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Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 3

50501 SoCal · Los Angeles voter guide · Nov. 3, 2026

Vote for
your life

Your ballot for the Nov. 3 election is already at home. This guide covers what we’re voting for, what each measure on the Los Angeles ballot does, and how to get your vote counted.

Start with what we’re voting for ↓

  1. 1Check your registrationMake sure you haven’t been purged from the rolls.
  2. 2Know your ballotWhat every measure does, and where we stand.
  3. 3Help someone voteReturn a ballot, give a ride, text five people.
  4. 4Defend the countYour rights at the vote center, and who to call.

Dates for LA County voters

  1. Oct. 19Last day to register online, until 11:59 p.m.
  2. Oct. 24First vote centers open
  3. Oct. 27Mail your ballot by today. Last day to request a replacement.
  4. Oct. 31All vote centers open
  5. Nov. 3Election Day, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  6. Nov. 10Last day for mailed ballots to arrive

Ballots went out Oct. 1, and drop boxes are open now. From the LA County Registrar-Recorder and the California Secretary of State. Oct. 27 is our recommended last day to mail; ballots postmarked by Nov. 3 count if they arrive by Nov. 10.

Our demands

What we’re voting for

We don’t endorse candidates, and we hold every candidate to the same high standards. Each demand below represents a real, actionable change we can push our elected officials to make, the real world process for delivering that change, and some direct and honest questions you should be asking of anyone running for that office.

Our national level demands These run through Congress and the White House, so ask them of every candidate for the House and Senate.

Tax extreme wealth

Tax the largest fortunes on their gains each year, and repeal the rule that wipes out capital gains taxes when assets pass to heirs. Prop 40 does California’s version on this ballot.

Ask candidatesWill you back both: taxing yearly gains at the top and repealing stepped-up basis?

How it would happen

Most wealth at the very top sits in stock and other assets that aren’t taxed until they’re sold, and many are never sold. Taxing yearly gains on tradable assets is called mark-to-market taxation. The rule that erases the gain at death is called stepped-up basis. Both changes take an act of Congress.

Curtail dark money in politics

Overturn Citizens United by expanding the Supreme Court and passing a new campaign finance law, since a statute alone won’t survive this Court. Until a constitutional amendment can pass, require donors to be disclosed.

Ask candidatesWill you vote to expand the Court and pass a new campaign finance law, and back mandatory donor disclosure now?

How it would happen

Since the 2010 Citizens United decision, corporations and outside groups can spend unlimited money on elections, often without naming their donors. Only a constitutional amendment or the Supreme Court reversing itself can undo the ruling. Adding justices takes an act of Congress. A donor disclosure law can pass now.

Abolish ICE; create a path to citizenship

Abolish the agency. Move transnational crime investigations to a body with real oversight, wind down deportations, and pass legalization with a path to citizenship. It takes an act of Congress and 60 Senate votes.

Ask candidatesWill you vote against any Homeland Security spending bill that expands detention capacity? That vote comes up every year.

How it would happen

Investigations of transnational crime, including human trafficking, continue under the new body. Legalization can’t pass through budget reconciliation, which is why it needs 60 votes in the Senate.

Declare a climate emergency

Declare it and use what it unlocks: Defense Production Act Title III, military construction funds, crude oil export authority and Clean Air Act Section 115, to build what the Green New Deal describes.

Ask candidatesWhich of these powers would you use? Name them.

How it would happen

Title III of the Defense Production Act funds domestic manufacturing, such as clean-energy equipment. Military construction funds can pay for climate resilience. The president can limit crude oil exports. Section 115 of the Clean Air Act covers U.S. pollution that harms other countries.

End arms transfers to Israel

Vote for the next resolution of disapproval, attach human rights conditions under Section 502B, and enforce the Leahy Law, which bars aid to any unit credibly accused of gross violations.

Ask candidatesTwo yes-or-no questions: Will you vote for the next resolution of disapproval? Will you support Section 502B conditions?

