LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
This Fall , Make Your Vote Count
PHOTO BY TERENCE DUFFY
For the first time , California is mailing a ballot for the Nov . 3 general election to every registered voter , instead of just to those who request one . But voting by mail isn ’ t new . In California , which has allowed vote-by-mail since the 1962 general election , 65 percent of the 12.7 million ballots cast in the 2018 general election were done by mail ; that number increased to 72 percent in the primary election earlier this year .
And we ’ re not alone . A report by the nonprofit Open Source Election Technology Institute says 46 states now offer some form of by-mail voting for all voters . Nine states plus Washington , D . C ., are sending all registered voters a ballot , and 11 additional states have sent all registered voters an application for a ballot . Six states still require a reason to apply for an absentee ballot . More than 190 million Americans who are eligible can now cast a ballot by mail .
Returning a ballot by mail isn ’ t the only option , of course . Completed ballots may be turned in at any polling place or ballot drop box , and many voters still prefer to cast their ballots at voting centers . ( Sacramento County will open some centers as early as Oct . 24 ). With so many options , there ’ s no excuse not to vote .
While most of the media coverage has focused on the presidential race between Donald Trump , the incumbent Republican , and Democratic challenger Joe Biden , there are a number of statewide ballot measures worth taking a closer look at .
Proposition 15 : This initiative would amend Proposition 13 , which passed in 1978 and set strict limits on property tax increases . A yes vote for Proposition 15 supports requiring commercial and industrial properties , except those valued at $ 3 million or less and those zoned as commercial agriculture , to be exempt from Proposition 13 and taxed based on assessed market value rather than purchase price . The initiative , which projects an increase in property tax of $ 6.5 billion to $ 11.5 billion annually ( 40 percent would go to schools , 60 percent to other local governments ) is backed by most of the state ’ s top Democratic leaders and the California Teachers Association . Proponents argue that these properties seldom change hands , thus most are not taxed at fair market value , and that the additional revenue is needed , especially with the recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic . Opponents , including the California Chamber of Commerce and the California Business Roundtable , argue that large increases in property taxes would make the state a less attractive place to do business .
Proposition 16 : A yes vote for this legislatively referred constitutional amendment would repeal Proposition 209 , which banned government and public entities from discriminating against or granting preferential treatment based on race , sex , color , ethnicity or national origin in public employment , public education and public contracting . Proponents of Proposition 16 , which essentially would restore affirmative action in California , argue that a yes vote will open more contracting and educational opportunities for women and people of color . Opponents contend that allowing schools and governments to make decisions based on race , ethnicity or sex is prejudicial .
Proposition 22 : Assembly Bill 5 , which became law Jan . 1 , 2020 , was aimed at reclassifying many independent contractors as employees . This proposition would exempt rideshare and delivery drivers for companies such as Uber and DoorDash . Proponents , including the affected companies , argue that being classified as independent contractors allows drivers to set their own hours and provides employment opportunities to those who require flexibility . Opponents contend the large companies that support the measure are trying to create a special exemption that allows them to continue to deny their drivers minimum wage , paid sick leave and safety protections .
Celebrating family businesses
California is home to 1.4 million family-owned businesses that employ nearly 7 million people , according to the Family Business Association of California . That ’ s one of the reasons we are devoting most of this month ’ s issue of Comstock ’ s to the coverage of family businesses , as we do most years .
The process of selecting which businesses to feature begins months in advance , and we strive for a balance in the size and type of businesses . Our cover story ( page 30 ) explores Little Saigon in south Sacramento and its wide range of family businesses . Other stories focus on how family businesses could benefit from a professional coach ( page 46 ) and why these businesses often can navigate difficult economic times ( page 52 ).
We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed meeting these families and bringing their stories to life .
Tom Couzens Executive Editor
October 2020 | comstocksmag . com 13