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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">TULARE — As he walks through a barn where brown Jersey cows are feeding, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106857/in-tight-central-valley-race-trumps-policies-could-impact-agriculture-vote\">Landon Fernandes\u003c/a> picks up handfuls of the feed and lists the ingredients: alfalfa hay, corn silage, wheat mill run, canola meal, cotton seed and almond hulls. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His family-owned dairy operation grows or buys everything to make the feed for more than 10,000 animals a day, and they change the recipe regularly based on fluctuating costs. Fernandes estimates it typically accounts for 40% of the farm’s expenses but has surged by 10% as feed costs have climbed over the last 12 months. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The hardest thing about farming is you can’t control your price,” he said. “So you do the best you can to control your inputs, but sometimes that’s out of your hands as well.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fernandes, 36, is a third-generation dairy farmer in Tulare and president of the Tulare County Farm Bureau. Like other farmers KQED spoke to ahead of the midterm election, he attributes those rising costs in part to President Donald Trump’s trade disputes and the war in Iran, which has \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104393/california-democrats-hope-iran-war-flips-the-script-on-gas-prices\">driven up fuel prices\u003c/a>. Unlike feed ingredients, diesel has no substitute; Fernandes needs it to power his tractors, and higher prices raise the surcharges that trucking companies bill him for deliveries.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-18-BL-KQED-c38c2790.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106942\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-18-BL-KQED-c38c2790.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-18-BL-KQED-c38c2790-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-18-BL-KQED-c38c2790-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Landon Fernandes inspects soil at his family’s dairy farm, Fernjo Farms, in Tulare on Oct. 21, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those economic pressures — and their ties to Trump in the eyes of some farmers — could spell trouble for the Republican Party here in the Central Valley, home to the heart of California’s agricultural production as well as the state’s only true toss-up House race this year, according to the nonpartisan \u003ca href=\"https://www.cookpolitical.com/house/race/481926\">Cook Political Report\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dave Puglia, president and CEO of Western Growers, said he has never seen so many serious problems hit farmers all at once. The nonprofit represents family farmers in California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“There’s sort of an existential crisis feeling across the agriculture industry,” Puglia said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fernandes remembers shoveling manure, cleaning milk barns and cutting hay bales as a kid growing up on the ranch. It mostly produces milk that is processed into cheese, butter and whole milk powder, but they also planted an almond orchard in 2016 and a pistachio orchard in 2020 to diversify their income. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On top of rising costs for feed and fuel, the ranch is contending with falling milk prices, which Fernandes partly traces to Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. dairy, and rising labor costs, which he ties to the state minimum wage and agricultural overtime laws. The result, he said, is a “perfect storm” that has hurt his bottom line and forced him to draw on cash reserves and loans. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A quarter of farmers rank the Trump administration as the most responsible for agriculture-related challenges, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.amatoadvisors.com/farmer-poll\">an April survey\u003c/a> commissioned by the firm Amato Advisors and conducted by Farm Journal. Many costs, including diesel prices, have only risen since then.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The same poll found that 4 in 10 farmers are “persuadable” this year — as in, they are considering voting for a different party than they usually do. In the 22nd Congressional District, which spans parts of five counties in the San Joaquin Valley and where \u003ca href=\"https://datausa.io/profile/geo/congressional-district-22-ca\">farming, fishing and forestry\u003c/a> are the top employment sectors, that could put Rep. David Valadao to the test in the Nov. 3 midterm. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Republican incumbent is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103863/valadao-villegas-debate-and-the-fight-for-latino-voters-in-the-central-valley\">defending his seat\u003c/a> against progressive Democrat Randy Villegas in a redrawn district that Trump won in 2024. Both are courting the farm vote, which has typically leaned Republican. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Villegas, a community college professor and son of Mexican immigrants, is running an economic populist campaign. His strategy is to tie Valadao to Trump policies that are unpopular with farmers, like allowing duty-free imports of lean beef trimmings for 90 days this fall.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-42-BL-KQED-66e8cac7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106946\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-42-BL-KQED-66e8cac7.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-42-BL-KQED-66e8cac7-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-42-BL-KQED-66e8cac7-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A farm in the Central Valley on Oct. 21, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“When they announce they are going to import 300,000 metric tons of beef from across the world, they’re literally undercutting our own ranchers and farmers here in the Central Valley and across the country,” Villegas said in an interview \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12105844/randy-villegas-has-a-theory-of-how-to-win-in-the-central-valley\">with KQED’s Political Breakdown\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Valadao is the son of Portuguese immigrants who came to California as dairy farmers. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He did not respond to KQED’s interview requests, but at a televised debate this month, he leaned into his farming roots and directed blame for high costs to the state’s Democratic-led Legislature. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The fact that our fuel is so much higher has a lot more to do with Sacramento than anything else,” he said. “If we really want to change prices, we really need to focus on Sacramento, get some of those refineries back up and going, and produce as much fuel as we can here locally.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That message resonates with farmers here, who also see the state’s regulatory environment, water shortages and labor costs as drivers of the current crisis.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“In the past two years, I would definitely say there’s been increased unwanted activity in closures of farming businesses, flat out bankruptcies and asset sales, or more commonly, consolidation with larger and larger companies,” Puglia said. “I trace that as much to state policy as federal policy. I think both share some of the blame for that.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While Republicans nationally struggle to separate themselves from Trump, Republican strategist Liz Mair said Valadao is an exception. He has “cut a very independent profile” by breaking with his party on immigration and voting to impeach Trump after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“He is not a stereotypical Republican in any way, shape or form,” she said. “[That] has traditionally given him quite an advantage even in very tough election cycles.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Valadao has won six of the last seven elections despite Democrats’ edge in voter registration here. His only loss came in the 2018 “blue wave.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This year, Villegas will have the advantage of a district redrawn further in Democrats’ favor \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106022/california-democrats-rally-to-deliver-on-proposition-50-was-it-really-needed\">by Proposition 50\u003c/a>. Trump carried the 22nd Congressional District by almost 6 points in 2024 under the old lines, but if the redrawn boundaries were in effect, he would have won by less than 2, according to the California Target Book.