How it would happen

A resolution of disapproval under Section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act can block an arms sale. Section 502B of the Foreign Assistance Act ties security aid to human rights. The current $38 billion aid agreement runs through fiscal 2028 and is funded one year at a time, so each year’s spending bill is a vote. The goal is a full arms embargo and an end to aid that supports settlement expansion in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Impeach, convict, remove

Impeach by House majority, convict with 67 Senate votes, then bar from future office by simple majority. Oversight capacity comes from holding the majority, not from any one member.

Ask candidatesWill you commit to a recorded vote on impeachment and removal?

How it would happen

Committee investigations and subpoenas depend on which party controls each chamber of Congress.

Our California level demands These run through the Legislature and the governor.

Pass CalCare

Reintroduce single-payer health care in the 2027 session with a financing bill attached, and sign it.

Where it standsAB 1900 died in spring 2026 without a floor vote, in a Legislature Democrats control. Single-payer polls at 86% among California Democrats.

Ask candidatesFor governor: Will you sign CalCare, and will you introduce the financing in your first year?

How it would happen

The bill has to pass both houses, and the next governor decides whether it becomes law. The 86% figure is from a poll commissioned by the California Nurses Association, which also found 58% support among all voters.

Sources: CALÓ News · California Nurses Association

Keep police out of immigration enforcement

Enforce SB 54 against agencies that ignore it, close the carve-outs, and decertify officers who collaborate.

Ask candidatesWill you back full SB 54 compliance with the carve-outs closed, and decertification for officers who collaborate?

How it would happen

SB 54 (2017) is California’s sanctuary law, and courts can order agencies to follow it. Decertification under SB 2 (2021) strips an officer’s certification statewide and permanently.

Build housing near transit

Build apartments near transit stops, which SB 79 has allowed since July 1, 2026, and fund the affordable share. Prop 1 puts up $11.25 billion.

Ask candidatesWill you oppose efforts to exempt your district from SB 79?

How it would happen

The state housing department reviews local plans for compliance with SB 79.

Public financing for elections

Lift California’s 1988 ban on public campaign financing and stand up a matching-funds program once it’s gone. Prop 4 does the first half on this ballot.

Ask candidatesDo you support Prop 4, and a matching-funds program once the ban is lifted?

How it would happen

A matching-funds program gives candidates public money for small donations, so they depend less on large donors.

Divest state pensions from weapons sold to Israel

Direct CalPERS and CalSTRS to divest, naming the companies and the contracts.

Ask candidatesWill you support a directive to the boards, and name the companies and contracts it would cover?

How it would happen

The Legislature has used this structure before for tobacco, thermal coal, Sudan and Iran.

Our Los Angeles City demands These run through the mayor and the 15-member City Council.

Real oversight and discipline for LAPD

Change the charter rule that lets accused officers elect all-civilian discipline panels, suspend officers without pay for serious misconduct, and make the department pay its own settlements out of its budget rather than the general fund.

Where it standsThe City Council approves over $3.3 billion for the department, roughly 23.6% of city spending, and absorbs the liability with no oversight role.

Ask candidatesWill you use your budget vote to make LAPD pay its own settlements, and back a charter change to its discipline rules?

How it would happen

The discipline-panel rule is Charter Amendment C (2017), and changing it takes a new charter amendment on a future ballot. Where settlements are paid from is decided in the council’s yearly budget vote.

Sources: Crosstown: How L.A. spends nearly $15 billion

Empower and fund the City Controller

Give the elected City Controller authority to audit programs run by other elected officials, and an independent budget.

Where it standsThe mayor blocked the Controller’s audit of Inside Safe, and city attorneys say nothing in the current charter stopped her. None of the six charter amendments on this ballot changes the Controller’s authority.

Ask candidatesWill you put Controller audit authority and an independent budget on the next ballot?

How it would happen

It takes a charter amendment on a future ballot, placed there by the City Council or a voter petition. The Controller asked the city’s Charter Reform Commission for these changes; the commission rejected a guaranteed budget.

