Your Voice Your Vote

Derrick Spearman, Writer

Mikhail Nilov (pexels photo)

The midterm elections are on November 8th, 2022 and every vote matters. There is a lot at stake during this election as many human rights are on the ballot. In order to vote in a California election, you must register. It’s worth noting that you must be registered to vote 15 days before the election day to be able to vote in this election.  For this election the deadline to register is Monday, October 24th.   In order to register in California, you must be a resident of California and a United States citizen, and 18 years or older on the day of the election. You can register or check your registration status here

All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are up for a vote in the upcoming election, and this election will decide who represents your district in Congress. One of California’s senate seat is open and will be voted on with a remaining term to be decided by voters, followed by a six year term following that.  There will also be seven propositions on the ballot that can affect you and other Californians that you can vote yes or no on. 

Edmond Dantes (pexels photo)

Propositions on the ballot

Prop 1: Constitutional Right to Reproductive Freedom. Legislative Constitutional Amendment.

  • A YES vote would add Reproductive Freedom to the State Constitution 
  • A NO vote would keep Reproductive Freedom out of the State Constitution, but would not change a woman’s right to choose as that is protected under state law. 
  • More info here

Prop 26:  Allows In-person Roulette, Dice Games, and Sports Wagering on Tribal Lands. Initiative Constitutional Amendment And Statute

  • A YES vote would allow four racetracks to offer in-person sports betting and Tribal casinos to allow in-person sports betting, roulette, and games played with dice. 
  • A NO vote would keep sports betting illegal in California and Tribal casinos would still not be allowed to offer roulette and games played with dice. 
  • More info here 

Prop 27: Allows Online and Mobile Sports Betting Wagering Outside of Tribal Lands. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute

  • A YES vote would allow Licensed Tribes and Gambling companies to offer sports betting through the internet and mobile devices to users over 21 on non-tribal lands in California, 
  • A NO vote would keep sports betting illegal in California 
  • More info here 

Prop 28: Provides Additional Funding For Arts and Music Education in Public Schools. Initiative Statute. 

  • A YES vote means the state would provide additional funding ($1 billion) for arts education in public schools. 
  • A NO vote means funding for art education would continue to be up to the state and local budget decisions 
  • More info here 

Prop 29: Requires on-site Licensed Medical Professionals at Kidney Dialysis Clinics and Establishes Other State Requirements. Initiative Statute. 

  • A YES vote would require chronic dialysis clinics to have a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant on-site during all patient treatment hours. 
  • A NO vote means chronic dialysis clinics won’t be required to have a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant on-site during all patient treatment hours. 
  • More info here 

Prop 30: Provides Funding for Programs to Reduce Air Pollution and Prevent Wildfires by Increasing Tax on Personal Income Over $2 Million. Initiative Statute.

  • A YES vote would have taxpayers whose personal income is $2 Million pay an additional 1.75% in taxes to support zero-emission vehicle programs and wildfire response and prevention activities.
  • A NO vote would make no changes to the taxation of those whose income is over $2 Million. 
  • More info here

Prop 31: Referendum on 2020 Law That Would Prohibit The Retail Sale Of Certain Flavored Tobacco Products 

  • A YES vote would prohibit in-person stores and vending machines from selling most flavored tobacco products and tobacco product flavor enhancers. 
  • A NO vote would allow in-person stores and vending machines to continue selling flavored tobacco products and tobacco product flavor enhancers. 
  • More info here

Your vote is important, and it can make a big difference in your life and the lives of fellow citizens. A resource to use while filling out your ballot for state-level elections is here. It’s worth noting that the decisions made at the state level affect people much sooner than decisions made at the federal level so make sure to be informed and vote in your local and statewide elections. You can find the races that are happening locally here. Make sure to vote on November 8th, 2022. Your voice is your vote.