailey ▾
    • Wants to repeal Balboa Park parking fees and roll back downtown parking rates.
    • Wants more family-sized housing, enforced parking minimums and "local control" over zoning.
    • Says cutting City Hall back to 2015 staffing levels would save $220M.
    • State election regulators warned him in April for not disclosing his investments.
    • Endorsed by the business-backed Lincoln Club.
  2. Nicole Crosby◀ MARK THIS
    Deputy City Attorney
    Gun-violence prosecutor, former PTA president and Clairemont Town Council president.
    More about Nicole Crosby ▾
    • Wants to expand homeownership with a 100-day waiting period before large corporate buyers can bid on homes.
    • Opposes short-term vacation rentals that push out families.
    • Prioritizes flooding and sewer projects on the coast and peninsula, using federal funding.
    • Wants more shelter beds and senior housing on government land.
    • Endorsed by the SD County Democratic Party, the city firefighters and the Labor Council.
ⓘ Our pick is listed SECOND.
Why we chose this ▾
  • This is an open seat (Jennifer Campbell is termed out) covering Point Loma, OB, Mission Bay, Bay Park and Clairemont.
  • Crosby's plan to make corporate buyers wait so families can buy homes first is exactly our homebuyer and anti-corporate stance.
  • She prioritizes coastal flooding and sewer work, which protects the bay and beaches.
  • Bailey's late party switch, the disclosure warning and backing from the business-funded Lincoln Club point the other way.
TURN BALLOT OVER · VOTE BOTH SIDES OF BALLOT
CARD B