Sources: LAist · LA City Attorney charter report

Show us where our $2.3 billion for the unhoused went

Tie every homelessness and treatment contract to published outcomes, and renew none without them.

Where it standsA court-ordered audit found LAHSA could not trace its spending or verify that billed services were delivered, across more than $2.3 billion including Inside Safe. The county has since built its own department. The city still contracts with LAHSA.

Ask candidatesWill you tie every homelessness and treatment contract to published outcomes, and renew none without them?

How it would happen

The council votes on each contract and on the yearly budget. The city’s LAHSA contract runs through June 2027, and in August the council funded a consultant to design a replacement.

Sources: KTLA · Spectrum News

Build housing near public transit now

Apply SB 79 in Los Angeles now, with no ordinances exempting individual blocks, and submit the city’s plan for state review.

Where it standsThe law took effect July 1, 2026. On March 24, the City Council voted to delay it here until 2030.

Ask candidatesWill you reverse the delay and oppose exemptions for individual blocks?

How it would happen

The council’s delay covers lower-resource areas, high fire-hazard zones and historic districts, and the city is writing its own plan to take effect in 2030. Undoing it takes a council vote.

Sources: Councilmember Yaroslavsky statement

Step 2 · Know your ballot

Your ballot, measure by measure

The measures are listed in the order they appear on your ballot. Mark Yes, No or Not sure as you go. As you mark them, a printable voting guide will be populated below for you to reference while filling out your ballot.

We feel strongly about 21 of the measures on this ballot, and have indicated our position. We don’t endorse candidates; use the platform above to compare them. The official state voter guide has the full text of every proposition.

0 of 24 marked

Read this first

Props 41 and 42 can cancel Prop 40

Prop 40 is a one-time tax on billionaires. Props 41 and 42 would ban or cancel new taxes like it.

If 40 passes along with 41 or 42, and 41 or 42 gets more yes votes, Prop 40 could be blocked even though a majority voted for it. That comes from the state Legislative Analyst’s official analysis.

A yes on 40 and a yes on 41 or 42 work against each other.

Our position: Yes on 40 · No on 41 · No on 42

State propositions

On every California ballot.

Prop1

Housing bond

Lets the state borrow $11.25 billion for affordable housing, including rental housing, home loans for veterans, supportive housing and down-payment help.

We say yesIt funds affordable and supportive housing across the state.

Details
If it passes
The state could borrow $11.25 billion for veterans’ and affordable housing.
If it fails
The state could not borrow the money.
Cost
About $500 million to $600 million a year for about 25 years to repay the bonds.
Supporters
US Vets; California Federation of Teachers; Habitat for Humanity California
Opponents
None submitted

From the official state voter guide.

Add a note
Prop2

Rainy day fund

Raises how much California can set aside in its budget reserve for downturns, and keeps required extra debt payments going longer.

We say yesIt lets the state save more in good years to protect schools, health care and other services in a downturn.

Details
If it passes
Reserve rules would change, state reserves would be higher, and extra debt payments would continue longer.
If it fails
Reserve and debt-payment rules would stay the same.
Cost
State budget reserves would be higher.
Supporters
California Professional Firefighters; LA Chamber of Commerce; Gov. Gavin Newsom
Opponents
None listed. Assemblymember David Tangipa wrote the argument against.

From the official state voter guide.

Add a note
Prop3

Tax on high incomes

Makes permanent the higher income tax rates on people earning more than $371,000 a year. The rates, in place since 2012, would otherwise expire in 2031. The money goes to schools and health care.

We say yesIt keeps the tax rates on the highest earners that fund schools and health care, instead of letting them expire in 2031.

Details
If it passes
The higher rates would become permanent.
If it fails
The higher rates would expire in 2031.
Cost
Keeps $5 billion to $15 billion a year in state income tax revenue after 2031.
Supporters
California Teachers Association; California State PTA; Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California
Opponents
California Taxpayers Association; Family Business Association of California; California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce

From the official state voter guide.

