NBOP Voter Guide
Read NBOP’s nonpartisan 2026 Voter Guide for information and recommendations on California propositions and local measures that may affect the New American Majority — including young people, people of color, single women, and LGBTQIA+ communities.
The North Bay Organizing Project is a nonpartisan organization. We do not endorse or oppose any candidate or political party.
Click the button below to visit the California Secretary of State’s official list and descriptions of statewide ballot measures.
Click the links below to read about each Proposition in the 2026 general elections, and NBOP's stance:
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Proposition 3: Permanent Funding for Public Schools and Community Colleges
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Proposition 5: Changes to California’s Recall Election Process
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Proposition 43: Two-Thirds Vote Requirement for State and Local Taxes
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Proposition 44: Community Health Center Spending Requirements
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Proposition 45: Faster Review Process for Essential Public Works Projects
Click the links below to read about local Measures in the 2026 general elections, and NBOP's stance:
California Propositions
Proposition 1
Affordable Housing Bond
The passage of Proposition 1 will authorize the issuance of $11.25 billion in bonds to provide housing assistance and to renovate and construct housing for workers, students, veterans, indigenous Californians, and other income-eligible residents. It is a very large bond, required if any dent is to be made in the state’s severe under-supply of affordable housing. However, it will be repaid largely by the mortgage and rental payments generated by the properties that are subsidized (financially supported by the government). The measure will establish the Affordable Housing Bond Act Trust Fund (savings account), in which the proceeds will be retained and audited as they are spent.
NBOP Recommendation: YES
Proposition 2
California Rainy Day Fund Expansion
Proposition 2 is a legislative amendment to the California Constitution that would increase the cap from 10% to 20% on the Budget Stabilization Account (BSA) – California’s “rainy day fund.” It would also:
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increase deposits by counting capital gains over 10% at 150% of its value,
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extend the existing requirement that half of funds be used for debts and liabilities through the 2039-40 fiscal year (currently 2029-30),
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change the Gann Limit* to exclude BSA deposits, and
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broaden the way the CA governor can declare a state of emergency.
This fund is tax revenue that the state sets aside in case of emergency – the only time it’s been used since its 2004 creation was during the COVID pandemic to minimize CA’s economic hardship. The account has historically had widespread voter support and is a fallback for unexpected hardships, bad budget years, and so on. Given the current economic and political climate, it would be valuable to have a larger pool of funds to draw from in case of an emergency.
NBOP Recommendation: YES
*a constitutional spending cap on state and local government appropriations in California; it was established in 1979 by Proposition 4
Proposition 3
Permanent Funding for Public Schools
and Community Colleges
Proposition 3 would make permanent the existing tax rates on higher-income Californians, which are scheduled to expire in 2031. The rates apply to income above specified thresholds:
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Single filers earning $361,000 or more per year
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Joint filers earning $731,000 or more per year adjusted annually for inflation.
Of the resulting revenue, 89% goes to K–12 public schools and 11% to community colleges. Making the funding permanent would provide a continuing source of revenue for public education.
NBOP Recommendation: YES
Proposition 4
Public Financing of Election Campaigns
Proposition 4 is a legislatively referred state statute that would repeal the ban on public financing of campaigns, enacted in 1988, and allow the state and local governments to create programs that provide candidates with public funds under spending limits and eligibility rules. The measure would require the state and local governments to develop expenditure limits and criteria for candidates to qualify for public funds for election campaigns. It would prohibit the use of public funds for legal defense fees, fines, or to repay a personal loan to their campaign.
The measure is endorsed by the League of Women Voters of California, ACLU of California, California Common Cause, End Citizens United, and others as a way to lessen the power of big money in elections, expand opportunities for more people to run for office, and enable candidates not to be so beholden to donor interests.
A "no" vote supports the ban on using public funds for election campaigns, with the existing exception for charter cities. The measure is opposed by the California Taxpayers Association and Reform California.
NBOP Recommendation: YES
Proposition 5
Changes to California’s Recall Election Process
Proposition 5 would end the requirement that any recall of an elected official in California be held simultaneously with an election for a successor to the office, should the vote favor a recall. Instead, a successful recall election would simply result in a vacancy, which would be filled under existing procedures for that office. Whether or not the proposition would encourage or discourage recalls is a matter of speculation. It would, however, lead to a more manageable electoral process and end the potential for an election won by a very small plurality, as was possible in the recall of Gov. Gray Davis in 2003, when 135 candidates qualified for the election to succeed him.