Front

State propositions
Left column
Prop 1 · $11.25B bonds for housing affordability
Vote Yes or No
  1. YES◀ MARK THIS
    The state borrows $11.25B for affordable housing programs.
    What a YES vote means ▾
    • Funds affordable rentals, supportive housing, veterans' home loans, preserving existing affordable housing and down-payment assistance.
    • Repaid from the general fund: about $500–600M a year for ~25 years.
    • Supported by US Vets, the CA Federation of Teachers, Habitat for Humanity and Self-Help for the Elderly.
  2. NO
    No new state housing bond.
    What a NO vote means ▾
    • No official opponents submitted an argument.
Why we chose this ▾
  • Includes down-payment help for first-time buyers, one of our core priorities.
  • Housing costs are the biggest pressure on California families, and the private market alone isn't fixing it.
  • Bonds spread the cost over decades, the same way you'd finance a house.
  • There's no organized opposition.
Prop 2 · Bigger state rainy-day fund
Vote Yes or No
  1. YES◀ MARK THIS
    Raise the cap on the state's savings account (created by voters in 2014).
    What a YES vote means ▾
    • More money is set aside in good years to protect schools, health care and public safety in recessions.
    • Supported by Gov. Newsom, Xavier Becerra, the CA Professional Firefighters and the LA Chamber of Commerce.
  2. NO
    Keep the current reserve limit.
    What a NO vote means ▾
    • No official opponents.
    • Republicans oppose it.
Why we chose this ▾
  • When recessions hit, programs for working people are the first cut; a bigger reserve prevents that.
  • It's broadly supported, including by firefighters and the Democratic Party.
  • Low risk and responsible budgeting.
Prop 3 · Make the existing high-income tax permanent
Vote Yes or No
  1. YES◀ MARK THIS
    Make today's higher tax rates on income over ~$371K permanent instead of letting them end in 2031.
    What a YES vote means ▾
    • Keeps $5–15B a year flowing, mostly to public schools and health care.
    • Only individuals earning over ~$371K (adjusted for inflation) pay it.
    • Supported by the CA Teachers Association, school nurses, the State PTA and Planned Parenthood.
  2. NO
    Let the higher rates expire in 2031.
    What a NO vote means ▾
    • Opposed by the CA Taxpayers Association, the Family Business Association and the CA Hispanic Chambers of Commerce.
Why we chose this ▾
  • The wealthiest Californians pay their share; nobody below ~$371K pays a cent more.
  • It's not a new tax, just keeping one voters already approved.
  • Losing it would mean up to $15B a year in cuts to schools and health care.
  • Exactly matches our view that the people who profit most should pay more.
Prop 4 · Allow public funding of election campaigns
Vote Yes or No
  1. YES◀ MARK THIS
    Lift the state ban so the state and cities MAY create public campaign-funding programs.
    What a YES vote means ▾
    • Programs can't use money earmarked for schools, transportation or public safety.
    • Costs the state a few hundred thousand dollars a year for ethics-agency guidance.
    • Supported by the League of Women Voters, the CA Nurses Association, Consumer Watchdog and Social Security Works.
  2. NO
    Keep the ban on publicly funded campaigns.
    What a NO vote means ▾
    • Opposed by the CA Taxpayers Association, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and the Family Business Association.
Why we chose this ▾
  • Right now candidates depend on big donors and corporate money to run.
  • Public financing lets regular people run and owe voters instead of donors.
  • It only ALLOWS programs; each city or the state still decides.
  • Consumer and good-government groups support it; the anti-tax lobby opposes it.
Middle column
Prop 5 · Change how statewide recalls work
Vote Yes or No
  1. YES◀ MARK THIS
    If a statewide official is recalled, fill the seat later (special election or appointment) instead of on the same ballot.
    What a YES vote means ▾
    • Today a replacement can win with a small plurality on the recall ballot itself.
    • Supported by Democrats; no official opponents submitted an argument.
  2. NO
    Keep the current recall-and-replace ballot.
    What a NO vote means ▾
    • Republicans oppose it.
Why we chose this ▾
  • Under today's rules a Governor backed by 49% could be replaced by someone with 20%.
  • That makes well-funded recall campaigns tempting for special interests.
  • The change keeps recalls available but makes the replacement fairer.
Prop 37 · State loans to middle-income buyers of new homes
Vote Yes or No
  1. YES◀ MARK THIS
    Create a state program lending buyers up to 17% of the price of a newly built home under ~$1.5M.
    What a YES vote means ▾
    • Up to $25B in revenue bonds, repaid by borrowers' mortgage payments, not the state budget.
    • Buyers must be CA residents, live in the home, meet income limits (up to 200% of area median) and put at least 3% down.
    • Supported by the United Nurses Associations, the Carpenters and Treasurer Fiona Ma.
  2. NO
    No new loan program.
    What a NO vote means ▾
    • No official opponents submitted an argument.
    • Some housing researchers (Terner Center, SPUR, CA YIMBY) wanted the rules changed.
Why we chose this ▾
  • Helps middle-income families afford a home, the kind of break we didn't get at 7%.
  • Costs taxpayers nothing directly; buyers repay it.
  • Encourages building new homes, adding to supply.
  • Caveats: it isn't limited to first-time buyers, covers only new construction, and some experts warn it could nudge prices up. On balance it's still more help getting families into homes.
