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Just No to Measure J (Primaries)

Primaries would force city council and mayoral candidates to gather at least 50% of the vote to take office. This would be a costly and lengthy ordeal for Richmond voters. The financial strain of running an early campaign could deter less affluent candidates, reducing the diversity of who can afford to run. This shift would also increase costs for local government, adding an unnecessary strain on public resources.

Mayoral and City Council elections would occur in a low-turnout March or June primary. 

Historically, communities of color and young people vote in higher numbers during general elections, with national voter turnout in June only 20-40% of November turnout. In Richmond, there have been 25.23% fewer voters in primary elections than during presidential primary election years on average.

More voters in general elections than primaries or midterms.

More voters in general elections than primaries or midterms.

2024 Data Analysis of Richmond California Voting Behavior. Jamin Pursell.

Midterm versus primary elections in Richmond.

Midterm_versus_primary_elections_in_Richmond_20241007_RPA_Blog_Banner_Just_No_on_Measure_J.png

2024 Data Analysis of Richmond California Voting Behavior. Jamin Pursell.

Primaries would further lower voter turnout and lead to less representative outcomes This is the true goal of Measure J.

"Measure J will disenfranchise voters of color, young people and more," shared Althea Skinner, a representative with California Ranked Choice Voting. "Not only is voter turnout much lower in June, but it’s even lower among communities of color, younger voters and other demographics. [Measure J] is a huge step backward for equality and voting rights!"

How Primary Voting Works

  • If a candidate for Mayor or City Council receives a majority vote in the primary, they are elected, and no general election is needed. This means in any 2-candidate race, the winner is chosen in the primary, which has much lower turnout.
  • If no candidate receives a majority, the top (2) two candidates move to the general election.
 

Presidential Primary 2024

Mid General 2022

Mid Primary 2022

Presidential General 2020

Presidential Primary 2020

Mid General 2018

Mid Primary 2018

Total Registered Voters

58330

57945

58749

58362

54913

51600

50699

Total Voted

18767

27936

17746

45247

25348

31880

17987

Percentage

32.17%

48.21%

30.21%

77.53%

46.16%

61.78%

35.48%

Difference

 

16.04%

-18.00%

47.32%

-31.37%

15.62%

-26.30%

 

The Hidden Cost of Multiple Primaries

Northern Illinois University researchers found that California scored 10/50 on a scale measuring the time and effort of casting a vote. According to the study, voters living with disabilities, the uninsured, and those living in poverty and unsafe neighborhoods are especially at risk of not having the resources they need to get to the polls.

While affluent, white, and privileged voters may not empathize with these numbers, Richmond is home to a majority of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.

What neighborhoods of Richmond are most likely to vote?

2024 Data Analysis of Richmond California Voting Behavior. Jamin Pursell.

Measure J Supporters 

Measure J supporters say that they are advocating for fairer elections, but for whom? An extended election season would wear out already bootstrapped candidates, residents, and city staff. There is also a question of why instant runoffs are being supported so strongly at this point in time — when the city has a historic progressive majority.

Measure J is backed by former public officials, public employees, and RPA opponents with ties to corporate interests, including Chevron, aiming to maintain their influence in Richmond.

Simply put, RPA urges you to vote "no" on measure J.

 

Vote Yes on Measure L: Instant-Runoff Voting

Measure L (Instant Runoff Voting) is a lot less complex than Measure J (Runoffs)

Winning candidates are decided in a single November election, when voter turnout is about double the June turnout. Measure L saves time and money with just one election. "Every election not in November costs Richmond taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars, money that could be spent on public safety, education, repairing our roads, or other essential city services. It also costs candidates more money to run in a second election, undermining campaign finance reform." — Argument in Favor of Measure L

How Measure L Works:

  • Voters rank their candidates in order of preference.
  • If no candidate receives a majority in the first round, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated.
  • Then, votes for eliminated candidates are redistributed to the second-choice candidates.
  • This process continues until a winner is determined.

Ranked Choice Voting (Instant Runoffs) Preserve Democracy

More Diverse Candidate Pools and More Engaged Voters

With Instant Runoff Voting no vote is "wasted" and everyone has a say in who the next mayor and city council will be. "Voters are liberated to pick candidates you really like, instead of worrying about wasting your vote on spoiler candidates or the lesser of two evils." — Althea Skinner, Executive Team Member, California Rank Choice Voting Institute.

A National Election Reform Movement

By stressing less about multiple elections a year, candidates will have more time to build strong coalitions within their communities, creating more diverse representation. As of today, Measure L has been used in over 60 cities and states across the country. These include San Francisco, Berkeley, Minneapolis, Portland OR, Boulder CO, New York City, the states of Maine and Alaska, and more.

Measure L Supporters:

  • Contra Costa Labor Council
  • Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN)
  • Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE)
  • United Teachers of Richmond
  • SEIU 1021
  • IFPTE Local 21
  • FairVote

Vote "Yes" on Measure L and "No" on Measure J

Protect Voting Rights in Richmond

This year, democracy is at stake. If Measure J passes, the national movement to erode voting rights for BIPOC people will continue. While some may argue that everyone has an equal opportunity to vote, voting multiple times a year may put undue strain on those with limited mobility and time. That’s why many states are joining the movement towards a single, simple election through Ranked Choice Voting.

Ranked choice voting (voting once) is more affordable, accessible, and simpler for both voters and candidates. The so-called "Richmond Election Reform Act" known as Measure J must be stopped. We hope you make the right choice this November.

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