Title
Approve a recommendation from the Legislative Committee to adopt support positions on three (3) measures which will appear on the November 3, 2020 ballot: Propositions 16, 17 and 18. (ADDED VIA ADDENDA)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve a recommendation from the Legislative Committee to adopt support positions on three (3) measures which will appear on the November 3, 2020 ballot: Propositions 16, 17 and 18.
SUMMARY
The Board’s Legislative Committee met on August 10, 2020 and reviewed and recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt support positions on three (3) statewide ballot measures appearing on the November 3, 2020 ballot: Propositions 16, 17 and 18.
DISCUSSION
The official Voter Information Guide for the California General Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, includes a Quick Reference Guide (EXHIBIT A).
PROPOSITION 16: ALLOWS DIVERSITY AS A FACTOR IN PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION, AND CONTRACTING DECISIONS. Legislative Constitutional Amendment. - RECOMMENDATION: SUPPORT
Per the official voter guide (EXHIBIT B) Proposition 16 would:
o Permits government decision-making policies to consider race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin to address diversity by repealing article I, section 31, of the California Constitution, which was added by Proposition 209 in 1996.
o Proposition 209 generally prohibits state and local governments from discriminating against, or granting preferential treatment to, individuals or groups on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public employment, education or contracting.
o Does not alter other state and federal laws guaranteeing equal protection and prohibiting unlawful discrimination.
PROPOSITION 17: RESTORES RIGHT TO VOTE AFTER COMPLETION OF PRISON TERM. Legislative Constitutional Amendment. - RECOMMENDATION: SUPPORT
Per the official voter guide (EXHIBIT C) Proposition 17 would:
o Amend the state constitution to restore voting rights to persons who have been disqualified from voting while serving a prison term as soon as they complete their prison term.
PROPOSITION 18: AMENDS CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION TO PERMIT 17-YEAR-OLDS TO VOTE IN PRIMARY AND SPECIAL ELECTIONS IF THEY WILL TURN 18 BY THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION AND OTHERWISE BE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE. - RECOMMENDATION: SUPPORT
Per the official voter guide (EXHIBIT D) Proposition 18 would:
o The California Constitution currently permits individuals who are at least 18 years old on the date of the election to vote in that election.
o Amends constitution to permit 17-year-olds who will be at least 18 years old and otherwise eligible to vote at the time of the next general election to vote in any primary or special election that occurs before the next general election.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
The County Administrative Office-Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs Division prepared this report with information provided by the County’s state legislative advocacy firm (Nossaman LLP), and the Secretary of State’s Office.
FINANCING
Approval of the recommendation included in this report will not result in additional General Fund contributions. If Propositions 17 and or 18 are approved by California voters it will increase State and County election costs.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
Support for these ballot measures is in alignment with all of the Board’s Strategic Initiatives.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
X Economic Development
X Administration
Health & Human Services
Infrastructure
Public Safety
Prepared by: Annette D’Adamo, MAIII
Approved by: Nicholas E. Chiulos, Assistant CAO
August 27, 2020
Attachments:
Exhibit A - Quick Reference Guide
Exhibit B - Proposition 16
Exhibit C - Proposition 17
Exhibit D - Proposition 18