It’s no exaggeration to say that Nov. 5 will be the most consequential election in a era. And we’re not simply speaking concerning the presidential race. From the highest of the ticket to native poll measures, California voters this yr are grappling with main choices that may form their lives and communities for years to come back.
The Occasions editorial board will start publishing its poll suggestions this week. The board determines the positions of The Occasions as an establishment and operates individually from the newsroom. Board members spend the months main as much as every election interviewing candidates, marketing campaign committees and coverage consultants, inspecting info and claims and doing analysis to tell our endorsements.
The November common election is normally stuffed with controversial propositions, and 2024 isn’t any totally different. There are 5 measures placed on the poll by the state Legislature and 5 extra from activists and particular pursuits who used the state’s direct democracy course of to place their insurance policies immediately earlier than voters. The measures pose huge questions. Amongst them: Ought to we go backward on felony justice reform? Ought to or not it’s simpler to lift taxes to pay for native infrastructure, reminiscent of roads, parks, water remedy amenities and inexpensive housing? Ought to California set the best statewide minimal wage within the nation?
In Los Angeles County, voters will determine whether or not to provide a second time period to Dist. Atty. George Gascón, who was elected in 2020 to undo the excesses of his predecessors who locked up too many individuals for too lengthy with out contemplating methods to assist them stay crime-free lives. Or they might exchange him with Nathan Hochman, who has pledged to return to the tougher-on-crime insurance policies of earlier D.A.s.
They’ll additionally determine whether or not to elevate the county’s gross sales tax indefinitely to pay for extra inexpensive housing, rental help and applications to assist forestall and scale back homelessness, together with case administration and psychological well being and substance abuse remedy. It might exchange a quarter-cent tax to pay for homelessness providers that was handed by voters in 2017 and expires in 2027.
The end result within the D.A.’s race and Measure A might have an effect on how the county offers with folks dwelling on the margins — and it’ll mirror the general public’s persistence, or impatience, with the tough work of making an attempt to repair deep-rooted societal issues that developed over many years.
Efforts to revive religion and accountability in native authorities are additionally on the poll in November. Proponents of Measure G argue L.A. County’s paperwork may be made more practical and clear by including an elected county government place and growing the Board of Supervisors from 5 to 9 members.
Voters have rejected this concept earlier than, however there’s been a groundswell of assist for structural reforms which may imply a unique consequence this yr.
Certainly, metropolis of L.A. voters may even contemplate constitution amendments that had been developed within the wake of the leaked audio scandal of 2022, when three council members and a high labor official had been caught making racially divisive feedback about their colleagues and constituents, whereas plotting methods to redraw council district traces to their profit. The poll measures would, amongst different issues, create impartial redistricting commissions for town and L.A. Unified, and strengthen the independence of town Ethics Fee.
After all, it is going to be unattainable to flee the information, marketing campaign advertisements and commentary surrounding the presidential race. The editorial board hasn’t been shy about sharing our opinion of Donald Trump through the years and can proceed to take action this election season. We may even make suggestions in some key congressional races in L.A. and Orange County. A half-dozen aggressive races in California might assist determine whether or not Democrats acquire management of the Home of Representatives.
We may even have endorsements in a choice of open state Legislative seats in Los Angeles and little-known races such because the Los Angeles Neighborhood School District board and L.A. Superior Courtroom judges. (Sure, we elect judges, however just some. Discover out why by clicking right here.)
Endorsements will proceed to publish by means of early October, when voters obtain their ballots within the mail. We welcome your ideas and suggestions.