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-34-BL-KQED-7ea7244f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106945\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-34-BL-KQED-7ea7244f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-34-BL-KQED-7ea7244f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-34-BL-KQED-7ea7244f-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A campaign sign says, “Farmers for Hilton” in Tulare, in the Central Valley, on Oct. 21, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Valadao could also benefit from the district’s makeup. It’s a “unique district,” Mair said, where farmers don’t fit the same mold as farmers elsewhere in the country. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I think when you’re looking at California Central Valley farmers, they do tend to be a more conservative lot, but they’re not conservative in the way that MAGA is,” she said. “To me, there’s a libertarian versus big government conservative axis.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fernandes is a registered Republican because he sees the party as aligned with less government oversight, less red tape and more economic growth. His father once registered as a Democrat, he said, but politics were never a priority growing up. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We were always so busy working, we didn’t get too bogged down in the politics or the ‘drama’ as I call it sometimes,” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-13-BL-KQED-0ccda6c3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106941\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-13-BL-KQED-0ccda6c3.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-13-BL-KQED-0ccda6c3-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-13-BL-KQED-0ccda6c3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dairy cows stand in a feeding pen at Fernjo Farms in Tulare on Oct. 21, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even now, Fernandes insists he isn’t into politics. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If he were to vote for a Democrat, he said, it would be a more moderate candidate than Villegas. Seeing Villegas rally alongside Democratic socialists like Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez does not give him a “warm and fuzzy feeling,” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other farmers in the district told KQED they don’t think Villegas is truly courting their vote. Lee Guthrie, a Tulare County cattle rancher, believes Villegas is more focused on the laborers who work the farms. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I don’t think we’re his target voters,” she said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Kern County Farm Bureau, which has officially endorsed Valadao, said it hasn’t heard from Villegas at all. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When asked whom he has approached in the agricultural industry, Villegas said he spoke to local farmers who are worried about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12016674/will-trump-deliver-more-water-to-californias-fields-farmers-hope-so\">water access\u003c/a>. He then pivoted to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104776/an-ice-surge-in-california-ahead-of-the-midterms-heres-what-we-know\">Trump administration’s attacks\u003c/a> on the people who make up much of the industry’s workforce. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Agriculture depends in large part on immigrant labor,” he said. “The fact that we are seeing that same workforce attacked by this administration is unjust.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As Fernandes weighs his choice for Congress, Trump isn’t part of the calculation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I’m pro-Valadao because Valadao is pro-ag,” he said. “Naturally, you’re going to vote for what better impacts you personally, your family, your business.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For his part, Fernandes said he doesn’t know a single person in agriculture here who’s voting for Villegas.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>TULARE — As he walks through a barn where brown Jersey cows are feeding, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106857/in-tight-central-valley-race-trumps-policies-could-impact-agriculture-vote\">Landon Fernandes\u003c/a> picks up handfuls of the feed and lists the ingredients: alfalfa hay, corn silage, wheat mill run, canola meal, cotton seed and almond hulls. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>TULARE — As he walks through a barn where brown Jersey cows are feeding, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106857/in-tight-central-valley-race-trumps-policies-could-impact-agriculture-vote\">Landon Fernandes\u003c/a> picks up handfuls of the feed and lists the ingredients: alfalfa hay, corn silage, wheat mill run, canola meal, cotton seed and almond hulls. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>His family-owned dairy operation grows or buys everything to make the feed for more than 10,000 animals a day, and they change the recipe regularly based on fluctuating costs. Fernandes estimates it typically accounts for 40% of the farm’s expenses but has surged by 10% as feed costs have climbed over the last 12 months. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>His family-owned dairy operation grows or buys everything to make the feed for more than 10,000 animals a day, and they change the recipe regularly based on fluctuating costs. Fernandes estimates it typically accounts for 40% of the farm’s expenses but has surged by 10% as feed costs have climbed over the last 12 months. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The hardest thing about farming is you can’t control your price,” he said. “So you do the best you can to control your inputs, but sometimes that’s out of your hands as well.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“The hardest thing about farming is you can’t control your price,” he said. “So you do the best you can to control your inputs, but sometimes that’s out of your hands as well.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Fernandes, 36, is a third-generation dairy farmer in Tulare and president of the Tulare County Farm Bureau. Like other farmers KQED spoke to ahead of the midterm election, he attributes those rising costs in part to President Donald Trump’s trade disputes and the war in Iran, which has \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104393/california-democrats-hope-iran-war-flips-the-script-on-gas-prices\">driven up fuel prices\u003c/a>. Unlike feed ingredients, diesel has no substitute; Fernandes needs it to power his tractors, and higher prices raise the surcharges that trucking companies bill him for deliveries.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Fernandes, 36, is a third-generation dairy farmer in Tulare and president of the Tulare County Farm Bureau. Like other farmers KQED spoke to ahead of the midterm election, he attributes those rising costs in part to President Donald Trump’s trade disputes and the war in Iran, which has \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104393/california-democrats-hope-iran-war-flips-the-script-on-gas-prices\">driven up fuel prices\u003c/a>. Unlike feed ingredients, diesel has no substitute; Fernandes needs it to power his tractors, and higher prices raise the surcharges that trucking companies bill him for deliveries.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-18-BL-KQED-c38c2790.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106942\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-18-BL-KQED-c38c2790.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-18-BL-KQED-c38c2790-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-18-BL-KQED-c38c2790-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Landon Fernandes inspects soil at his family’s dairy farm, Fernjo Farms, in Tulare on Oct. 21, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-18-BL-KQED-c38c2790.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106942\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Landon Fernandes inspects soil at his family’s dairy farm, Fernjo Farms, in Tulare on Oct. 21, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Those economic pressures — and their ties to Trump in the eyes of some farmers — could spell trouble for the Republican Party here in the Central Valley, home to the heart of California’s agricultural production as well as the state’s only true toss-up House race this year, according to the nonpartisan \u003ca href=\"https://www.cookpolitical.com/house/race/481926\">Cook Political Report\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Those economic pressures — and their ties to Trump in the eyes of some farmers — could spell trouble for the Republican Party here in the Central Valley, home to the heart of California’s agricultural production as well as the state’s only true toss-up House race this year, according to the nonpartisan \u003ca href=\"https://www.cookpolitical.com/house/race/481926\">Cook Political Report\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Dave Puglia, president and CEO of Western Growers, said he has never seen so many serious problems hit farmers all at once. The nonprofit represents family farmers in California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Dave Puglia, president and CEO of Western Growers, said he has never seen so many serious problems hit farmers all at once. The nonprofit represents family farmers in California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“There’s sort of an existential crisis feeling across the agriculture industry,” Puglia said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“There’s sort of an existential crisis feeling across the agriculture industry,” Puglia said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Fernandes remembers shoveling manure, cleaning milk barns and cutting hay bales as a kid growing up on the ranch. It mostly produces milk that is processed into cheese, butter and whole milk powder, but they also planted an almond orchard in 2016 and a pistachio orchard in 2020 to diversify their income. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Fernandes remembers shoveling manure, cleaning milk barns and cutting hay bales as a kid growing up on the ranch. It mostly produces milk that is processed into cheese, butter and whole milk powder, but they also planted an almond orchard in 2016 and a pistachio orchard in 2020 to diversify their income. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>On top of rising costs for feed and fuel, the ranch is contending with falling milk prices, which Fernandes partly traces to Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. dairy, and rising labor costs, which he ties to the state minimum wage and agricultural overtime laws. The result, he said, is a “perfect storm” that has hurt his bottom line and forced him to draw on cash reserves and loans. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>On top of rising costs for feed and fuel, the ranch is contending with falling milk prices, which Fernandes partly traces to Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. dairy, and rising labor costs, which he ties to the state minimum wage and agricultural overtime laws. The result, he said, is a “perfect storm” that has hurt his bottom line and forced him to draw on cash reserves and loans. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A quarter of farmers rank the Trump administration as the most responsible for agriculture-related challenges, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.amatoadvisors.com/farmer-poll\">an April survey\u003c/a> commissioned by the firm Amato Advisors and conducted by Farm Journal. Many costs, including diesel prices, have only risen since then.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>A quarter of farmers rank the Trump administration as the most responsible for agriculture-related challenges, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.amatoadvisors.com/farmer-poll\">an April survey\u003c/a> commissioned by the firm Amato Advisors and conducted by Farm Journal. Many costs, including diesel prices, have only risen since then.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The same poll found that 4 in 10 farmers are “persuadable” this year — as in, they are considering voting for a different party than they usually do. In the 22nd Congressional District, which spans parts of five counties in the San Joaquin Valley and where \u003ca href=\"https://datausa.io/profile/geo/congressional-district-22-ca\">farming, fishing and forestry\u003c/a> are the top employment sectors, that could put Rep. David Valadao to the test in the Nov. 3 midterm. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The same poll found that 4 in 10 farmers are “persuadable” this year — as in, they are considering voting for a different party than they usually do. In the 22nd Congressional District, which spans parts of five counties in the San Joaquin Valley and where \u003ca href=\"https://datausa.io/profile/geo/congressional-district-22-ca\">farming, fishing and forestry\u003c/a> are the top employment sectors, that could put Rep. David Valadao to the test in the Nov. 3 midterm. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Republican incumbent is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103863/valadao-villegas-debate-and-the-fight-for-latino-voters-in-the-central-valley\">defending his seat\u003c/a> against progressive Democrat Randy Villegas in a redrawn district that Trump won in 2024. Both are courting the farm vote, which has typically leaned Republican. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Villegas, a community college professor and son of Mexican immigrants, is running an economic populist campaign. His strategy is to tie Valadao to Trump policies that are unpopular with farmers, like allowing duty-free imports of lean beef trimmings for 90 days this fall.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-42-BL-KQED-66e8cac7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106946\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-42-BL-KQED-66e8cac7.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-42-BL-KQED-66e8cac7-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-42-BL-KQED-66e8cac7-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A farm in the Central Valley on Oct. 21, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“When they announce they are going to import 300,000 metric tons of beef from across the world, they’re literally undercutting our own ranchers and farmers here in the Central Valley and across the country,” Villegas said in an interview \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12105844/randy-villegas-has-a-theory-of-how-to-win-in-the-central-valley\">with KQED’s Political Breakdown\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“When they announce they are going to import 300,000 metric tons of beef from across the world, they’re literally undercutting our own ranchers and farmers here in the Central Valley and across the country,” Villegas said in an interview \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12105844/randy-villegas-has-a-theory-of-how-to-win-in-the-central-valley\">with KQED’s Political Breakdown\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Valadao is the son of Portuguese immigrants who came to California as dairy farmers. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Valadao is the son of Portuguese immigrants who came to California as dairy farmers. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>He did not respond to KQED’s interview requests, but at a televised debate this month, he leaned into his farming roots and directed blame for high costs to the state’s Democratic-led Legislature. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>He did not respond to KQED’s interview requests, but at a televised debate this month, he leaned into his farming roots and directed blame for high costs to the state’s Democratic-led Legislature. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The fact that our fuel is so much higher has a lot more to do with Sacramento than anything else,” he said. “If we really want to change prices, we really need to focus on Sacramento, get some of those refineries back up and going, and produce as much fuel as we can here locally.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“The fact that our fuel is so much higher has a lot more to do with Sacramento than anything else,” he said. “If we really want to change prices, we really need to focus on Sacramento, get some of those refineries back up and going, and produce as much fuel as we can here locally.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>That message resonates with farmers here, who also see the state’s regulatory environment, water shortages and labor costs as drivers of the current crisis.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>That message resonates with farmers here, who also see the state’s regulatory environment, water shortages and labor costs as drivers of the current crisis.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“In the past two years, I would definitely say there’s been increased unwanted activity in closures of farming businesses, flat out bankruptcies and asset sales, or more commonly, consolidation with larger and larger companies,” Puglia said. “I trace that as much to state policy as federal policy. I think both share some of the blame for that.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“In the past two years, I would definitely say there’s been increased unwanted activity in closures of farming businesses, flat out bankruptcies and asset sales, or more commonly, consolidation with larger and larger companies,” Puglia said. “I trace that as much to state policy as federal policy. I think both share some of the blame for that.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While Republicans nationally struggle to separate themselves from Trump, Republican strategist Liz Mair said Valadao is an exception. He has “cut a very independent profile” by breaking with his party on immigration and voting to impeach Trump after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, she said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>While Republicans nationally struggle to separate themselves from Trump, Republican strategist Liz Mair said Valadao is an exception. He has “cut a very independent profile” by breaking with his party on immigration and voting to impeach Trump after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, she said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“He is not a stereotypical Republican in any way, shape or form,” she said. “[That] has traditionally given him quite an advantage even in very tough election cycles.