NBOP Recommendation: YES
Proposition 37
Middle-Class Homeownership Bond
Proposition 37 proposes a $25 billion bond to provide middle-class California residents a fixed-rate mortgage for either the purchase or construction of a new home. This proposition has several conditions that buyers must fulfill to qualify for the program: participants need to make less than 200% of their living area’s median income, have lived in California for at least one year, have the intent to make the new home a primary residence, and provide a down payment no less than 3% of the purchase price. The home must also cost below ~$1.5 million. The intention of the proposition is to increase the supply of middle-class housing.
NBOP Recommendation: YES
Proposition 38
Medical Research and Immunotherapy Bond
$8.4 billion in bonds will be used to finance medical research for immunotherapy and immunology. A bond revenue of $4.2 billion will be authorized for studies around Alzheimer's, cancer, and heart disease. If the proposition passes, the state of California would also have to make a deal with a nonprofit organization that focuses on immunotherapy and immunology, where that org would receive a portion of bond revenues. The rest of that bond revenue would be given to other research entities through grants.
NBOP Recommendation: YES
Proposition 39
Voter Identification Requirements
The freedom for adult citizens to vote is fundamental to a democracy. Currently, the California Constitution requires that voters be U.S. citizens. When registering to vote, proof of citizenship is not required. Individuals who become U.S. citizens less than 15 days before an election must bring proof of citizenship to their county elections office to register to vote in that election. An individual applying to register to vote must attest that they are a U.S. citizen under penalty of perjury.
The proposition would add a new section to the California Constitution to require government-issued identification to vote in person or the last four digits of a unique government-issued identification number with a mail-in ballot. The amendment would require the state to provide, upon request and at no charge, a voter ID card for use in casting a ballot. The initiative would also require the secretary of state and county election officials to maintain accurate voter registration lists, including verifying citizenship attestations and reporting the percentage of voter rolls that have been verified for citizenship.
This proposition is unnecessary, because the requirement to be a citizen is already in effect and enforceable. First-time voters who registered by mail are already required to show ID. In addition, long-term research has shown that voter impersonation is extremely low: less than 4 out of 100,000 votes.
The proposition would suppress voter participation, because photo IDs are not as common as many people think: 18% of all elderly citizens, 16% of Latino citizens, 25% of Black citizens and 15% of low-income citizens lack acceptable ID. This is so because it can be difficult to get such identification. The average cost of a birth certificate is $50, the equivalent of several hours of minimum wage work. In addition, citizens who change their names due to marriage or divorce, college and trade students, transgender people who legally change their name and those living in isolated rural areas would find it burdensome to obtain such paperwork. Qualifying to vote in a democracy must not be a burden!
The effect of this proposition is to kick American citizens off the voting rolls. This is voter suppression; it is wrong and violates the values of democracy.
Recommendation: NO
Proposition 40
Billionaire Wealth Tax
A one-time 5% wealth tax on Billionaires, to be used primarily to fund healthcare programs, public education, and food assistance services. Programs like Medi-Cal, CalFresh, etc., impacted by cuts to federal funding, would get some funds back to continue their work with communities, especially those who are low-income.
NBOP Recommendation: YES
Proposition 41
Restrictions on New Tax Measures
Its sponsors call this one the “Improving Transparency, Effectiveness and Efficiency in California Government Act.” It is nothing more than a scheme of the powerful to undermine efforts by the people to remedy our dire state of wealth inequality. It was conceived and is funded by a cartel of ultra-wealthy, mostly high-tech executives calling itself “Building a Better California.” The proposition requires extensive audits by the State Auditor before voters can even consider a new tax, frustrating any attempt to get the rich to pay their fair share.
NBOP Recommendation: NO
Proposition 42
Ban on New Taxes on Personal Wealth
The sponsors and financiers of Proposition 41, “Building a Better California,” and its allies bring this measure forward, too, as a fail-safe to prohibit implementation of the taxes resulting from the passage of Proposition 40. Proposition 41 contains a “supremacy” cause and would take effect should Proposition 42 receive fewer votes. If Proposition 42 receives more votes in the affirmative, it will prevail, except if it is ruled invalid through legal action. If that happens, Proposition 41 would then prevail. Either way, taxes under Proposition 40 would be invalidated. Should Proposition 42 prevail (and survive legal challenges), no new taxes on personal wealth could be imposed in California after January 1, 2026, except in the case of specified declared emergencies
NBOP Recommendation: NO
Proposition 43
Two-Thirds Vote Requirement for State and Local Taxes
Another scheme to obstruct people-driven efforts to fund a democratic society through equitable taxation. The proposition would restore constitutional requirements for a two-thirds majority vote for all state and local tax measures and restart strict enforcement of the stingy, discriminatory, and destructive impositions prescribed under Proposition 13 of 1978.
