The Signal presents The 2020 Voter’s Guide Voter Bill of Rights

1. The right to vote if you are a registered voter.

2. The right to vote if you are a registered voter even if your name is not on the list.

3. The right to vote if you are still in linewhen the polls close.

4. The right to cast a secret ballot.

5. The right to get a new ballot if you have made a mistake.

6. The right to get help casting your ballot.

7. The right to drop off your completed vote-by-mail ballot at any polling place.

8. The right to get election materials in a language other than English.

9. The right to ask questions to elections offcials about election procedures.

10. The right to report any illegal or fraudulent election activity: Online: www.sos.ca.gov By phone: (800) 345-VOTE (8683) By email: [email protected]

If you believe any of these rights have been violated, please call the Secretary of State’s confidential toll-free hotline (800) 345-VOTE (8683)

2 Table of Contents

CONTENT PAGE

14 - Authorizes Bonds Continuing Stem Cell Research ...... 5

15 - Increases Funding Sources for Public Schools, Community Colleges, and Local ...... 5 Government Services

16 - Allows Diversity as a Factor in Public Employment, Education, and Contracting ...... 6 Decisions

17 - Restores Right to Vote After Completion of Prison Term ...... 6

18 - Permit 17-Year-Olds to Vote in Primary and Special Elections If They Will Turn 18 ...... 7 by the Next General Election

19 - Changes Certain Property Tax Rules ...... 7

20 - Restricts Parole for Certain Offenses Considered Non-Violent. Authorizes Felony ...... 8 Sentences for Certain Offenses Treated as Misdemeanors

21 - Expands Local Governments’ Authority to Enact Rent Control on ...... 8 Residential Property

22 - Exempts App-Based Transportation and Delivery Companies From Providing ...... 9 Employee Benefts to Certain Drivers

23 - Establishes State Requirements for Kidney Dialysis Clinics. Requires On-Site ...... 9 Medical Professional

24 - Amends Consumer Privacy Laws ...... 10

25 - Referendum on Law That Replaced Money Bail With System Based on Public ...... 10 Safety and Flight Risk

Democratic Party Presidential Candidate ...... 11

Republican Party Presidential Candidate ...... 12

3 Table of Contents

CONTENT PAGE

District 9 Representative Candidates ...... 13

District 10 Representative Candidates ...... 14

District 16 Representative Candidates ...... 15

District 21 Representative Candidates ...... 16

District 22 Representative Candidates ...... 17

District 5 Senate Candidates ...... 18

District 12 Assembly Candidates ...... 19

District 13 Assembly Candidates ...... 20

Turlock City Election ...... 21

4 Propositions 14 & 15

Proposition 14: Authorizes bonds to continue funding stem cell and other medical research.

YES: Would authorize the state to sell $5.5 billion in general obligation bonds for stem cell research and other medical research, as well as fund medical training, research facility construction, and administrative costs. State will be required to pledge to use all available resources, including tax revenues, to repay bondholders. The cost for the state to repay the bonds acquired estimates at $260 Million annually over the next thirty years.

NO: Would not authorize the state to sell $5.5 Billion in general obligation bonds for the funding of stem cell research, which would cost $260 million annually over the next thirty years to repay. The state would be required to seek other methods of funding in order to fund the research.

Proposition 15: Increases funding for public schools, community colleges, and local government services by changing tax assessment of commercial and indus- trial property.

YES: If passed, home owners won’t change but commercial properties will have to pay more, and large companies will be paying for schools and local government. They would be paying the most to fund schools, cities, and governments.

NO: Those opposed believe it is one of the largest taxes increase, and while it cuts tax on small businesses, it increases heavily on larger industries, raising their property taxes based on their current market value. If voted no, property taxes will remain the same.

5 Propositions 16 & 17

Proposition 16: Would fully repeal Proposition 209 which currently prohibits against affirmative action, which has been illegal since 1996. Works to increase diversity in business, higher education, and government and is meant to provide more opportunities for all.