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“He is not a stereotypical Republican in any way, shape or form,” she said. “[That] has traditionally given him quite an advantage even in very tough election cycles.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Valadao has won six of the last seven elections despite Democrats’ edge in voter registration here. His only loss came in the 2018 “blue wave.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Valadao has won six of the last seven elections despite Democrats’ edge in voter registration here. His only loss came in the 2018 “blue wave.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This year, Villegas will have the advantage of a district redrawn further in Democrats’ favor \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106022/california-democrats-rally-to-deliver-on-proposition-50-was-it-really-needed\">by Proposition 50\u003c/a>. Trump carried the 22nd Congressional District by almost 6 points in 2024 under the old lines, but if the redrawn boundaries were in effect, he would have won by less than 2, according to the California Target Book.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>This year, Villegas will have the advantage of a district redrawn further in Democrats’ favor \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106022/california-democrats-rally-to-deliver-on-proposition-50-was-it-really-needed\">by Proposition 50\u003c/a>. Trump carried the 22nd Congressional District by almost 6 points in 2024 under the old lines, but if the redrawn boundaries were in effect, he would have won by less than 2, according to the California Target Book.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-34-BL-KQED-7ea7244f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106945\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-34-BL-KQED-7ea7244f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-34-BL-KQED-7ea7244f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-34-BL-KQED-7ea7244f-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A campaign sign says, “Farmers for Hilton” in Tulare, in the Central Valley, on Oct. 21, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-34-BL-KQED-7ea7244f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106945\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A campaign sign says, “Farmers for Hilton” in Tulare, in the Central Valley, on Oct. 21, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Valadao could also benefit from the district’s makeup. It’s a “unique district,” Mair said, where farmers don’t fit the same mold as farmers elsewhere in the country. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Valadao could also benefit from the district’s makeup. It’s a “unique district,” Mair said, where farmers don’t fit the same mold as farmers elsewhere in the country. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I think when you’re looking at California Central Valley farmers, they do tend to be a more conservative lot, but they’re not conservative in the way that MAGA is,” she said. “To me, there’s a libertarian versus big government conservative axis.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I think when you’re looking at California Central Valley farmers, they do tend to be a more conservative lot, but they’re not conservative in the way that MAGA is,” she said. “To me, there’s a libertarian versus big government conservative axis.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Fernandes is a registered Republican because he sees the party as aligned with less government oversight, less red tape and more economic growth. His father once registered as a Democrat, he said, but politics were never a priority growing up. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Fernandes is a registered Republican because he sees the party as aligned with less government oversight, less red tape and more economic growth. His father once registered as a Democrat, he said, but politics were never a priority growing up. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We were always so busy working, we didn’t get too bogged down in the politics or the ‘drama’ as I call it sometimes,” he said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We were always so busy working, we didn’t get too bogged down in the politics or the ‘drama’ as I call it sometimes,” he said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-13-BL-KQED-0ccda6c3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106941\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-13-BL-KQED-0ccda6c3.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-13-BL-KQED-0ccda6c3-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-13-BL-KQED-0ccda6c3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dairy cows stand in a feeding pen at Fernjo Farms in Tulare on Oct. 21, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Even now, Fernandes insists he isn’t into politics. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If he were to vote for a Democrat, he said, it would be a more moderate candidate than Villegas. Seeing Villegas rally alongside Democratic socialists like Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez does not give him a “warm and fuzzy feeling,” he said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If he were to vote for a Democrat, he said, it would be a more moderate candidate than Villegas. Seeing Villegas rally alongside Democratic socialists like Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez does not give him a “warm and fuzzy feeling,” he said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Other farmers in the district told KQED they don’t think Villegas is truly courting their vote. Lee Guthrie, a Tulare County cattle rancher, believes Villegas is more focused on the laborers who work the farms. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Other farmers in the district told KQED they don’t think Villegas is truly courting their vote. Lee Guthrie, a Tulare County cattle rancher, believes Villegas is more focused on the laborers who work the farms. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I don’t think we’re his target voters,” she said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I don’t think we’re his target voters,” she said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Kern County Farm Bureau, which has officially endorsed Valadao, said it hasn’t heard from Villegas at all. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The Kern County Farm Bureau, which has officially endorsed Valadao, said it hasn’t heard from Villegas at all. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>When asked whom he has approached in the agricultural industry, Villegas said he spoke to local farmers who are worried about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12016674/will-trump-deliver-more-water-to-californias-fields-farmers-hope-so\">water access\u003c/a>. He then pivoted to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104776/an-ice-surge-in-california-ahead-of-the-midterms-heres-what-we-know\">Trump administration’s attacks\u003c/a> on the people who make up much of the industry’s workforce. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>When asked whom he has approached in the agricultural industry, Villegas said he spoke to local farmers who are worried about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12016674/will-trump-deliver-more-water-to-californias-fields-farmers-hope-so\">water access\u003c/a>. He then pivoted to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104776/an-ice-surge-in-california-ahead-of-the-midterms-heres-what-we-know\">Trump administration’s attacks\u003c/a> on the people who make up much of the industry’s workforce. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Agriculture depends in large part on immigrant labor,” he said. “The fact that we are seeing that same workforce attacked by this administration is unjust.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Agriculture depends in large part on immigrant labor,” he said. “The fact that we are seeing that same workforce attacked by this administration is unjust.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As Fernandes weighs his choice for Congress, Trump isn’t part of the calculation. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>As Fernandes weighs his choice for Congress, Trump isn’t part of the calculation. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I’m pro-Valadao because Valadao is pro-ag,” he said. “Naturally, you’re going to vote for what better impacts you personally, your family, your business.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I’m pro-Valadao because Valadao is pro-ag,” he said. “Naturally, you’re going to vote for what better impacts you personally, your family, your business.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For his part, Fernandes said he doesn’t know a single person in agriculture here who’s voting for Villegas.\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Farmers and ranchers are typically a reliable Republican voting bloc, but that may shift this midterm election as federal policies drive discontent among agricultural communities. ",