NBOP Recommendation: NO
Proposition 44
Community Health Center Spending Requirements
Proposition 44 would require nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and similar clinics to spend at least 90% of their annual revenue on expenses that advance their mission. These health centers receive federal funding to provide primary and preventive care in underserved communities. Santa Rosa Community Health and West County Health Centers are local examples.
The California Attorney General would determine which expenses count toward the 90% requirement and calculate each clinic’s spending rate annually. Clinics that do not meet the requirement could face financial penalties equal to the amount by which they fall below the 90% threshold. Supporters, led by Californians for Responsible Healthcare and sponsored by SEIU-UHW West, say the measure would ensure that more clinic funding is spent on patient care and mission-related programs.
Opponents include community health centers, healthcare organizations, community groups, physicians, and several labor organizations. They are concerned that the measure does not clearly state whether services such as transportation, translation, insurance assistance, and resource navigation would count as mission-related expenses.
A study commissioned by opponents found that 91% of clinics currently do not meet the proposed threshold and could face a combined $1.7 billion in penalties during the first year. Opponents warn that these penalties could lead clinics to reduce services or close locations. The measure could also limit clinics’ ability to build financial reserves for emergencies and major investments, such as opening new locations, buying medical equipment, or upgrading technology.
NBOP Recommendation: NO
Proposition 45
Faster Review Process for Essential Public Works Projects
Proposition 45 proposes to reduce the review process for “essential” public works projects, such as housing, clean energy, public transportation, education, and medical facilities. This initiative proposes creating a 30-day review rule. Under this new rule, oversight bodies would have 30 days to determine whether a project application is complete. If no decision is made within 30 days, the application will be considered complete, and the project can proceed. The intention of Proposition 45 is to speed up the process and seemingly limit delays.
NBOP Recommendation: NO
Measure AB
Sonoma County Junior College District General Obligation Bond
The district operates the Santa Rosa, Petaluma, and Roseland campuses of Santa Rosa Junior College and its public safety training center in Windsor and Shone Farm in Forestville.
The measure authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds up to a total of $830 million to cover the ongoing costs of maintenance and improvement of facilities and of the expansion, where determined, of the district’s educational facilities. Concerns about the massive debt authorized in this measure can be in large part assuaged knowing that all current outstanding bonds will be resolved before new bonds are sold. The measure authorizes a total permitted amount of debt that will be borrowed in much smaller increments over time, with all repayment concluded by 2059. Repayment of the bonds will be made through proceeds from a levy of $25. per $100,000 of assessed evaluation of parcels of land throughout the district. This levy is currently in place to cover earlier bonds, thus no increase will result.
Judicious oversight and audits under the measure will preclude misappropriation and other potential misuse of public funds. Passage requires that 55% of the votes be in favor.
NBOP Recommendation: YES
Measure H
Sonoma County Parks Sales Tax Renewal
Measure H would continue the county-wide one-eighth-of-a-cent sales tax beyond 2029 called for by Measure M, which was passed by voters in 2018. At one-eighth of a cent, the tax amounts to approximately 3 cents on a $25 purchase and 12 cents on a $100 purchase.
The purpose of the sales tax is to maintain and improve the regional and city parks throughout Sonoma County. In addition to park maintenance, the $15 million raised each year has been used to build new trails, renovate parks and recreation facilities, restore habitat, reduce wildfire risks, and improve access to the outdoors. The funding also helps local agencies secure grants that require matching funds, increasing the impact of local investments.
Two-thirds of the revenue supports Sonoma County Regional Parks, while one-third goes to the county’s nine cities based on population. Like the current measure, the renewal includes independent citizen oversight, annual public reporting on expenditures, and a requirement that revenue be spent only on eligible regional and city park purposes identified in the expenditure plan. If approved by two-thirds of voters, the measure would NOT increase the current sales tax NOR create an additional tax and would take effect when the current tax expires in 2029. Passage ⅔ of the votes in favor of the measure.
NBOP Recommendation: YES
Measure L
City of Santa Rosa Sales Tax
Measure L would increase Santa Rosa’s existing 0.5-cent city sales tax to one cent, bringing the total sales tax rate to 10.5%. The tax would have no expiration date and is expected to raise about $46 million each year.