YES: Reinstatement of affirmative action, taking into account all parts (race, gender, ethnicity) of a person’s identity. Supporters say it will encourage more diversity in the work place, in government offices, and in higher education. A yes vote will work to fight the uneven acceptance rates between those who are Black, Latinx, and Native American and those who are white and Asian American.

NO: Those opposed to this measure believe that saying America is systematically racist “fuels racial division and paranoia. Supporters also say that this proposition does not promote inclusion, but prejudice, as it will cause even more discrimination as people will only get awarded jobs, positions, and school admittance because of their race and not their qualifications.

Proposition 17: Restores right to vote to prisoners after completion of prison term. Would also let parolees run for office so long as they’re both registered to vote and haven’t been convicted of perjury or bribery.

YES: A yes vote encourages civic engagement, which supporters believe is a crucial part of reintegrating inmates back into society. Down the road, they believe it will prevent parolees from committing other crimes while also fighting the stigma surrounding those who have served.

NO: A no vote will keep things as they are, taking the vote away from parolees. The opposition believes that “voting is a right that offenders should receive once they demonstrate they have been rehabilitated, not before.”

6 Propositions 18 & 19

Proposition 18: Would authorize a U.S citizen, who is 17 years of age, is a resident of the state, and will be at least 18 years of age at the time of the next general election, to vote in any primary or special election that occurs before the next general election in which the citizen would be eligible to vote if at least 18 years of age. YES: A yes vote would allow first-time eligible 17-year-olds who will become 18 years old by the next general election to vote in the primary election and any other special elections following the general election. Emphasizes the importance of youth civic engagement in our country’s elections. Supporters include California Association of Student Councils, Gov. Gavin Newsom and Secretary of State , California League of Conservation Voters, and California School Board Associa- tion.

NO: Voting no means no one who is younger than 18 years of age should be allowed to vote in any elections. Opponents say 17-year-olds are not fully developed by this age, which is why they are not able to make legal contracts and still need their parent’s permission to participate in certain activities. Opposers also say that individuals under 18 have no real world experience with paying bills, renting, purchasing a home, or maintaining a job to be making decisions regarding those issues. It is also claimed that a vote could potentially be influenced by teachers or school positions on issues, and. Supporters include Election Integrity Project California and Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.

Proposition 19: An amendment that would change certain property tax rules.

YES: A vote yes would mean that senior homeowners (over 55), disabled individuals, and natural disaster victims would be able to keep a lower property tax rate when they buy a new home. Prop 19 would also grant eligible homeowners more freedom to move without relinquishing tax benefits and removes tax benefits for those who inherit properties that do not serve as a primary residence. Any revenue that is created by this proposition will be allocated to wildfire agencies and local governments.

NO: A no vote would mean that when the homeowners decide or are forced to sell or move out of their house and buy a new one, they would not be allowed to keep their lower property tax from the previous property.

7 Propositions 20 & 21

Proposition 20: Restricts parole for non-violent offenders and would authorize felony sentences for certain offenses currently treated only as misdemeanors.

YES: Expands the number of offences that can be classified as felonies and adds to the list of of- fences that require felons to have their DNA samples collected. Creates a list of considerations that must be utilized to decide the suitability of parole for an inmate, such as attitudes about crime, mental condition, and input from victims, while also giving probation departments more power to revoke the post-release supervision of a felon with multiple parole violations. Is expected to in- crease inmate population numbers, which in turn would lead to rising costs of up to “tens of mil- lions of dollars annually.”

NO: The arguments against this proposition point to the strengthening sentencing laws as revert- ing back to stricter sentencing laws that “failed” to respond to other high crime periods and that this would restrict existing programs that aim to reduce crime through rehabilitation and mental health. Voting against this proposition would leave the current criminal justice policies in place.

Proposition 21: Expands local governments’ authority to enact rent control on residential property.

YES: Allows local governments to limit rent increases on residential properties that are over 15 years old and sets the cap for rent increases for recently vacated homes at 15% for up to 3 years after the property was vacated by the previous tenant, as a way to protect tenants from high, un- affordable rent increases. Local governments will be given the ability to restrict the amount of rent that property owners demand. There is an exemption for those who own no more than two residen- tial properties; therefore, these new rent control policies would only affect those who own more than 2 residential properties.

