Restoring Democracy: Assessments

Ballot Measures (November, 2026)

Santa Cruz County voters have important decisions to make on 14 different propositions and two county measures. We want to share our recommendations, but — more importantly — we want to help voters adequately inform themselves about those propositions that have the greatest pro-democracy implications:

• Our Pro-Democracy Perspective on Ballot Initiatives

• Prop. 3: Make high-earner income tax permanent (YES)

• Prop. 4: Allow public financing of campaigns (YES)

• Prop. 5: Revise California’s recall election process (YES)

• Prop. 39: Impose new ID requirements on voters (NO)

• Prop. 40: One-time wealth tax on billionaires (YES)

• Prop. 41: Restrict new state taxes (NO)

• Prop. 42: Ban new taxes on personal property (NO)

• Prop. 45: Speed up environmental reviews for “essential” projects (NO)

• Measure D: Santa Cruz County coastal protection (YES)

• Measure E: Supplemental five-year 0.5% sales and use tax (YES)