The 2020 election cycle presents the American Muslim community with an important opportunity to increase its political capacity and presence.
To those ends, CAIR-CA has compiled three resources to help guide community members as they plan to vote in the November 2020 Presidential General Election. Inside the PDF Guide, you will find:
- Congressional scorecard
- State legislative scorecard
- Statewide proposition guide
The scorecards reflect the voting performance of California representatives from Congress and the state legislature. The votes of each legislator have been rated positive (green) or negative (red) depending on how closely their votes corresponded with civil rights and social justice priorities identified by CAIR-CA. The criteria selected for each topic is rooted in legislation introduced and voted on in 2019-2020.
As the amount of legislation introduced in both Congress and the state legislature is rather expansive, please note that elected officials should not be judged by these criteria alone. The scorecards are intended to provide a general profile to assist voters in better understanding the attitudes of elected officials toward key civil rights issues. CAIR-CA makes no claims as to the favorability of one candidate over another, however, we encourage voters to further research the actions of their legislators before supporting any candidate.
As a nonprofit, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization, CAIR-CA cannot advocate for specific candidates for office or party preference, however it can endorse ballot propositions. See our Proposition Guide below or in the PDF.
CAIR-CA is however able to encourage American Muslims to engage in the election process, conduct voter registration training programs, issue briefings, host candidate forums, educate the community on issues, take positions on legislation, and lead get-out-the-vote drives.
A note about our process: CAIR-CA’s policy and advocacy staff come up with initial recommended Yes or No stances based on the stated purpose and proposed impact of each measure. Applying a civil rights lens, we weigh implications for how each measure could promote racial, gender, economic, and social justice in our community – especially the most vulnerable among us. We also consider the stances of our partner organizations who similarly offer services and advocacy. Each stance is vetted by multiple staff, executive leaders, and members of our board to determine whether we align on recommending that voters vote Yes or No.
Proposition Guide
Proposition 14: NEUTRAL
Authorizes bonds continuing stem cell research.
(Initiative Statute)
SUMMARY
Proposition 14 authorizes $5.5 billion in general obligation bonds for the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine to fund medical and stem cell research, training, construction of research facilities, and administrative costs. These grants would go to educational, non-profit, and private groups specifically for stem cell and medical research, medical training, development of stem cell therapy, and construction of research facilities. There would be General Fund appropriations to pay for the bond debt service.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A “YES” vote would mean supporting the authorization of $5.5 billion in general obligation bonds for the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine to fund medical and stem cell research, training, construction of research facilities, and administrative costs.
A “NO” vote would mean opposing the authorization of $5.5 billion in general obligation bonds for the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine to fund medical and stem cell research, training, construction of research facilities, and administrative costs.
Proposition 15: YES
Increases funding sources for public schools, community colleges, and local government services by changing tax assessment of commercial and industrial property.
(Initiative Constitutional Amendment)
SUMMARY
Proposition 15 would require that commercial and industrial property be taxed based on current market value instead of purchase price to increase funding for K-12 public schools, community colleges, and local governments. The increased tax would apply to commercial properties worth more than $3 million and would create $6.5 billion to $11.5 billion in new funding. Exemptions are in place for residential properties, agricultural land, and owners of industrial and commercial properties with a combined value of $3 million or less. It also exempts small businesses from personal property tax and for other businesses with a $500,000 exemption.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A “YES” vote would mean supporting a change in property tax calculation for commercial properties worth over $3 million to be based on current market value to generate funding for governments and schools.
A “NO” vote would mean opposing a change in property tax calculation.
Proposition 16: YES
Allows diversity as a factor in public employment, education, and contracting decisions.
(Legislative Constitutional Amendment)
SUMMARY
Also known as “Opportunity for All”, Proposition 16 would allow for gender, race, ethnicity, color, or national origin to be considered as one of many factors in public employment, public contracting, and public education. Proposition 16 would repeal article I, section 31, of the California Constitution, which was added by Proposition 209 in 1996. In doing so, it would work to establish more equitable institutions and create fair opportunities for all Californians.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A “YES” vote would mean supporting this constitutional amendment by repealing Proposition 209 and allow for gender, race, ethnicity, color, or national origin to be considered as one of many factors in public employment, public contracting, and public education.