NO: A no vote maintains the current rent policies in place. Voting against this proposition ensures that the current version of the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act remains in place. Under the act, local governments cannot enact rent control on properties that were first occupied after February 1, 1995 and single-family homes. Also, under this legislation, property owners were able to raise rent to match current market values when a tenant vacates one of their properties.

8 Propositions 22 & 23

Proposition 22: Exempts app-based transportation and delivery companies from providing employee benefits to certain drivers.

YES: Voting yes allows app-based rideshare and delivery companies to hire their drivers as independent contractors. Drivers have the ability to work based on their own schedule wherever and wherever for as long as they want. Working as an independent contractor would not offer drivers standard benefits or protections that normal businesses are required to provide for its employees. The prop is said to save delivery services and thousands of jobs, provide guaranteed earrings, and strengthens the safety of the public. It is supported by Uber, Lyft, Instacart, Doordash, California Chamber of Commerce, California Police Chiefs Association, and California NAACP.

NO: Voting no means app-based rideshare and delivery companies would be required to hire its drivers as employees if a recent state law was to be stated by the courts justifying that drivers are employees. As a result the drivers would be given specifics on when, where, and how long to work for and be given regular employee benefits including sick leave, healthcare, and unemployment. Voting no would stop delivery app companies from excluding themselves and profiting from California Law. Supporters include The Democratic presidential ticket, Service Employees International Union, California Teachers Association, and Gig Workers Rising.

Proposition 23: Authorizes state regulation of kidney dialysis clinics and estab- lishes minimum staffing and other requirements. If passed, it but opponents say it is unnecessary and that it will only increase costs for clinics.

YES: Would require at least one physician to be present during all operating hours so there would be someone to report any infections to the state. Operators will be required to get approval from the state’s health department before closing a clinic. Prop also prohibits clinics from discriminating patients based on their insurance type. Supporters such as Service Employees International Union United Health Care Workers, California Labor Federation, and the California Democratic Party say that it would help with patient safety.

NO: Opponents such as DaVita, Fresenius Medical Care, California Medical Association, California State Conference, and the NAACP say it is unnecessary to have physicians to be present during operations. Prop will increase costs for clinics and force many dialysis clinics to shut down with having to physicians who must be present at all times. 9 Propositions 24 & 25

Proposition 24: Amends consumer privacy laws.

YES: Allows for enforcements on your ability to limit a business’ use of your private information such as location, health, race, and religion and prohibiting them from keeping the information for longer than required in California. This proposition also allows for fines on companies for violating children’s privacy rights in an attempt to control those violations. This proposition would also create a new state agency to enforce and investigate privacy violations.

NO: Opponents argue that the current law has not been in place long enough to properly assess the need for amendments and doing so could damage existing regulations. It also argued as a risk to consumers as it makes it more difficult for consumers to know what information is being collected and leaves room for charges to the consumer when information is needed by the company. Concerns are raised by the lack of backing by privacy advocates including criticism by the Internet Association and California Chamber of Commerce.

Proposition 25: Referendum to overturn a 2018 law that replaced money bail system with a system based on public safety risk.

YES: This referendum is meant to change the California bail system removing the option of bail before trial, instead releasing people based on assessed risk of repeat offending or not attending court. This is designed to end the money bail system which allows for those with a higher income more options after arrest than those with lower incomes. This would result in the maintaining of the 2018 law replacing money bail.

NO: Opponents to this law argue that instead of repairing a flawed system, it simply replaces one discriminatory system with another based on how the courts define “risk”.The bail industry also argues against the removal of the option of bail entirely as a functioning and wide spread system and industry.

10 Democratic Party Presidential Candidate

Joe Biden Age: 77 Birthplace: Scranton, Pennsylvania Campaign Slogan: Build Back Better Campaign email: [email protected] Website: www.JoeBiden.com Facebook: Joe Biden : @JoeBiden Instagram: @JoeBiden Education: University of Delaware (BA), Syracuse University (JD) Experience: 36 years as US Senator, 8 years as US Vice President

Why he is running: Biden’s campaign is running on the agenda of establishing racial equity, reforming the criminal justice system, addressing environmental issues like climate change, increasing taxes among the nation’s most wealthy, and implementing modernized immigration reform.

Vice President: Age: 56 Birthplace: Oakland, California Facebook: Kamala Harris Twitter: @KamalaHarris Instagram: @KamalaHarris Education: Howard University (BA); University of California, Hastings (JD) Experience: California Attorney General for 6 years, US Senator for past 3 years

11 Republican Party Presidential Candidate

Donald J. Trump Age: 74 Birthplace: Queens, New York City, New York Campaign Slogan: Keep America Great Campaign email: [email protected] Website: www.DonaldJTrump.com Facebook: Donald J. Trump Twitter: @realDonaldTrump Instagram: @realDonaldTrump Education: Fordham University, Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania (BA) Experience: US President since 2017, No previous political experience

Why he is running: Trump’s campaign is running on the agenda of enforcing the law and protecting law enforcement officers, rebuilding the economy through overseas trade deals, strengthening the military, repealing and replacing Obamacare, and protecting American government from adopting socialist policies.

Vice President: Mike Pence Age: 61 Birthplace: Columbus, Indiana Facebook: Mike Pence Twitter: @Mike_Pence Instagram: @MikePence Education: Hanover College (BA), Indiana University (JD) Experience: 12 years as US Representative, Former Indiana Governor, US Vice President since 2017 12 District 9 Representative Candidates

Democratic: Jerry McNerney (Incumbent) Age: 69 Birthplace: Albuquerque, New Mexico Campaign Email: [email protected] Website: JerryMcNerney.org Facebook: Jerry McNerney Twitter: @JerryMcNerney Education: United States Military Academy, University of New Mexico (BA, MS, Ph.D) Experience: US Representative for District 11 for 6 years, US Representative for District 9 for past 7 years Why he is running: McNerney’s campaign is running on the agenda of securing medical resources to combat diseases like COVID-19, providing economic relief to those affected by the pandemic, expanding internet access for all individuals, providing resources for veterans, and securing sustainable water for future Californians.

Republican: Antonio “Tony” Amador Age: 77 Birthplace: Murray, Utah Campaign Email: [email protected] Website: AmadorForCongress.net Facebook: Tony Amador for Congress Education: University of the Pacific (JD) Experience: Served with the Police Department for 13 years, United States Marshal for the Eastern District of California for 7 years, Vice-Chairman of the US Merit Systems Protection Board under President George H. Bush Why he is running: Amador’s campaign is running on the agenda of being against increased and new taxes, investing in local businesses, protecting religious freedom and pro-life beliefs, increasing water storage, enforcing strict immigration policy, supporting tough foreign policy, and protecting the region’s veterans.

13 District 10 Representative Candidates

Democratic: (Incumbent) Age: 34 Birthplace: Turlock, California Campaign Email: [email protected] Website: HarderForCongress.com Facebook: Josh Harder Twitter: @JoshHarder Instagram: @ReJoshHarder Education: Stanford University (BA), Harvard University (MBA, MPP) Experience: Agriculture Committee Member, US Representative since 2018 Why he is running: Harder’s campaign is running on the agenda of protecting access to health care, creating good-paying jobs, reforming the immigration system, and securing and growing the Valley’s water supply.

Republican: Ted Howze Age: 53 Birthplace: Blythe, California Campaign Email: [email protected] Website: TedHowze.com Facebook: Ted Howze for Congress Twitter: @Ted_Howze Instagram: @TedHowze Education: University of California at Davis (BA) Experience: Turlock City Council Member, Turlock Planning Commissioner, Turlock Vice-Mayor, Turlock Budget Committee Leader, and Stanislaus County of Governments Representative Why he is running: Howze’s campaign is running on the agenda of pushing for affordable housing and cost of living, protecting water for farmers, reforming immigration, and putting patients first in healthcare.