Prop 38 · $8.4B bonds for immunology research CLOSE CALL
Vote Yes or No
  1. YES◀ MARK THIS
    The state borrows $8.4B for immunology and immunotherapy research.
    What a YES vote means ▾
    • Half ($4.2B) goes to one UC-affiliated nonprofit research institute; half to competitive research grants.
    • 10% of any money the research earns goes back to the state until the bonds are repaid.
    • Costs about $500–600M a year for ~20 years.
    • Supported by the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Alzheimer's Los Angeles, the American Nurses Association CA and both parties; modeled on the 2004 and 2020 stem-cell bonds.
  2. NO
    No research bond.
    What a NO vote means ▾
    • Opponents say the institute rules fit only one organization, co-founded by the measure's billionaire backer.
    • CalMatters called it "well-intentioned but poorly designed."
Why we chose this ▾
  • Federal research funding is being cut; this keeps cures for cancer, autoimmune disease and Alzheimer's moving in California.
  • Discoveries funded with public money pay some back to the public.
  • Both parties and patient groups support it.
  • Reservation: $4.2B to one institute tied to a billionaire backer is the kind of deal we normally distrust. We decided the research is worth it.
Prop 39 · Require government ID to vote
Vote Yes or No
  1. YES
    Require government ID to vote in person, and REJECT mail ballots that lack the last 4 digits of an ID number.
    What a YES vote means ▾
    • Costs tens to hundreds of millions of dollars a year to implement.
    • Supported by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Assn and the Transparency Foundation.
  2. NO◀ MARK THIS
    Keep current voter-verification rules (signature matching, etc.).
    What a NO vote means ▾
    • Opposed by the ACLU, Common Cause and the League of Women Voters.
Why we chose this ▾
  • Valid mail ballots would be thrown out over a missing number.
  • Students, seniors and low-income voters are less likely to have current ID.
  • California already verifies every mail ballot signature, and fraud is extremely rare.
  • It costs millions to fix a problem that doesn't exist.
Right column
Prop 40 · One-time 5% tax on billionaires
Vote Yes or No
  1. YES◀ MARK THIS
    Impose a one-time 5% tax on residents with more than $1 billion in assets.
    What a YES vote means ▾
    • Raises tens of billions of dollars, spread over several years, mainly for health care.
    • Revenue is exempt from school-funding rules and the state spending limit.
    • Could reduce income-tax revenue by under $1B a year if billionaires leave.
    • Supported by Sen. Bernie Sanders, SEIU-UHW and the Green Party.
  2. NO
    No wealth tax.
    What a NO vote means ▾
    • Opposed by the CA Taxpayers Association, CA School Boards Association and Primary Care Association.
    • Both governor candidates (Becerra and Hilton) oppose it.
Why we chose this ▾
  • This is the clearest match on the ballot to our values.
  • Billionaires built fortunes on California's consumers, workers and natural resources; 5% once is a fair return.
  • The money goes to health care that everyone needs.
  • Even many Democratic leaders oppose it, which is why our vote matters here.
Prop 41 · Cancel new taxes outside the spending limit
Vote Yes or No
  1. YES
    Cancel new state taxes passed after Jan 1, 2026 that are exempt from the spending limit, and require audits of new special taxes.
    What a YES vote means ▾
    • Written to cancel Prop 40, whose revenue is exempt from the spending limit.
    • Supported by the CA Taxpayers Association, CalCPA and the CalAsian Chamber of Commerce.
  2. NO◀ MARK THIS
    Don't cancel those taxes.
    What a NO vote means ▾
    • Opposed by Bernie Sanders and SEIU-UHW.
Why we chose this ▾
  • It's a poison pill aimed squarely at the billionaire tax.
  • Business groups put it on the ballot to protect the wealthiest from paying more.
  • Voting NO keeps Prop 40 alive.
Prop 42 · Ban new taxes on personal property and "retroactive" taxes
Vote Yes or No
  1. YES
    Ban any new state tax on owning personal property (stocks, assets, everything but real estate), or on past activity.
    What a YES vote means ▾
    • Would block a billionaire wealth tax now and in the future.
    • Supported by the CA Professional Firefighters, the Building Trades and AMVETS.
  2. NO◀ MARK THIS
    Don't ban them.
    What a NO vote means ▾
    • Opposed by Bernie Sanders and SEIU-UHW.
Why we chose this ▾
  • The second counter-measure to Prop 40: a wealth tax is a tax on owning assets.
  • It would put extreme wealth permanently off-limits in the state constitution.
  • Voting NO keeps the door open to making the very rich pay.
Prop 43 · Require two-thirds to pass voter-proposed local taxes
Vote Yes or No
  1. YES
    Starting 2027, voter-proposed local special taxes need two-thirds to pass instead of a majority.
    What a YES vote means ▾
    • Supported by the CA Taxpayers Association, Family Business Association and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce.
  2. NO◀ MARK THIS
    Keep the simple-majority rule for citizen-proposed local taxes.
    What a NO vote means ▾
    • Opposed by the CA Professional Firefighters, the CA Federation of Teachers and SEIU nurses.
Why we chose this ▾
  • It lets one-third of voters block what the majority wants for parks, fire protection, transit or the environment.
  • Measure B on this same ballot is a citizen-led measure; rules like this would make ones like it nearly impossible.
  • Firefighters, teachers and nurses oppose it; business lobbies support it.
TURN BALLOT OVER · VOTE BOTH SIDES OF BALLOT
CARD B

