This upcoming election is like no other, and I urge you to use your voice and reclaim your power by voting. Not only are the stakes high nationally, but in California, we are also voting on important issues such as affirmative action, rent control, and justice reform with a total of 13 propositions on the ballot this election.
One of those initiatives, Proposition 16, aims to repeal Proposition 209, which effectively ended affirmative action in California. The Los Angeles Urban League supports a YES vote on Prop 16 to restore the tools we need to properly combat generations of systemic racism and gender discrimination in public employment, education, and contracting. Affirmative action is a necessary tool for California to create a state that better reflects our ideals of equal opportunity and inclusion. We join a broad coalition of Prop 16 supporters, including Sen. and vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris, Gov. Gavin Newsom, and Chambers of Commerce across the state.
The Los Angeles Urban League supports YES votes on propositions 16, 17, 18, 21, and 25, and a NO vote on Proposition 20. Additional information is available on our Los Angeles Urban League Voting Guide. For more information on all the propositions on this year’s ballot, download the California Voter Guide.
Too many people have fought and died to secure your right to vote. You must honor those who have come before us and exercise this precious right.
The last day to vote in this election is Tuesday, November 3. If you have not done so, register to vote by October 19 and submit your mail-in ballot before November 3. If you prefer to vote in person, early voting centers will open October 24, and additional voting centers will open by October 30. Find your nearest polling station here.
We must use our power and vote in this election. If you are frustrated with the current state of affairs, do not be deterred. Do not let the poison of cynicism lead you to believe that your vote does not matter or that choosing not to vote is some form of protest against a system that you cannot change. Too many people have fought and died to secure your right to vote. You must honor those who have come before us and exercise this precious right. You cannot win if you don’t play, and we will never win if you don’t vote.
Go to your nearest polling station and cast your vote or mail in your ballot, whichever you prefer, but do so by November 3.