14 District 16 Representative Candidates

Democratic: (Incumbent) Age: 68 Birthplace: Fresno, California Campaign Contact: www.jimcosta.com/contact Website: JimCosta.com Facebook: Costa for Congress Twitter: @RepJimCosta Instagram: @RepJimCosta Education: California State University, Fresno (BA) Experience: California Assembly member for 16 years, California Senator for 8 years, US Representative for past 15 years. Why he is running: Costa’s campaign is running on the agenda of building more water storage, protecting Dreamers and keeping families together, expanding healthcare, improving infrastructure, and funding education.

Republican: Kevin Cookingham Age: 68 Birthplace: Fresno, California Campaign Email: [email protected] Website: CookinghamForCongress.com Facebook: Cookingham For Congress Twitter: @KevCookingham Instagram: @KevinCookingham Education: California State University, Fresno (BA, MS) Experience: Served 25 years as a counselor, educator and principal at Clovis Unified School District, Board Member for Hume Lake Christian Camps Why he is running: Cookingham’s campaign is running on the agenda of fighting against politically biased education, focusing on employment preparedness and job creation, investing in proper health care, creating more water storage, reforming taxes, protecting the unborn, and pushing for immigration reform.

15 District 21 Representative Candidates

Democratic: TJ Cox (Incumbent) Age: 57 Birthplace: Walnut Creek, California Campaign Email: [email protected] Website: TJCoxForCongress.com Facebook: TJ Cox Twitter: @TJCoxCongress Instagram: @TJCoxCongress Education: University of Nevada (BA), Southern Methodist University (MBA) Experience: Creator of the Central Valley Fund, US Representative for past 2 years Why he is running: Cox’s campaign is running on the agenda of ensuring everyone has access to affordable health care, reforming immigration and protecting Dreamers, protecting social security and other benefits for seniors, and creating reliable water sources and water storage.

Republican: Age: 43 Birthplace: Hanford, California Campaign Contact: [email protected] Website: ValadaoForCongress.com Facebook: David Valadao Twitter: @DGValadao Instagram: @DGValadao Education: College of the Sequoias Experience: Former California Assembly member, Former US Representative for 4 years Why he is running: Valadao’s campaign is running on the agenda of ensuring Valley farmers have appropriate resources to remain competitive in the agricultural industry, protecting the water supply in the region, supporting veterans and seniors, providing affordable health care to allAmeri - cans, fixing the broken immigration system, and balance government spending.

16 District 22 Representative Candidates

Democratic: Phil Arballo Age: 41 Birthplace: Fresno, California Campaign Email: [email protected] Website: PhilArballo.com Facebook: Phil Arballo for Congress Twitter: @PhilArballo2020 Instagram: @PhilArballo2020 Education: California State University, Fresno Experience: Served at the Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, chairman of Fresno’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Why he is running: Arballo’s campaign is running on the agenda of creating more Valley jobs, pushing for more fair trade deals to benefit the local economy, providing all Americans with affordable health care, lowering the prices of prescriptions, finding a reasonable pathway towards citizenship for immigrants and DACA recipients, building better water infrastructure, and investing in education and science.

Republican: (Incumbent) Age: 47 Birthplace: Tulare, California Campaign Contact: devinnunes.com/contact Website: DevinNunes.com Facebook: Devin Nunes Twitter: @DevinNunes Instagram: @RealDevinNunes Education: College of the Sequoias (AA), California Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo (BS, MS) Experience: Former Director of the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development, Former Chair of US House Intelligence Committee, Current Ranking Member of the House Perma- nent Committee on Intelligence, US Representative for past 17 years Why he is running: Nunes’ campaign is running on the agenda of strengthening the nation’s secu- rity against terrorists and foreign threats, reducing the size and scope of the federal government, continuing to lower taxes and simplify the tax code, implementing free-market healthcare reforms that improve outcomes and increase patient choice, and ending the San Joaquin Valley’s man-made drought. 17 District 5 Senate Candidates