Back

Last two props, county + school measures
Prop 44 · Force community clinics to spend 90% on programs
Vote Yes or No
  1. YES
    Penalize nonprofit community health centers that spend less than 90% of revenue on "program services."
    What a YES vote means ▾
    • Sponsored by the SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West union amid a fight with clinic operators.
    • Costs the state low tens of millions a year, covered by fees.
  2. NO◀ MARK THIS
    Keep the current rules for community clinics.
    What a NO vote means ▾
    • Opposed by the American Academy of Pediatrics CA, CA School Nurses, the CA Academy of Family Physicians and the CA Medical Association.
    • Both the Democratic and Republican parties oppose it.
Why we chose this ▾
  • These clinics serve low-income and uninsured patients in underserved areas.
  • Doctors, nurses and pediatricians warn it could close hundreds of clinics.
  • The 90% rule sounds like accountability, but the people who actually run and staff these clinics say it would force closures.
  • It's a labor dispute pushed onto the ballot, not a real fix; both parties oppose it.
Prop 45 · Fast-track and weaken environmental review (CEQA)
Vote Yes or No
  1. YES
    Set deadlines on environmental review and limit lawsuits for many projects (most housing, transportation, water and health).
    What a YES vote means ▾
    • Sponsored by the CA Chamber of Commerce; supporters raised $56M+, including oil producer California Resources Corp.
    • Also backed by the CA Republican Party, the Hospital Association, the Water Association and the Children's Hospital Association.
    • Costs state and local governments tens of millions, maybe $100M+, a year.
  2. NO◀ MARK THIS
    Keep California's current environmental review law.
    What a NO vote means ▾
    • Opposed by CA Environmental Voters, the Sierra Club, the Coalition for Clean Air, the National Wildlife Federation and Physicians for Social Responsibility.
    • Also opposed by the CA Democratic Party and the CA Labor Federation.
Why we chose this ▾
  • CEQA is how communities stop projects that would pollute air and water or destroy habitat for wildlife.
  • Corporate and oil money wrote and funded this, which tells you who benefits.
  • It's sold as a housing fix but covers far more, and the legislature already passed narrower housing-focused CEQA reforms in 2025.
  • Protecting nature and endangered species is one of our top priorities, so this is a clear NO.
County Measure A · Ethics commission, independent auditor, transparency
Vote Yes or No
  1. YES◀ MARK THIS
    Amend the County Charter to add watchdogs and transparency, and allow supervisors a 3rd term.
    What a YES vote means ▾
    • Creates an Independent Ethics Commission, an Independent Budget Analyst and an Independent Program Auditor.
    • Requires public disclosure of spending and performance data; Board confirmation of some senior county leaders.
    • Raises supervisor term limits from 2 terms to 3.
    • Endorsed by the SD County Democratic Party and labor.
  2. NO
    Keep the current County Charter.
    What a NO vote means ▾
    • In polling, 71% want an ethics commission, but most oppose longer term limits.
    • Critics note the supervisors would appoint most of the ethics commissioners themselves.
Why we chose this ▾
  • San Diego County spends billions with no independent ethics commission or budget analyst today.
  • Public spending and performance data let us see where our tax dollars go.
  • Downsides: the term-limit extension and supervisors picking their own watchdogs.
  • On balance it's a real step up in accountability, and we can push to strengthen it later.
County Measure B · Half-cent sales tax for health & safety CLOSE CALL
Vote Yes or No
  1. YES◀ MARK THIS
    Add a half-cent county sales tax raising about $400–450M a year, with no end date.
    What a YES vote means ▾
    • Funds Tijuana River Valley sewage cleanup, wildfire prevention, emergency response, health care, food assistance and child development.
    • Groceries, prescriptions, rent and utilities are exempt.
    • Requires citizen oversight, public spending disclosure and annual independent audits.
    • Supported by SEIU 221 (county workers), the firefighters (Cal Fire Local 2881), First 5 San Diego, Children First and the Hospital Association.
  2. NO
    No new county sales tax.
    What a NO vote means ▾
    • Opposed by the SD County Taxpayers Association: permanent, with no yearly performance targets.
    • Similar county and city measures failed by less than 1% in 2024.
Why we chose this ▾
  • The Tijuana River sewage crisis is polluting our beaches and ocean, and this funds the cleanup.
  • Federal cuts left the county about $300M short; without this, health, food and child-care programs shrink.
  • Wildfire prevention protects homes and habitat.
  • Reservation: a sales tax lands on everyday shoppers rather than corporate profits, and it never expires. Necessities are exempt, and the environmental payoff wins out.
SD Unified Measure M · $3.5B school repair bond
Vote Yes or No
  1. YES◀ MARK THIS
    BONDS – YES: $3.5B to repair and upgrade San Diego Unified schools.
    What a YES vote means ▾
    • Fixes roofs, plumbing and restrooms; provides safe drinking water; removes asbestos, lead paint and mold.
    • Upgrades career/vocational, science, technology and engineering classrooms; helps keep teachers.
    • Levies about $32 per $100K of assessed value (~$204M a year) while bonds are outstanding; the district says no tax-rate increase.
    • Requires audits, public spending disclosure and a citizens' oversight committee.
    • Endorsed by the SD Education Association (teachers) and Democrats.
  2. NO
    BONDS – NO: no new school bond.
    What a NO vote means ▾
    • Republicans oppose it.
    • A 2025 grand jury said the district doesn't explain its bonds clearly enough to taxpayers (the district disputes this).
ⓘ On the ballot the ovals read "BONDS – YES" and "BONDS – NO".
Why we chose this ▾
  • Lead, asbestos and mold in schools are environmental-health hazards for kids.
  • It continues the existing rate rather than raising it.
  • Oversight and audits are built in.
  • Good schools also protect home values for homeowners like us.
TURN BALLOT OVER · VOTE BOTH SIDES OF BALLOT

How to vote

Election Day is Tue Nov 3

Our values behind these picks: protect the environment and wildlife; corporations and the very rich should pay their share for the resources they use and the profits they make; help first-time and middle-income homebuyers; keep voting easy and elections clean of big money.

Sources checked Nov 2, 2026: