Don
’t let the March 2 primary sneak up on you – it’s chock-full of
candidates and issues that demand educated voters completing
thoughtful ballots. Now is the time for South Valley residents to
start paying close attention to the candidates and issues.
Don’t let the March 2 primary sneak up on you – it’s chock-full of candidates and issues that demand educated voters completing thoughtful ballots. Now is the time for South Valley residents to start paying close attention to the candidates and issues.
California faces a fiscal crisis of frightening proportions. Prop. 57 asks a simple question: “Should the state of California borrow $15 billion through the sale of bonds to provide financing for California’s budget deficit?” Deciding whether to vote yes or no, however, is not a simple matter and we urge all citizens to study the pros and cons now.
There are three other statewide propositions: Prop. 55, which, if passed, would approve $12.3 million in bonds to finance the construction of elementary, middle and high schools; Prop. 56 would change the state’s budget process, most notably by lowering the threshold of approval for the state budget and budget-related tax and appropriation bills to 55 percent vote from the current 2/3 vote; and Prop. 58 would require a balanced state budget and mid-year adjustments and institute reserve requirements.
Multiple local measures are vying for voters’ attention, from regional traffic plans to county juvenile hall reforms, from a library tax to Morgan Hill growth control to the Gavilan bond issue. California Democrats will be helping their party select the candidate they believe should face President George W. Bush this fall. Republicans will choose a candidate to run against Sen. Barbara Boxer in November. Candidates for state Assembly and Senate are competing.
Don’t get overwhelmed by the number of decisions you’ll be asked to make – start learning now about the issues and candidates. A good place to start is online at www.smartvoter.org. Type in your street address and ZIP code and you’ll be provided with a sample ballot with short, non-partisan explanations of the ballot issues and candidates.
If you haven’t done it already, register to vote. The deadline is Feb. 17, and it’s easy to register. Any United States citizen, not currently in prison or on parole who will be 18 years old on or before election day, can register. Voter registration forms are available at the post office, public library, the Department of Motor Vehicles and most government offices. You can also download registration forms online to complete and return.
Register, study and vote: It’s the least you can do to show your appreciation for living under the best form of government available.