A “NO” vote would mean opposing this constitutional amendment and keep Proposition 209 which does not allow for gender, race, ethnicity, color, or national origin to be considered as one of many factors in public employment, public contracting, and public education.
Proposition 17: YES
Restores right to vote after completion of prison term.
(Legislative Constitutional Amendment)
SUMMARY
Also known as “Voting Rights Restoration for Persons on Parole Amendment”, Proposition 17 would restore the right to vote for eligible voters who have completed their prison term and are on state parole for a felony conviction. Nearly 50,000 Californians have been disqualified from voting while serving their term.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A “YES” vote would mean supporting the constitutional amendment to allow citizens on parole for felony convictions to vote.
A “NO” vote would mean opposing the constitutional amendment and continue to prohibit citizens on parole for felony convictions to vote.
Proposition 18: YES
Amends California constitution to permit 17-year-olds to vote in primary and special elections if they will turn 18 by the next general election and be otherwise eligible to vote.
(Legislative Constitutional Amendment)
SUMMARY
Currently, a person must be a United States citizen and at least 18 years of age in order to vote. Proposition 18 would allow eligible 17-year-olds to vote in primary and special elections if they will turn 18 years old before the general election.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A “YES” vote would mean supporting the constitutional amendment to allow 17-year-old citizens to vote in primary and special elections if they will turn 18 years old before the general election.
A “NO” vote would mean opposing the constitutional amendment and continue to prohibit 17-year old citizens to vote in primary and special elections if they will turn 18 years old before the general election.
Proposition 19: YES
Changes certain property tax rules.
(Legislative Constitutional Amendment)
SUMMARY
Proposition 19 would allow homeowners over 55 years old, severely disabled, or whose homes were destroyed by disaster or wildfire to be able to transfer the tax base value of their primary residence to another California replacement residence of any value. There are limits on tax benefits for certain transfers of real property between family members, though tax benefits are expanded for transfers of family farms. It closes loopholes used by out-of-state investors. Additional revenues or savings obtained as a result of this ballot measure would be allocated to fire protection services and to reimburse counties for this tax-related change.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A “YES” vote would mean supporting the constitutional amendment to allow for property tax savings for homeowners who are over 55, severely disabled, or whose homes were destroyed by a disaster or wildfire when they move, or for inherited family farms or homes if used as a primary residence.
A “NO” vote would mean opposing the constitutional amendment and some homeowners who are over 55 or who meet certain qualifications will be eligible for property tax savings when they move. All inherited properties would continue to be eligible for property tax savings.
Proposition 20: NO
Restricts parole for certain offenses currently considered to be non-violent. Authorizes felony sentences for certain offenses currently treated only as misdemeanors.
(Initiative Statute)
SUMMARY
Proposition 20 expands the list of offenses that disqualify an inmate from early parole, including non-violent offences. It allows for felony charges on specific theft and fraud crimes that are currently charged as misdemeanors. It requires people convicted of certain misdemeanors to submit DNA samples to be included in the state database.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A “YES” vote would mean supporting expanding the list of offenses disqualifying one from early parole, increasing some misdemeanor charges to be tried as felonies, and requiring collection of DNA samples for certain misdemeanors.
A “NO” vote would mean opposing expanding the list of offenses disqualifying one from early parole, increasing some misdemeanor charges to be tried as felonies or requiring collection of DNA samples for certain misdemeanors.
Proposition 21: YES
Expands local governments’ authority to enact rent control on residential property.
(Initiative Statue)
SUMMARY
Proposition 21 would allow the local governments to enact rent control on residential properties over 15 years old. Rent on these properties can increase up to 15% over three years at the start of a new tenancy. Individuals who own no more than two homes are exempt from this policy. This will not violate a landlord’s right to fair financial return on their property.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A “YES” vote would mean supporting the ballot initiative to allow local governments to enact rent control on residential properties over 15 years old with up to 15% increases over three years in rent controlled properties at the start of new tenancy.