Add a note
Prop4

Public campaign financing

Lifts California’s ban on public funding for election campaigns, so the state and local governments can create programs that give candidates public money under limits.

We say yesIt lets candidates run on public funds instead of large donors. It’s one of our state demands.

Details
If it passes
State and local governments could create public financing programs, with limits on which funds are used and who gets them.
If it fails
Most governments in the state still could not create these programs.
Cost
A few hundred thousand dollars a year for the state’s campaign ethics agency to advise governments.
Supporters
League of Women Voters of California; California Nurses Association; Consumer Watchdog
Opponents
California Taxpayers Association; Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association; Family Business Association of California

From the official state voter guide.

Add a note
Prop5

Recall elections

Removes the second question on statewide recall ballots that picks a replacement. If an official is recalled, the office would be filled later by special election or appointment.

We say yesIt ends recall elections in which a replacement can take office with a small share of the vote.

Details
If it passes
Recall ballots would no longer ask who should replace the official.
If it fails
Recall ballots would still include a replacement question.
Cost
Unknown. A recall could save or cost millions of dollars, depending on the office.
Supporters
None submitted
Opponents
None submitted

From the official state voter guide.

Add a note
Prop37

Middle-income home loans

Lets the state sell up to $25 billion in bonds to give middle-income buyers fixed-rate loans for up to 17% of the price of a newly built home under about $1.5 million. Buyers repay the loans, not the state.

We say yesIt helps middle-income buyers afford newly built homes, and homeowners repay the loans, not taxpayers.

Details
If it passes
The state would create the loan program, funded by up to $25 billion in bonds repaid by homeowners.
If it fails
The state would not be required to create the program.
Cost
No direct state or local cost.
Supporters
United Nurses Associations of California; California Conference of Carpenters; State Treasurer Fiona Ma
Opponents
None submitted

From the official state voter guide.

Add a note
Prop38

Medical research bond

Lets the state borrow $8.4 billion for immunology and immunotherapy research. Half goes to a single nonprofit institute affiliated with the University of California, half to research grants.

We say noIt commits $500 million to $600 million a year for about 20 years, and half the money goes to a single institute.

Details
If it passes
The state could borrow $8.4 billion for the research.
If it fails
The state could not borrow the money.
Cost
About $500 million to $600 million a year for about 20 years, possibly offset if the research earns revenue.
Supporters
Michael J. Fox Foundation; Alzheimer’s Los Angeles; Kidney Cancer Association
Opponents
Robert M. Kaplan, Ph.D.

From the official state voter guide.

Add a note
Prop39

Voter ID

Requires government-issued ID to vote in person, and the last four digits of a government ID number on every mail ballot envelope. Mail ballots without them would be rejected.

We say noEvery mail ballot signature is already checked against your registration. A ballot missing the ID digits would be thrown out.

Details
If it passes
Voters would have to give additional ID information every time they vote.
If it fails
Voters would keep proving their identity with their signature.
Cost
Tens of millions to low hundreds of millions of dollars a year.
Supporters
The Transparency Foundation; Latino American Political Association; Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
Opponents
ACLU California Action; Common Cause; League of Women Voters of California

From the official state voter guide.

Add a note
Prop40

Billionaire tax

A one-time 5% tax on the net worth of billionaires who lived in California on Jan. 1, 2026. Ninety percent of the money goes to health care. The rest goes to education, food assistance and running the tax.

We say yesIt taxes the largest fortunes in the state and puts most of the money into health care.

Details
If it passes
The state would collect a one-time tax of 5% of billionaires’ wealth.
If it fails
The state would not collect the tax.
Cost
Tens of billions of dollars in one-time revenue over several years. Income tax revenue could drop by less than $1 billion a year if some billionaires leave the state.
Also
Due in 2027, payable over five years at added cost. Real estate, pensions and retirement accounts are generally excluded.
Supporters
Sen. Bernie Sanders; SEIU United Healthcare Workers West
Opponents
California Primary Care Association; California School Boards Association; California Taxpayers Association

From the official state voter guide.

