Vote!

Dear Friends,

It’s time to Vote!

Fortunately, in California, state officials have made it easy and safe to vote during a pandemic by sending vote-by-mail ballots to all registered voters.  As soon as you receive it, here are some tips for making sure that your voice is heard.

MAKE A PLAN TO VOTE:

• Confirm your registration status. You can check your voter status here.
• If you need to update your address or register to vote, you need to do so by October 19 (online or postmarked), or on election day (November 3). We recommend you make these changes by October 19! All information, with translations in multiple languages, about registering to vote can be found here.
• If you choose to vote early, BEFORE November 3, you can:
  
• Mail in your ballot. As long as your ballot is postmarked by November 3, your vote will count. Make sure you read all instructions carefully and sign the envelop before dropping it in the mail.
• Drop off your ballot. You can drop off your ballot at drop boxes throughout CA. Specifically in Alameda County, you can search for your nearest Ballot Drop Box here. Outside Alameda County, you can search here.
• If you choose to vote on election day and you already have a ballot, you can fill out the ballot at home and drop it off at your polling station. If you don’t have a ballot yet, you can simply vote in person. Search here for your polling location.  Note that you can take paid time off to vote on election day!
• Track your Ballot. Once you vote, you can also track your ballot to ensure it has been counted!

EBALDC Endorsed Ballot Measures

While the national elections have been front and center, numerous state and local measures are also on the ballot. We urge you to read up on each one before you fill out your ballots. I’ve heard stories of voters filling out their ballots at the dining table with their children, demonstrating the importance of not just voting, but being informed voters. Indeed, how we vote today will affect generations down the line.

Yes on State Proposition 16

Proposition 16, seeks to repeal Proposition 209. Proposition 209 banned the use of affirmative action involving race-based or sex-based preferences in public employment, public education, and public contracting in California. EBALDC believes in giving everyone equal access to fair wages, good jobs, and quality education. Proposition 16 will expand opportunities in public contracting, employment, and education for millions of Californians by allowing the use of affirmative action to fight discrimination.

Yes on Alameda County Measure W

Measure W authorizes an additional .5% sales tax for ten (10) years to generate an estimated $150m million per year to support county services to protect our most vulnerable neighbors during our region’s most severe housing crisis since World War II. These services can include:

• Provide housing assistance
• Help people stay housed
• Provide mental health resources
• Support services for homeless veterans, seniors, and families
• Increase employment opportunities

As a community development corporation, EBALDC believes that housing is much more than a building and that the services that will be funded by income generated from Measure W are essential to addressing homelessness and building healthy, safe neighborhoods in Alameda County.

Regardless of how you vote, voting is a right we should not take it for granted. From local to national elections, your vote matters.

In community,

Joshua Simon

CEO