Democratic: Susan Talamantes Eggman Age: 59 Birthplace: Castro Valley, California Campaign Address: PO Box 4587 Stockton, CA 95204 Campaign Email: [email protected] Website: SusanEggman.com Facebook: EggmanForStateSenate Twitter: @SusanEggman Instagram: @EggmanForSenate Education: California State University, Stanislaus (BS); Portland State University (PhD) Experience: 6 years as City Council Member for Stockton, Assembly member for California’s 13th District for the past 8 years Why she is running: Eggman is running on the agenda to fight for the valley, stand up for working families, protect the community, serve our veterans, protect the environment, get access to higher education, strengthen the economy, and achieve quality, affordable healthcare in the Central Valley.

Republican: Jim Ridenour Age: 79 Birthplace: Modesto, California Campaign Address: 3612 Glencrest Dr. Modesto, CA 95355 Campaign Email: [email protected] Website: JimRidenourForSenate.com Facebook: JimRidenourForSenate Education: Modesto Junior College Experience: Mayor of Modesto for 9 years, Law Enforcement Contractor Why he is running: Ridenour is running on the agenda of defeating coronavirus, bringing jobs back, opening schools, taxes and affordability, agriculture, public safety, and budget spending.

18 District 12 Assembly Candidates

Democratic: Paul Akinjo, Councilmember Age: 66 Birthplace: Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria Campaign Address: 960 Waterman Ave Lathrop, CA 95330 Campaign Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.PaulAkinjo.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/12CAD/ Twitter: @PabloCruz1 Instagram: @PaulAkinjoForAssembly Education: Laney College Oakland, San Francisco State University Experience: City of Lathrop Councilmember Why he is running: Akinjo is running on the agenda of combatting homelessness, protecting water for farmers, improving public transportation, and fighting for immigrants

Republican: Heath Flora Age: 37 Birthplace: Stanislaus County, California Campaign Address: PO Box 1027 Ripon, CA 95366 Campaign Email: [email protected] Website: www.HeathFlora.com Facebook: HeathFloraCA Education: Unknown Experience: California State Assembly member for District 12 since 2016, Firefighter Why he is running: Flora is running on the agenda of fighting for the water, growing the economy, pushing for school funding, ensuring public safety, cutting waste and corruption, keeping taxes down, increasing transparency in state government, and fighting for the veterans.

19 District 13 Assembly Candidates

Democratic: Kathy Miller Age: 63 Birthplace: Los Angeles, California Campaign Address: 6507 Pacific Ave #285 Stockton, CA 95207 Campaign Email: [email protected] Website: ElectKathyMiller.com Facebook: KathyforAD13 Twitter: @KathyMillerAS13 Education: Unknown Experience: 4 years on the Stockton City Council, current member of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors since 2015 Why she is running: Miller is running on the agenda of investing in healthcare and defeating COVID-19, improving educational outcomes, affordable housing and homelessness prevention, clean water and delta protection, and fiscal leadership and accountability.

Democratic: Carlos Villapudua Age: Unknown Birthplace: Stockton, California Campaign Address: PO Box 1282 Stockton, CA 95201 Campaign Email: [email protected] Website: www.carlos2020.com Facebook: CarlosForAD13 Twitter: @CarlosforAD13 Instagram: @CarlosForAD13 Education: California State University, Sacramento (BSW) Experience: 8 years on the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors, recently served as CEO of the San Joaquin County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Why he is running: Villapudua is running on the agenda of finding solutions for homelessness, ensuring the gas tax is used appropriately for roads, supporting vocational education and tax-free school supplies, PG&E, and supporting for veterans.

20 Turlock City Elections

City Council Races

District 2 Candidates:

Gil Esquer Email: [email protected]

Rebecka Monez Email: [email protected]

Ruben T. Wegner Email: [email protected]

District 4 Candidates:

Robert N. Puffer Email: [email protected]

Pam Franco Email: [email protected]

Treasury Race

City Treasury Candidates

Matt Beekman Email: [email protected]

Diana Lewis Email: [email protected]

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