Add a note
Prop41

Limits on new taxes; audits

Cancels any state tax passed after Jan. 1, 2026, if its money is exempt from the state spending limit. Prop 40’s money is exempt. It also requires the State Auditor to review programs paid for by new special taxes.

We say noIt could cancel Prop 40.

Details
If it passes
The State Auditor would review programs funded by special taxes, and the state might not be able to exempt new special tax money from its spending limit.
If it fails
Audit duties and spending-limit rules would stay the same.
Cost
Unknown. It depends on future decisions by voters and lawmakers.
Supporters
California Society of CPAs; CalAsian Chamber of Commerce; California Taxpayers Association
Opponents
Sen. Bernie Sanders; SEIU United Healthcare Workers West

From the official state voter guide.

Add a note
Prop42

Ban on personal property taxes

Bans new state taxes on owning personal property, meaning anything other than real estate, such as stocks, and new taxes based on past activity. Cancels conflicting taxes passed after Jan. 1, 2026.

We say noIt could cancel Prop 40.

Details
If it passes
The state could not create new taxes on owning financial assets or other personal property.
If it fails
The state would keep the option to create those taxes.
Cost
Tax revenue may not grow as much in the future.
Supporters
California Professional Firefighters; State Building and Construction Trades Council of California; AMVETS Department of California
Opponents
Sen. Bernie Sanders; SEIU United Healthcare Workers West

From the official state voter guide.

Add a note
Prop43

Local tax vote threshold

Raises the vote needed to pass local special taxes proposed by voter petition from a simple majority to two-thirds, starting Jan. 1, 2027.

We say noIt would let a one-third minority of voters block local taxes for services such as fire protection, schools and housing.

Details
If it passes
Certain local taxes would need two-thirds voter approval.
If it fails
Those taxes could still pass with a simple majority.
Cost
Local tax revenue may not grow as much in the future.
Supporters
California Taxpayers Association; Family Business Association of California; California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce
Opponents
California Professional Firefighters; California Federation of Teachers; Nurse Alliance of SEIU California

From the official state voter guide.

Add a note
Prop44

Community clinic spending

Penalizes nonprofit community health centers that serve underserved areas if they spend less than 90% of revenue on program services, such as patient care.

We say yesIt requires nonprofit community clinics to spend at least 90% of their revenue on services rather than overhead.

Details
If it passes
Certain nonprofit clinics would have to spend at least 90% of revenue each year on health services.
If it fails
The spending requirement would not take effect.
Cost
State costs in the low tens of millions of dollars a year, covered by fees.
Supporters
None submitted
Opponents
American Academy of Pediatrics California; California Medical Association; California Academy of Family Physicians

From the official state voter guide.

Add a note
Prop45

Environmental review

Speeds up environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act for most housing, transportation, water and health projects by setting deadlines for reviews and lawsuits, and narrows what courts can consider.

We say noIt shortens environmental review and limits what courts can consider when communities challenge projects.

Details
If it passes
Certain projects would get faster review and court-challenge procedures.
If it fails
Projects would keep using current procedures.
Cost
Initial state and local costs likely in the high tens of millions of dollars a year, possibly over $100 million, partly covered by fees. Longer-term effects are uncertain.
Supporters
California Children’s Hospital Association; California Water Association; California Council for Affordable Housing
Opponents
Coalition for Clean Air; California Environmental Voters; National Wildlife Federation

From the official state voter guide.

Add a note

Los Angeles County

On every ballot in the county.

MeasureA

Public safety labor disputes

Bars strikes by some county public safety workers, including district attorney investigators, medical examiners and lifeguards, and sets up binding arbitration for contract disputes with public safety unions, including firefighters and sheriff’s deputies.

We say noIt bars strikes by some county workers, including civilian staff, and replaces them with binding arbitration.

