All elections are important but with the Presidential election we must vote like our life depends on it because it does. If you haven’t been living under a rock these last 4 years, let alone the last 8 months then you know it’s been a literal shit show.

This presidential term has showed me that I have truly not taken the previous elections and local elections as seriously as I should. I understand that knowing which roles are up for election and also knowing the local Propositions is key in order to rock the vote. This post will serve as a guide to help you understand what else is on the ballot this year and what the roles are of each. If you live in CA I will be sharing all of the propositions that are up for vote this election.

The general election happens every four years and voters choose federal, state and local representatives, and whether or not to pass ballot initiatives.

Who/What we are voting on? (some offices vary by states)

President, Vice President of The US

35 Senate seats

435 House seats

11 Governor Seats

10 Attorney General

7 Secretary of State seats

280 State Supreme and Appellate court seats

Local Propositions

What Does each role do?

President of US- The president is both the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president is also Commander-In-Chief of the armed forces. This person is also responsible for the execution and enforcement of laws created by Congress.

Vice President of the US-The Vice President is responsible for maintaining order and decorum, recognizing members to speak, and interpret the Senate’s rules, practices and precedent.

US Senate-The Senate has authority to approve or reject presidential nominations to executive and judicial offices. They also have the power to try impeachments.

House of Representatives- makes and passes federal laws.

Governor- Serves as the state’s CEO and issues executive orders on matters important to the state.

Attorney General- Represents the United States in legal matters.

Secretary of State- is the state’s Chief Election Officer.

Propositions in CA

Measure J- Community investment and alternatives to incarceration minimum county budget allocation. Voting YES dismantles systemic racism by investing in health, housing and jobs.

Prop 15- Increases funding sources for public schools, community college and local government services. Voting YES will close corporate tax loopholes and instead invest in schools, community colleges and local services.

Prop 16- Allows diversity as a factor in public employment, education, and contracting decisions. California is 1/9 states that bans affirmative action as a tool to fight discrimination. Voting YES for Prop 16 would end the ban and expand opportunity for all.

Prop 17– Restores Right to Vote after completion of Prison term. Voting YES will amend the California constitution  so that Californians who have completed their prison term can fully participate in our democracy by restoring their right to vote.

Prop 18– Permits 17 yr olds to vote in Primary and special election if they will turn 18 by the next general election. Voting YES will amend the California Constitution to allow 17 year olds to vote.

Prop 20- Restricts parole for certain offenses currently considered to be non-violent. Authorizes felony sentences for certain offenses currently treated only as misdemeanors. Vote NO. If Prop 20 is passed, it can rollback effective criminal justice reforms and contribute to the mass incarceration California is currently facing.

Prop 21- Expands local governments authority to enact rent control on residential property. Voting YES will limit rent increases and preserve affordable housing. If passed, it would allow local communities to decide if the city wants to have rent controls.

Prop 22- Exempts app-based transportation and delivery companies from providing employee benefits to certain drivers. Vote NO.  If passed, it allows Uber and App based companies to deny their drivers rights and protection like paid sick leave, workers compensation or unemployment benefits. Eliminates safety protections for riders and drivers and any liability these companies have to consumers.

Prop 23- Establishes state requirements for Kidney dialysis clinics. Requires on-site medical professional. Voting YES will keep clinics open and prohibits discrimination.

Prop 24- Amends consumer privacy laws. VOTE NO. If Prop 24 is passed, it will weaken California’s 2018 Landmark privacy law and there will be less power to enforce consumer privacy rights.

Prop 25- Referendum on law that replaced money bail with system based on Public safety and flight risk. Vote NO. If Prop 25 is passed, it will end cash bail and subject defendants to racial profiling by replacing it with racists/classist “risk assessments”.

 

I hope this post helps you understand the roles that are up for election this year. Walk into the polls with confidence that you have chosen the right officials to help run and govern the country.

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