Voter Participation Act, Ballot Measure to Increase Local Democracy, Approved for November Election

SAN FRANCISCO — A civil rights ballot measure to maximize voter participation in local elections will head to the November election, after the Board of Supervisors voted in support on Tuesday.

“This measure is about making sure low income voters and communities of color have a greater voice in electing the most powerful positions in San Francisco,” said Supervisor Dean Preston. “It’s a common-sense policy that encourages local democracy and saves the city millions of dollars. It’s a no-brainer.”

The Mayor, Sheriff, District Attorney, City Attorney, and Treasurer, who are currently elected in odd years, would be elected during even years under Preston’s measure. Since 2011, even-year Presidential cycles have seen nearly twice as many voters cast their ballot than in odd-year local elections.

More than 55 cities in California have changed their odd-year to even-year election cycles over the past five years, including Los Angeles and most recently, San Jose. California Common Cause studied the cities that switched in recent years from off-cycle elections to even year elections and found that the change on average tripled voter participation in municipal elections.

“It is rare to find a single change that directly and unambiguously creates an immediate and significant improvement in voter turnout. It is almost impossible to find a single change that causes such drastic increases in turnout while simultaneously saving money. Consolidating local elections to even years is essentially a public policy unicorn,” said David O’Brien, Policy Analyst at RepresentUs, a good-government group supporting the measure.

In addition to RepresentUs, the measure is endorsed by California Common Cause and Asian-Americans Advancing Justice - Asian Law Caucus, all of which are non-partisan non-profit organizations.

“Research shows that in even years, turnout is more diverse and includes more voters who are working class, young, limited English proficient, and racial/ethnic minorities,” said Sietse Goffard, Senior Voting Rights Program Coordinator at Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Asian Law Caucus. “In odd-year elections, these communities often get left out. The Voter Participation Act would be a big step forward in building a more inclusive democracy in San Francisco.”

The consolidated election schedule will also save the city money, according to an analysis released on June 28 by the City Controller’s office. In total, the measure is projected to decrease the cost of government by approximately $6.9 million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 and in subsequent odd-numbered years.

A poll taken on the measure in early June shows overwhelming support. Or voters likely to cast their ballot in November, 74% said they would vote yes after hearing information on the proposal.

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