What a Historical Surge in Voter Turnout Means for California
November 5, 2020
by Maria S. Salinas
As I reflect on election week, while there is still uncertainty, I am proud to be an American with the right to have my voice heard. As a nation, we have seen a historical surge in voter turnout. The nation is on track to surpass 150 million votes for the first time. No matter how you voted, you have made your own voices heard which supports a strong democracy.
During this pandemic, people's health, workers' health, job retention, the economy and economic recovery are all front and center for the Chamber to ensure we are delivering on our vision and mission. We commend the over 12 million California voters who showed up for our states own record turnout in the historic 2020 election and are proud that our values aligned with the electorate who prioritized the economy as critical for our state’s recovery from the effects of the devasting pandemic.
Here’s an update to some of the highly competitive propositions and measures on the California ballot:
Clearly voters realized the current recession was the wrong time to increase taxes with Proposition 15 which would have imposed a devasting cost to small, women and, minority-owned businesses already struggling to survive and stay open during the current pandemic. Voters also rejected Proposition 21 which would have provided a major disincentive to addressing the housing shortage and building affordable housing.
Additionally, we applaud voters who supported the school district by approving Measure RR which provides $7 billion for building, repairing and modernizing local public schools and creates a great place for learning while also creating jobs for local residents.
However, there is still work to be done. California’s economy is struggling and many of our region’s ills, such as housing and homelessness, racism and inequality that have been brought front and center can no longer be ignored. We look forward to working with our public officials, both veteran and newly elected. We will continue to champion public policy that champions innovation and job creation which and promoting equal access and educational opportunities for all.
We will continue to patiently await the conclusion of the counting.
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