The City says the measure is needed to address a projected $23.3 million long-term budget deficit. Santa Rosa has already cut $25 million in spending and eliminated 82 positions. Supporters say the additional revenue would help protect essential services, including fire and emergency response, public safety, street repairs, and homeless services.
Opponents are concerned that sales taxes place a greater burden on low- and middle-income households, who spend a larger share of their income on taxable goods. They also point out that the measure has no expiration date and does not dedicate funding to priorities such as affordable housing or mental health services. Because much of the City’s General Fund already supports police and fire services, opponents argue that Santa Rosa should pursue more equitable sources of long-term revenue rather than increasing the sales tax.
NBOP Recommendation: NO
Measure N
Schell-Vista Fire Protection District
Appropriations Limit
The Schell-Vista Fire Protection District operates a firehouse at the intersection of highways 12 & 121 in Schellville and serves the far southeastern sector of Sonoma County, from the bay shoreline to the city limits of Sonoma. Passage requires a simple majority (50% plus one) of the votes.
NBOP Recommendation: YES
NBOP is not making a recommendation on the following measures
Measure E
Waugh School District General Obligation Bond
Waugh School District operates Meadow and Corona Creek elementary schools in northeastern Petaluma. This measure will authorize bonds of up to $16 million, repaid through levies of $30 per $100,000 of assessed valuation on land parcels within the district. Passage requires 55% of the votes be in favor.
Measure J
Windsor Unified School District General
Obligation Bond
The Windsor Unified School District includes Mattie Washburn (preschool through second grades) and Brooks (third through fifth grades) elementary schools, Windsor Middle School (sixth through eighth grades), Windsor High School, Cali Calmécac Language Academy (preschool through eighth grades), Sonoma County Virtual Academy (sixth through 12th grades), and two preschool programs. This measure seeks authorization of $96 million in general obligation bonds repaid through levies of $46. Per $100,000 of assessed evaluation. Passage requires 55% of the votes be in favor.
Measure O
Old Adobe Union School District General
Obligation Bond
Old Adobe Union School District operates Bright Futures Preschool, Loma Vista Immersion Academy, Miwok Valley, Old Adobe and River Montessori elementary charter schools, and La Tercera and Sonoma Mountain elementary schools. The district occupies much of east Petaluma and surrounding unincorporated areas. This measure seeks authorization for $48 million in general obligation bonds, repaid by a levy of $25 per $100,000 of assessed valuation.
Measure D
Coast Life Support District Parcel Tax
The Coast Life Support District, based in Gualala, provides ambulance services, emergency & first aid education programs, other public health programs, and supports emergency medical care at Redwood Coast Medical Services, the local non-profit health clinic in Gualala,. The district provides services along a coastal stretch between Irish Beach in Mendocino County in the north and southward to Fort Ross in Sonoma County. The tax to be authorized will be levied at a rate of $101 per deeded unit of land. Passage requires ⅔ of the votes in favor of the measure.
Measure G
West Sonoma County Union High School District Parcel Tax
The West Sonoma County Union High School District operates Analy High School and the West County Consortium (which provides special education services) in Sebastopol and Laguna High School and the Academy of Innovative Arts in Forestville. It constitutes the merged district that resulted after the closure of El Molino High School in Forestville. This measure would authorize the renewal, for eight years, of an existing tax of $79 per parcel of land within the district. Exemptions include seniors. Passage requires ⅔ of the votes in favor of the measure.
Measure M
Harmony Union School District Parcel Tax
Harmony Union School District includes Harmony Elementary School (preschool through first grades) and Salmon Creek Charter School (third through eighth grades) on a shared campus in Occidental, and a campus of the Pathways Charter School in Rohnert Park charted under the jurisdiction of the district. The measure would authorize, for four years, the assessment of $75 per parcel per year, with property owners of 65-years or older exempted. Passage requires ⅔ of the votes in favor of the measure
Measure I
Town of Windsor Sales Tax
The measure seeks authorization for an additional one percent (1%) sales tax (a penny per dollar) to support municipal services in the town of Windsor. The tax would bring the total sales tax in Windsor to 10.25%. Passage requires a simple majority (50% plus one) of votes in favor.
Measure K
City of Rohnert Park Sales Tax
Measure K will set up a sales tax of half a cent (0.5%) in the city which could result in at least 5.5 million dollars yearly and will be directed into Rohnert Park’s General Fund. The money would be used for emergency services, street repairs, drinking water protections, public safety, and other local maintenance services. Passage requires a simple majority (50% plus one) of votes in favor.