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"title": "Central Valley Farmers Face Rising Costs. Is It Enough to Flip a House Seat? | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">TULARE — As he walks through a barn where brown Jersey cows are feeding, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106857/in-tight-central-valley-race-trumps-policies-could-impact-agriculture-vote\">Landon Fernandes\u003c/a> picks up handfuls of the feed and lists the ingredients: alfalfa hay, corn silage, wheat mill run, canola meal, cotton seed and almond hulls. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His family-owned dairy operation grows or buys everything to make the feed for more than 10,000 animals a day, and they change the recipe regularly based on fluctuating costs. Fernandes estimates it typically accounts for 40% of the farm’s expenses but has surged by 10% as feed costs have climbed over the last 12 months. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The hardest thing about farming is you can’t control your price,” he said. “So you do the best you can to control your inputs, but sometimes that’s out of your hands as well.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fernandes, 36, is a third-generation dairy farmer in Tulare and president of the Tulare County Farm Bureau. Like other farmers KQED spoke to ahead of the midterm election, he attributes those rising costs in part to President Donald Trump’s trade disputes and the war in Iran, which has \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104393/california-democrats-hope-iran-war-flips-the-script-on-gas-prices\">driven up fuel prices\u003c/a>. Unlike feed ingredients, diesel has no substitute; Fernandes needs it to power his tractors, and higher prices raise the surcharges that trucking companies bill him for deliveries.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-18-BL-KQED-c38c2790.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106942\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-18-BL-KQED-c38c2790.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-18-BL-KQED-c38c2790-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-18-BL-KQED-c38c2790-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Landon Fernandes inspects soil at his family’s dairy farm, Fernjo Farms, in Tulare on Oct. 21, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those economic pressures — and their ties to Trump in the eyes of some farmers — could spell trouble for the Republican Party here in the Central Valley, home to the heart of California’s agricultural production as well as the state’s only true toss-up House race this year, according to the nonpartisan \u003ca href=\"https://www.cookpolitical.com/house/race/481926\">Cook Political Report\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dave Puglia, president and CEO of Western Growers, said he has never seen so many serious problems hit farmers all at once. The nonprofit represents family farmers in California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“There’s sort of an existential crisis feeling across the agriculture industry,” Puglia said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fernandes remembers shoveling manure, cleaning milk barns and cutting hay bales as a kid growing up on the ranch. It mostly produces milk that is processed into cheese, butter and whole milk powder, but they also planted an almond orchard in 2016 and a pistachio orchard in 2020 to diversify their income. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On top of rising costs for feed and fuel, the ranch is contending with falling milk prices, which Fernandes partly traces to Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. dairy, and rising labor costs, which he ties to the state minimum wage and agricultural overtime laws. The result, he said, is a “perfect storm” that has hurt his bottom line and forced him to draw on cash reserves and loans. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A quarter of farmers rank the Trump administration as the most responsible for agriculture-related challenges, according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.amatoadvisors.com/farmer-poll\">an April survey\u003c/a> commissioned by the firm Amato Advisors and conducted by Farm Journal. Many costs, including diesel prices, have only risen since then.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The same poll found that 4 in 10 farmers are “persuadable” this year — as in, they are considering voting for a different party than they usually do. In the 22nd Congressional District, which spans parts of five counties in the San Joaquin Valley and where \u003ca href=\"https://datausa.io/profile/geo/congressional-district-22-ca\">farming, fishing and forestry\u003c/a> are the top employment sectors, that could put Rep. David Valadao to the test in the Nov. 3 midterm. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Republican incumbent is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103863/valadao-villegas-debate-and-the-fight-for-latino-voters-in-the-central-valley\">defending his seat\u003c/a> against progressive Democrat Randy Villegas in a redrawn district that Trump won in 2024. Both are courting the farm vote, which has typically leaned Republican. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Villegas, a community college professor and son of Mexican immigrants, is running an economic populist campaign. His strategy is to tie Valadao to Trump policies that are unpopular with farmers, like allowing duty-free imports of lean beef trimmings for 90 days this fall.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-42-BL-KQED-66e8cac7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106946\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-42-BL-KQED-66e8cac7.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-42-BL-KQED-66e8cac7-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-42-BL-KQED-66e8cac7-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A farm in the Central Valley on Oct. 21, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“When they announce they are going to import 300,000 metric tons of beef from across the world, they’re literally undercutting our own ranchers and farmers here in the Central Valley and across the country,” Villegas said in an interview \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12105844/randy-villegas-has-a-theory-of-how-to-win-in-the-central-valley\">with KQED’s Political Breakdown\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Valadao is the son of Portuguese immigrants who came to California as dairy farmers. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He did not respond to KQED’s interview requests, but at a televised debate this month, he leaned into his farming roots and directed blame for high costs to the state’s Democratic-led Legislature. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The fact that our fuel is so much higher has a lot more to do with Sacramento than anything else,” he said. “If we really want to change prices, we really need to focus on Sacramento, get some of those refineries back up and going, and produce as much fuel as we can here locally.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That message resonates with farmers here, who also see the state’s regulatory environment, water shortages and labor costs as drivers of the current crisis.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“In the past two years, I would definitely say there’s been increased unwanted activity in closures of farming businesses, flat out bankruptcies and asset sales, or more commonly, consolidation with larger and larger companies,” Puglia said. “I trace that as much to state policy as federal policy. I think both share some of the blame for that.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While Republicans nationally struggle to separate themselves from Trump, Republican strategist Liz Mair said Valadao is an exception. He has “cut a very independent profile” by breaking with his party on immigration and voting to impeach Trump after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“He is not a stereotypical Republican in any way, shape or form,” she said. “[That] has traditionally given him quite an advantage even in very tough election cycles.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Valadao has won six of the last seven elections despite Democrats’ edge in voter registration here. His only loss came in the 2018 “blue wave.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This year, Villegas will have the advantage of a district redrawn further in Democrats’ favor \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106022/california-democrats-rally-to-deliver-on-proposition-50-was-it-really-needed\">by Proposition 50\u003c/a>. Trump carried the 22nd Congressional District by almost 6 points in 2024 under the old lines, but if the redrawn boundaries were in effect, he would have won by less than 2, according to the California Target Book.