Ballot question

“Shall the measure amending the Los Angeles County Charter to prohibit strikes by district attorney investigators, medical examiners, and lifeguards; their supervisors; and nonadministrative civilian employees working in the Fire Department, Sheriff's Department, and the Department of Medical Examiner, reiterate existing legal obligations for good faith negotiations, and establish an impartial binding arbitration process for resolving labor disputes with certified public safety employee organizations representing County employees including firefighters, sheriffs, and the abovementioned employees, as specified in the charter amendment ordinance, be adopted?”

Passes with a simple majority. Text from the county’s list of measures.

Add a note
MeasureE

County ethics commission and community investment

Gives the county Ethics Commission more independence and a set structure, and continues the county’s budget commitment to community investment and alternatives to incarceration.

We say yesIt keeps the county’s Measure J funding for community investment and alternatives to incarceration, and makes the ethics commission independent.

Ballot question

“Shall the measure amending the Los Angeles County Charter to provide greater independence and structure for the County of Los Angeles Ethics Commission, Office of Ethics Compliance, and Ethics Compliance Officer, including appointment processes, qualifications, term, duties and responsibilities, and to continue uninterrupted the County's commitment to community investment and alternatives to incarceration, as specified in the charter amendment ordinance, be adopted?”

Passes with a simple majority. Text from the county’s list of measures.

Add a note

City of Los Angeles

On ballots in the City of Los Angeles.

PropTE

Transfer tax break for fire victims

A one-time exemption from the city’s tax on high-value property sales (Measure ULA) for homes damaged or destroyed in the January 2025 Palisades Fire and sold within five years of the fire.

We take no position

Ballot question

“Shall an ordinance be adopted to provide a one-time exemption from the City's special documentary transfer tax (Proposition ULA) for residential properties that were damaged or destroyed in the Palisades Fire and are sold within five years of the date of the Fire?”

Passes with a simple majority. Text from the county’s list of measures.

Add a note
CharterLA

Infrastructure, budget and contracting

Creates a capital infrastructure plan and a two-year budget cycle, gives the Director of Public Works more authority, allows the Board of Public Works to be changed or eliminated, lifts bans on city business enterprises and mortgaging city property, and changes some contracting rules.

We say yesIt lets the city run its own public enterprises and moves to a two-year budget.

Ballot question

“Shall the City Charter be amended to: establish a capital infrastructure plan and two-year budget cycle for the City; increase the authority of the Director of Public Works and allow for the elimination of or changes to the Board of Public Works; remove restrictions prohibiting the City from engaging in business enterprises and mortgaging City-owned property; and change certain contracting rules and procedures?”

Passes with a simple majority. Text from the county’s list of measures.

Add a note
CharterPL

Planning department

Replaces area planning commissions with a Neighborhood Appeals Commission, changes how and when the council acts on planning decisions, expands the planning department’s authority to decide some applications, and lets floor-area rules change by ordinance.

We say yesIt folds the city’s area planning commissions into one appeals body.

Ballot question

“Shall the City Charter be amended to: establish a Neighborhood Appeals Commission to replace Area Planning Commissions and establish a process for City Council review of Neighborhood Appeals Commission and City Planning Commission decisions; change the timing and process for City Council action on certain planning decisions; grant the Planning Department the authority to investigate, hear, and determine applications for quasi-judicial review; and allow for changes to floor area regulations by ordinance?”

Passes with a simple majority. Text from the county’s list of measures.

Add a note
CharterEE

Ethics, elections and governance

Expands the authority of the LAPD inspector general and the Fire Department’s independent assessor, raises penalties for campaign finance violations, has the council meet at least weekly instead of three days a week, and raises signature requirements for referendum petitions, among other changes.

We take no position

Ballot question

“Shall the City Charter be amended to: increase the authority of the Police Department Inspector General and Fire Department Independent Assessor; prohibit Ethics Commissioners from running for certain elected offices for five years; increase penalties for campaign finance violations; require City Council to meet at least weekly rather than the currently required three days per week; increase referendum petition signature requirements; and make other changes regarding ethics, elections and governance?”

