The Ella Baker Center’s positions on November 3rd ballot measures that seek to impact racial and economic justice for our communities. To hear Ella Baker Center staff and allies talk about these measures and the upcoming election, listen to the latest episode of the Ella’s Voice podcast.

YES ON PROPS 15, 16, 17 and 21!

PROPOSITION 15 – CALIFORNIA TAX ON COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES FOR EDUCATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUNDING INITIATIVE

The “Schools and Communities First Initiative” changes the way commercial and industrial properties are taxed, so they’re taxed on their market value instead of their purchase price. The new revenue – estimated $6-10 billion – would be divided so that 40% would fund school districts and community colleges, and 60% would go to local governments.

PROPOSITION 16 – END THE BAN ON AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

This ballot initiative affirms that race, gender and ethnicity can be considered in hiring and admissions processes, and overturns the racist Proposition 209 which banned affirmative action in state institutions (passed in 1996). Affirmative action accounts for systemic and systematic barriers for entry into workplaces and schools. Race, ethnicity, and gender consciousness in admissions and hiring processes promotes equality and diverse learning and work spaces.

PROPOSITION 17 – CALIFORNIA VOTING RIGHTS RESTORATION FOR PERSONS ON PAROLE AMENDMENT

Formerly ACA 6, this is a constitutional amendment that would allow people on parole for felony convictions to vote in California. Currently, the California Constitution disqualifies people with felonies from voting until their imprisonment and parole are completed. The ballot measure would amend the state constitution to allow people with felonies on parole to vote.

PROPOSITION 21 – LOCAL RENT CONTROL INITIATIVE

This proposition is set to replace the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act and would allow cities to implement rent control for residential properties over 15 years old. The current law stops local goverments from using more progressive rent control measures.

NO ON PROP 20!

PROPOSITION 20 – CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL SENTENCING, PAROLE, AND DNA COLLECTION INITIATIVE

This ballot initiative seeks to roll back reforms from Props 47, 57 and AB 109. This would expand the number of crimes that can be charged as felonies; limit early parole; and create two additional types of crimes – serial crime and organized retail crime. It also would require DNA collection for certain misdemeanors.

NEUTRAL ON PROP 25

Proposition 25 – the Referendum to Overturn a 2018 Law That Replaced Money Bail System with A System Based on Public Safety Risk

Placed on the ballot via petition, it is a referendum on 2018’s Senate Bill 10, which would replace the state’s cash bail system with a risk assessment-based bail system, which uses an algorithm to determine whether a person accused of a crime should be released. The “risk assessment” also puts more power in judges’ hands to keep people locked up away from their families while awaiting trial.

  • A “yes” vote on Proposition 25 is to uphold the contested legislation to replace cash bail with risk assessments.
  • A “no” vote is to repeal the contested legislation, and continue the system of cash bail.