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-34-BL-KQED-7ea7244f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106945\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-34-BL-KQED-7ea7244f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-34-BL-KQED-7ea7244f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-34-BL-KQED-7ea7244f-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A campaign sign says, “Farmers for Hilton” in Tulare, in the Central Valley, on Oct. 21, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Valadao could also benefit from the district’s makeup. It’s a “unique district,” Mair said, where farmers don’t fit the same mold as farmers elsewhere in the country. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I think when you’re looking at California Central Valley farmers, they do tend to be a more conservative lot, but they’re not conservative in the way that MAGA is,” she said. “To me, there’s a libertarian versus big government conservative axis.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fernandes is a registered Republican because he sees the party as aligned with less government oversight, less red tape and more economic growth. His father once registered as a Democrat, he said, but politics were never a priority growing up. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We were always so busy working, we didn’t get too bogged down in the politics or the ‘drama’ as I call it sometimes,” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-13-BL-KQED-0ccda6c3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106941\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-13-BL-KQED-0ccda6c3.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-13-BL-KQED-0ccda6c3-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261021-CA22Farming-13-BL-KQED-0ccda6c3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dairy cows stand in a feeding pen at Fernjo Farms in Tulare on Oct. 21, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even now, Fernandes insists he isn’t into politics. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If he were to vote for a Democrat, he said, it would be a more moderate candidate than Villegas. Seeing Villegas rally alongside Democratic socialists like Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez does not give him a “warm and fuzzy feeling,” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other farmers in the district told KQED they don’t think Villegas is truly courting their vote. Lee Guthrie, a Tulare County cattle rancher, believes Villegas is more focused on the laborers who work the farms. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I don’t think we’re his target voters,” she said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Kern County Farm Bureau, which has officially endorsed Valadao, said it hasn’t heard from Villegas at all. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When asked whom he has approached in the agricultural industry, Villegas said he spoke to local farmers who are worried about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12016674/will-trump-deliver-more-water-to-californias-fields-farmers-hope-so\">water access\u003c/a>. He then pivoted to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104776/an-ice-surge-in-california-ahead-of-the-midterms-heres-what-we-know\">Trump administration’s attacks\u003c/a> on the people who make up much of the industry’s workforce. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Agriculture depends in large part on immigrant labor,” he said. “The fact that we are seeing that same workforce attacked by this administration is unjust.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As Fernandes weighs his choice for Congress, Trump isn’t part of the calculation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I’m pro-Valadao because Valadao is pro-ag,” he said. “Naturally, you’re going to vote for what better impacts you personally, your family, your business.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For his part, Fernandes said he doesn’t know a single person in agriculture here who’s voting for Villegas.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Xavier Becerra is poised to become California’s next governor. The former Health and Human Services Secretary emerged victorious from a messy primary that pitted him against a long list of fellow Democrats. He was stuck in single digits but surged after former Rep. Eric Swalwell dropped out amid allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since June, Becerra has had an easy sprint to the Nov. 3 election, with recent polls showing him at least 25 points ahead of his opponent, Republican Steve Hilton.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Becerra joins Marisa and Scott in studio to discuss his plan for the state if he is elected next week.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don’t forget to use \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">KQED’s voter guide\u003c/a> when filling out your ballot!\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plus, check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/newsletters/political-breakdown\">Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter\u003c/a>, delivered straight to your inbox.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Xavier Becerra is poised to become California’s next governor. The former Health and Human Services Secretary emerged victorious from a messy primary that pitted him against a long list of fellow Democrats. He was stuck in single digits but surged after former Rep. Eric Swalwell dropped out amid allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Xavier Becerra is poised to become California’s next governor. The former Health and Human Services Secretary emerged victorious from a messy primary that pitted him against a long list of fellow Democrats. He was stuck in single digits but surged after former Rep. Eric Swalwell dropped out amid allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Don’t forget to use \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">KQED’s voter guide\u003c/a> when filling out your ballot!\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Don’t forget to use \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">KQED’s voter guide\u003c/a> when filling out your ballot!\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Plus, check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/newsletters/political-breakdown\">Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter\u003c/a>, delivered straight to your inbox.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Plus, check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/newsletters/political-breakdown\">Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter\u003c/a>, delivered straight to your inbox.\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "Democrat Xavier Becerra walks through his day one priorities if elected governor. ",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Xavier Becerra is poised to become California’s next governor. The former Health and Human Services Secretary emerged victorious from a messy primary that pitted him against a long list of fellow Democrats. He was stuck in single digits but surged after former Rep. Eric Swalwell dropped out amid allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since June, Becerra has had an easy sprint to the Nov. 3 election, with recent polls showing him at least 25 points ahead of his opponent, Republican Steve Hilton.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Becerra joins Marisa and Scott in studio to discuss his plan for the state if he is elected next week.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don’t forget to use \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">KQED’s voter guide\u003c/a> when filling out your ballot!\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plus, check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/newsletters/political-breakdown\">Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter\u003c/a>, delivered straight to your inbox.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"title": "Gavin Newsom Has Till Monday To Make Key Wildfire Safety Decision",