Passes with a simple majority. Text from the county’s list of measures.

Add a note
CharterPRK

Recreation and Parks budget

Doubles the minimum budget for the Department of Recreation and Parks, phased in over 10 years, with exceptions for fiscal emergencies.

We say yesIt doubles guaranteed parks funding over 10 years without a new tax.

Ballot question

“Shall the City Charter be amended to increase the minimum budget allocated to the Department of Recreation and Parks, phased in over ten years until it is double the current minimum budget allocation, with exceptions for fiscal emergencies?”

Passes with a simple majority. Text from the county’s list of measures.

Add a note
CharterPRT

Airport, harbor and DWP

Requires the harbor to fund waterfront public access, requires disclosure of workforce impacts for some harbor leases, allows longer lease terms, and changes who can sit on the Airport Commission.

We say yesIt funds public waterfront access and changes the airport commission to include nearby residents.

Ballot question

“Shall the City Charter be amended to: require the Harbor Department to allocate funds for waterfront public access projects; require disclosure of workforce impacts for certain Harbor Department leases and agreements; increase maximum terms for certain leases; and change the composition requirement for the Airport Commission?”

Passes with a simple majority. Text from the county’s list of measures.

Add a note
MeasureFD

Fire Department sales tax

A citizen initiative for a half-cent sales tax in the city to fund the Fire Department, including hiring, vehicles, stations and brush clearance. It would raise about $345 million a year until voters end it, with audits and an oversight committee.

We say yesIt funds more firefighters, paramedics, stations and brush clearance, with audits and an oversight committee.

Ballot question

“Shall an ordinance providing funding for the Los Angeles Fire Department, including for hiring firefighters, paramedics, and other staff, purchasing and maintaining vehicles and equipment, building and upgrading fire stations, and brush clearance; by imposing a one-half percent (0.5%) sales tax in the City of Los Angeles; with annual audits and a citizen's oversight committee; generating approximately $345 million annually until ended by voters; be adopted?”

Passes with a simple majority. Text from the county’s list of measures.

Add a note

Los Angeles Unified

On ballots in the LA Unified school district.

CharterSC

School board campaign finance

Clarifies the campaign finance rules for LA Unified school board elections in the city charter and lets them be changed by ordinance.

We take no position

Ballot question

“Shall the Los Angeles City Charter be amended to clarify the campaign finance rules for Board of Education elections and allow for changes by ordinance?”

Passes with a simple majority. Text from the county’s list of measures.

Add a note

Other cities and school districts in the county have their own measures. Your sample ballot lists the ones you’ll see, and the county posts every local measure.

Make your plan

Your plan, start to finish

Four things to do between now and Nov. 3, then a plan you can print or save.

  1. Check that you haven’t been purged

    Voters get dropped from the rolls without being told, including people registered for decades. Checking takes about two minutes.

    Check my registration

    Not registered, or moved since you last voted? Register by 11:59 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at registertovote.ca.gov. After that, you can still register and vote the same day at any vote center through 8 p.m. Nov. 3.

    Who can vote: U.S. citizens who live in California and are 18 or older on Election Day. People on parole or probation can vote, and so can most people in county jail. People currently serving a state or federal prison term for a felony cannot. Details

  2. Fill out your ballot

    • Use the marks you make in this guide. Mark your ballot in blue or black ink, following the instructions printed on it.
    • Sign the return envelope yourself. Elections staff compare that signature with the one on your registration.
    • Ballots are most often rejected for a missing signature, a signature that doesn’t match, or arriving too late.
    • Made a mistake or lost your ballot? Request a new one by Oct. 27 at lavote.gov or (800) 815-2666, option 2. You can also vote in person at any vote center.
  3. Get it back

    No stamp needed for any of these.