A “NO” vote would mean opposing the ballot initiative to allow local governments to enact rent control on residential properties over 15 years old with up to 15% increases over three years in rent controlled properties at the start of new tenancy.
Proposition 22: NO
Exempts app-based transportation and delivery companies from providing employee benefits to certain drivers.
(Initiative Statue)
SUMMARY
Proposition 22 would classify app-based transportation drivers to be listed as “independent contractors” instead of as “employees” unless certain conditions are met. Independent contractors do not have various state legal protections that employees are entitled to (minimum wage, overtime, unemployment insurance and worker’s compensation). Instead, independent contractors will be provided with other benefits, such as minimum earnings, vehicle insurance, healthcare subsidies dependent on the engaged driving time, and flexibility in work schedule. This ballot measure would restrict some local regulations and criminalize the impersonation of drivers.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A “YES” vote would mean supporting the ballot initiative to classify app-based transportation drivers as “independent contractors,” eliminating the state legal protections and benefits, and replacing them with limited benefits. The bill can only be amended or repealed by a 7/8 vote of the legislature, and it prohibits localities from enacting more protective laws.
A “NO” vote would mean opposing the ballot initiative to classify app-based transportation drivers as “independent contractors,” instead classifying them as “employees” with all the benefits and protections required by state law.*
*Language was changed 10/16/2020
Proposition 23: NEUTRAL
Establishes state requirements for kidney dialysis clinics. Requires on-site medical professionals.
(Initiative Statute)
SUMMARY
Proposition 23 would require dialysis clinics to have at least one licensed physician or nephrologist on-site when a patient is receiving treatment. Only if there is a shortage of qualified physicians would clinics be exempted from this rule. Furthermore, this proposition would mandate that clinics report all dialysis data to state and federal governments, and mandates that clinics receive state approval before closing their clinic or reducing services. Lastly, the proposition would not allow clinics to refuse providing patient care based on the source of payment. Opponents say that this would increase the cost of care and force many clinics to shut down due to the shortage of doctors.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A “YES” vote would mean supporting the ballot initiative to require that chronic dialysis clinics have an on-site doctor during all patient treatment hours.
A “NO” vote would mean opposing the ballot initiative to require that chronic dialysis clinics have an on-site doctor during all patient treatment hours.
Proposition 24: NO
Amends consumer privacy laws.
(Initiative Statute)
SUMMARY
Proposition 24 permits consumers to prevent businesses from sharing personal information of their customers, limit their use of sensitive personal information, and correct any inaccurate information. It would establish the California Privacy Protection Agency to enforce these laws.
Opponents say this proposition is misleading and instead creates privacy loopholes, reduces your rights, and forces consumers to pay for privacy by charging more to safeguard your personal information. It also restricts Californians from enforcing your privacy rights in court and shifts the burden to the consumer to notify every single website and app to protect their privacy.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A “YES” vote would mean supporting the ballot initiative to change existing consumer privacy data laws and establish a new state agency to oversee and enforce state consumer privacy laws.
A “NO” vote would mean opposing the ballot initiative to change existing consumer privacy data laws and establish a new state agency to oversee and enforce state consumer privacy laws.
Proposition 25: NEUTRAL
Referendum on law that replaced money bail with system based on public safety and flight risk.
SUMMARY
Proposition 25 asks voters to support or reject a 2018 state law (SB 10) that would replace the use of money bail with risk assessments that would determine the public safety and flight risk of an arrested individual. It also limits the detention of a person before trial for most misdemeanors.
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
A “YES” vote would mean supporting SB 10 which replaces a money bail system with risk assessments to determine the public safety and flight risk of an arrested individual.
A “NO” vote would mean repealing SB 10 and keep in place the use of cash bail for arrested individuals awaiting trials.