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"headTitle": "Gavin Newsom Has Till Monday To Make Key Wildfire Safety Decision | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a world where \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12021777/reporters-notebook\">all of California lives in wildfire country now\u003c/a>, Gov. Gavin Newsom faces a pivotal choice. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2021, Congress \u003ca href=\"https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF12429\">set aside more than $42 billion\u003c/a> through the \u003ca href=\"https://broadbandusa.ntia.gov/funding-programs/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program\">Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program\u003c/a> to connect homes and businesses without good internet service. The sum was to be divided among the states, D.C. and the territories. But last November, the Trump administration’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) added a new provision, Condition 50, which stipulates that accepting the money requires states to agree not to enforce any state law or rule that “directly or indirectly” regulates broadband service or imposes net neutrality, open access or “utility-style” rules.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Newsom faces a Monday deadline to decide whether California will accept its share of the funds. Critics say a signature from the governor could leave California unable to enforce a host of broadband consumer protections, including a ban on slowing firefighters’ data during emergencies.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261023-PROP50VICTORYLAP-33-BL-KQED-7273678d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106175\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261023-PROP50VICTORYLAP-33-BL-KQED-7273678d.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261023-PROP50VICTORYLAP-33-BL-KQED-7273678d-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261023-PROP50VICTORYLAP-33-BL-KQED-7273678d-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at a rally alongside California Democratic Party members, labor leaders and advocates in San Francisco on Oct. 23, 2026. Newsom has until Monday to decide if the state will accept its share of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program funding. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We don’t have any protections at the federal level anymore,” said Stanford Law professor Barbara van Schewick, who focuses \u003cstrong>\u003c/strong>on internet, communications and antitrust law. “Neither Congress nor the Federal Communications Commission are prepared to do anything to change that. And at the same time, the concentration among internet service providers has increased rapidly.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">van Schewick is one of eight law professors who signed an \u003ca href=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/d5/17/d517bf5e-0944-433c-a10e-1dfe572602c5/content/files/2026/10/Law-Professor-Letter-to-Governor-Newsom-and-President-Reynolds-BEAD-funding-Condition-50.pdf\">open letter\u003c/a> urging Newsom not to sign the Notice of Award for California’s $1.42 billion BEAD grant while Condition 50 remains attached. According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.ntia.gov/funding-programs/internet-all/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program/progress-dashboard\">NTIA’s dashboard\u003c/a>, California is the last holdout.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Turning down the award could delay new internet service for about 270,000 homes and businesses, many in rural areas. But critics of Condition 50 like van Schewick want the state to sue before the deadline instead, arguing the federal government lacked authority to impose such restrictions on the funding. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the letter, the professors argued that accepting the funds would put the award at risk every time California tried to enforce its broadband protections. The state currently has rules in place that mandate phone and internet companies keep 72 hours of backup power at their equipment in high fire-threat areas, so people can still call 911, get emergency alerts, and look up evacuation information when the power goes out. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Even if California won every fight, each could take years to resolve,” the professors wrote. “Violations would harm Californians in the meantime, and some harms, such as those from throttling firefighters during a wildfire, cannot be undone. More likely, enforcers would back off, and providers would stop complying. At worst, courts would hold these protections unenforceable against some or most of California’s major ISPs until about 2040.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most dramatic example they cite: a 2019 state law passed to address situations like the one in 2018, when Verizon \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11688157/verizon-throttled-firefighters-internet-access-at-outset-of-mendocino-blaze\">restricted data speeds to\u003c/a> Santa Clara County firefighters during the Mendocino Complex Fire and restored full service only after the department paid for a more expensive plan. As KQED previously reported, the data “throttling,” \u003ca href=\"https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/08/verizon-throttled-fire-departments-unlimited-data-during-calif-wildfire/\">first reported\u003c/a> by the technology news site \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11688570/firefighters-get-throttled-by-verizon-during-mendocino-fire\">Ars Technica\u003c/a>, forced Santa Clara County Fire Department firefighters to negotiate with Verizon for higher internet speeds while the unit’s command vehicle was serving as a communications hub for incident commanders. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Verizon later blamed the issue on a “mistake” in communicating with the fire department and said full-speed access should have been restored because the agency was responding to an emergency. The county later said it believed the slowdown was connected to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101866848/did-the-repeal-of-net-neutrality-impede-firefighting-efforts\">repeal of federal net neutrality laws\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The California Public Utilities Commission, van Schewick said, has been a national leader in using its own authority over broadband to protect Californians. “And that has been particularly important because the federal government has left the field,” she said, adding, “There is no cop on the beat at the federal level that can intervene if Comcast, AT&T, or Verizon block access to websites or self-hustlings to others.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Anthony Martinez, a deputy communications director for Newsom, said Friday the office would follow up when it had anything to add. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AT&T, Comcast and Verizon did not respond to requests for comment from KQED in time for publication.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s a bad deal. And this is a deliberate effort on the part of the Trump administration to tie our hands. And out of all states in this country, California has the most to lose,” said Regina Costa, who directs telecom policy for TURN, The Utility Reform Network. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perhaps counterintuitively, opposition to Condition 50 has come from rural California as well, despite the possibility that Newsom declining the award could delay the expansion of broadband access. The state Democratic Party’s Rural Caucus and leaders of 10 \u003ca href=\"https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/firewise-communities\">Firewise\u003c/a> communities along the lower Russian River, near where Costa lives, have urged Newsom not to sign, telling the governor in an Oct. 21 letter that their communications infrastructure is “already sketchy.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We are over a 10th of the population,” Costa said of California. “We have one of the largest economies of any nation-state in the world, let alone a U.S. State. We have charted our own course on many, many important things, and telecommunications is one of those areas, and we should not just sign that away,” she told KQED.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In 2021, Congress \u003ca href=\"https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF12429\">set aside more than $42 billion\u003c/a> through the \u003ca href=\"https://broadbandusa.ntia.gov/funding-programs/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program\">Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program\u003c/a> to connect homes and businesses without good internet service. The sum was to be divided among the states, D.C. and the territories. But last November, the Trump administration’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) added a new provision, Condition 50, which stipulates that accepting the money requires states to agree not to enforce any state law or rule that “directly or indirectly” regulates broadband service or imposes net neutrality, open access or “utility-style” rules.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In 2021, Congress \u003ca href=\"https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF12429\">set aside more than $42 billion\u003c/a> through the \u003ca href=\"https://broadbandusa.ntia.gov/funding-programs/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program\">Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program\u003c/a> to connect homes and businesses without good internet service. The sum was to be divided among the states, D.C. and the territories. But last November, the Trump administration’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) added a new provision, Condition 50, which stipulates that accepting the money requires states to agree not to enforce any state law or rule that “directly or indirectly” regulates broadband service or imposes net neutrality, open access or “utility-style” rules.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Newsom faces a Monday deadline to decide whether California will accept its share of the funds. Critics say a signature from the governor could leave California unable to enforce a host of broadband consumer protections, including a ban on slowing firefighters’ data during emergencies.