    Fastest

    Drop box

    Open now through 8 p.m. Nov. 3. Most are open 24 hours.

    Find a drop box

    In person

    Vote center

    Drop off your ballot or vote in person at any vote center in the county. The first ones open Oct. 24 and all are open from Oct. 31, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Election Day hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

    Find a vote center

    If you can’t get to a box

    Mail

    Mail it by Oct. 27 to be safe. It must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and arrive by Nov. 10. Mailing on Election Day? Get it hand-stamped at a post office counter.

    State mail rules

  4. Track it, and fix it if needed

    Sign up for Where’s My Ballot to get a text or email when your ballot is mailed, received and counted.

    Sign up for ballot tracking

    If your signature is missing or doesn’t match, the county will contact you. Follow the instructions by the deadline on the notice and your ballot counts. Questions: (800) 815-2666, option 2.

If something’s in the way

Getting there

Metro buses and trains are free on Election Day. Anyone you trust can return your ballot for you, as long as they aren’t paid per ballot.

Language help

Ballots, guides and phone help are available in more than a dozen languages. Call (800) 815-2666, option 3, or visit lavote.gov.

Disability access

Every vote center has accessible ballot-marking devices. You can also mark your ballot on your own device with Remote Accessible Vote by Mail. You can bring anyone you choose to help you vote, except your employer or union representative.

No permanent address

You can register using a shelter, cross streets or a park as your address, and get your ballot at a P.O. box or another mailing address. State fact sheet

A criminal record

You can vote unless you’re currently serving a state or federal prison term for a felony. When a prison term ends, your right to vote is restored, but you need to register again. Details

Voting for the first time

If you registered without a driver’s license or Social Security number, you may be asked for ID the first time you vote in a federal election. A recent utility bill or government mail with your name and address works. Details

Make your plan

How will you vote?

My voting planElection Day: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026

Your plan appears here as you fill it in.

Google Calendar

Your plan and marks are saved in this browser only. Nobody else can see them.

Step 3 · Help someone vote

Get one more ballot counted

Three ways to help someone you know.

Return a ballot for someone

Anyone can return another voter’s ballot, as long as they aren’t paid per ballot. The voter signs their own envelope and fills in the section that names you as the person returning it.

Secretary of State

Get someone there

Metro buses and trains are free on Election Day. Offer a ride to a drop box or vote center, or watch a neighbor’s kids while they go.

Find a drop box or vote center

Text five people

Write down five people you’ll ask about their ballot this week. Edit the message so it sounds like you, then send it.

My five · 0 sent

Step 4 · Defend the count

Your rights, and who to call

Most problems can be fixed if someone catches them early.

At the vote center

  • In line when polls close at 8 p.m.? Stay in line. You have the right to vote.
  • Name not on the list? You can still vote a provisional ballot, or register and vote the same day.
  • Most California voters don’t need ID to vote.
  • Made a mistake on your ballot? You have the right to a new one.
  • You can bring anyone you choose to help you vote, except your employer or union representative.

From the California Voter Bill of Rights.

Report a problem

866-OUR-VOTE866-687-8683 · Election Protection, nonpartisan, English
888-VE-Y-VOTA888-839-8682 · Election Protection, Spanish and English
888-API-VOTE888-274-8683 · Election Protection, Asian languages and English
(800) 345-VOTE800-345-8683 · California Secretary of State voter hotline
(800) 815-2666LA County Registrar-Recorder

After Nov. 3

  • Counting takes weeks. Election-night numbers are partial.
  • Mailed ballots postmarked by Nov. 3 count if they arrive by Nov. 10.
  • California counts every valid mail ballot, however close the race.
  • Get results from the county and the state, not from screenshots.
  • Got a signature notice? Fix it by the deadline on the notice.

Want to help on Election Day? Volunteer with Election Protection.

On this ballot: Prop 39

Prop 39 would require government ID to vote in person and ID digits on every mail ballot envelope. Mail ballot signatures are already checked against your registration.

Read Prop 39 ↑