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261023-PROP50VICTORYLAP-33-BL-KQED-7273678d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106175\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261023-PROP50VICTORYLAP-33-BL-KQED-7273678d.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261023-PROP50VICTORYLAP-33-BL-KQED-7273678d-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261023-PROP50VICTORYLAP-33-BL-KQED-7273678d-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at a rally alongside California Democratic Party members, labor leaders and advocates in San Francisco on Oct. 23, 2026. Newsom has until Monday to decide if the state will accept its share of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program funding.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We don’t have any protections at the federal level anymore,” said Stanford Law professor Barbara van Schewick, who focuses \u003cstrong>\u003c/strong>on internet, communications and antitrust law. “Neither Congress nor the Federal Communications Commission are prepared to do anything to change that. And at the same time, the concentration among internet service providers has increased rapidly.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We don’t have any protections at the federal level anymore,” said Stanford Law professor Barbara van Schewick, who focuses \u003cstrong>\u003c/strong>on internet, communications and antitrust law. “Neither Congress nor the Federal Communications Commission are prepared to do anything to change that. And at the same time, the concentration among internet service providers has increased rapidly.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>van Schewick is one of eight law professors who signed an \u003ca href=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/d5/17/d517bf5e-0944-433c-a10e-1dfe572602c5/content/files/2026/10/Law-Professor-Letter-to-Governor-Newsom-and-President-Reynolds-BEAD-funding-Condition-50.pdf\">open letter\u003c/a> urging Newsom not to sign the Notice of Award for California’s $1.42 billion BEAD grant while Condition 50 remains attached. According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.ntia.gov/funding-programs/internet-all/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program/progress-dashboard\">NTIA’s dashboard\u003c/a>, California is the last holdout.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>van Schewick is one of eight law professors who signed an \u003ca href=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/d5/17/d517bf5e-0944-433c-a10e-1dfe572602c5/content/files/2026/10/Law-Professor-Letter-to-Governor-Newsom-and-President-Reynolds-BEAD-funding-Condition-50.pdf\">open letter\u003c/a> urging Newsom not to sign the Notice of Award for California’s $1.42 billion BEAD grant while Condition 50 remains attached. According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.ntia.gov/funding-programs/internet-all/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program/progress-dashboard\">NTIA’s dashboard\u003c/a>, California is the last holdout.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Turning down the award could delay new internet service for about 270,000 homes and businesses, many in rural areas. But critics of Condition 50 like van Schewick want the state to sue before the deadline instead, arguing the federal government lacked authority to impose such restrictions on the funding. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Turning down the award could delay new internet service for about 270,000 homes and businesses, many in rural areas. But critics of Condition 50 like van Schewick want the state to sue before the deadline instead, arguing the federal government lacked authority to impose such restrictions on the funding. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In the letter, the professors argued that accepting the funds would put the award at risk every time California tried to enforce its broadband protections. The state currently has rules in place that mandate phone and internet companies keep 72 hours of backup power at their equipment in high fire-threat areas, so people can still call 911, get emergency alerts, and look up evacuation information when the power goes out. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In the letter, the professors argued that accepting the funds would put the award at risk every time California tried to enforce its broadband protections. The state currently has rules in place that mandate phone and internet companies keep 72 hours of backup power at their equipment in high fire-threat areas, so people can still call 911, get emergency alerts, and look up evacuation information when the power goes out. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Even if California won every fight, each could take years to resolve,” the professors wrote. “Violations would harm Californians in the meantime, and some harms, such as those from throttling firefighters during a wildfire, cannot be undone. More likely, enforcers would back off, and providers would stop complying. At worst, courts would hold these protections unenforceable against some or most of California’s major ISPs until about 2040.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Even if California won every fight, each could take years to resolve,” the professors wrote. “Violations would harm Californians in the meantime, and some harms, such as those from throttling firefighters during a wildfire, cannot be undone. More likely, enforcers would back off, and providers would stop complying. At worst, courts would hold these protections unenforceable against some or most of California’s major ISPs until about 2040.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The most dramatic example they cite: a 2019 state law passed to address situations like the one in 2018, when Verizon \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11688157/verizon-throttled-firefighters-internet-access-at-outset-of-mendocino-blaze\">restricted data speeds to\u003c/a> Santa Clara County firefighters during the Mendocino Complex Fire and restored full service only after the department paid for a more expensive plan. As KQED previously reported, the data “throttling,” \u003ca href=\"https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/08/verizon-throttled-fire-departments-unlimited-data-during-calif-wildfire/\">first reported\u003c/a> by the technology news site \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11688570/firefighters-get-throttled-by-verizon-during-mendocino-fire\">Ars Technica\u003c/a>, forced Santa Clara County Fire Department firefighters to negotiate with Verizon for higher internet speeds while the unit’s command vehicle was serving as a communications hub for incident commanders. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The most dramatic example they cite: a 2019 state law passed to address situations like the one in 2018, when Verizon \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11688157/verizon-throttled-firefighters-internet-access-at-outset-of-mendocino-blaze\">restricted data speeds to\u003c/a> Santa Clara County firefighters during the Mendocino Complex Fire and restored full service only after the department paid for a more expensive plan. As KQED previously reported, the data “throttling,” \u003ca href=\"https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/08/verizon-throttled-fire-departments-unlimited-data-during-calif-wildfire/\">first reported\u003c/a> by the technology news site \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11688570/firefighters-get-throttled-by-verizon-during-mendocino-fire\">Ars Technica\u003c/a>, forced Santa Clara County Fire Department firefighters to negotiate with Verizon for higher internet speeds while the unit’s command vehicle was serving as a communications hub for incident commanders. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Verizon later blamed the issue on a “mistake” in communicating with the fire department and said full-speed access should have been restored because the agency was responding to an emergency. The county later said it believed the slowdown was connected to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101866848/did-the-repeal-of-net-neutrality-impede-firefighting-efforts\">repeal of federal net neutrality laws\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Verizon later blamed the issue on a “mistake” in communicating with the fire department and said full-speed access should have been restored because the agency was responding to an emergency. The county later said it believed the slowdown was connected to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101866848/did-the-repeal-of-net-neutrality-impede-firefighting-efforts\">repeal of federal net neutrality laws\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The California Public Utilities Commission, van Schewick said, has been a national leader in using its own authority over broadband to protect Californians. “And that has been particularly important because the federal government has left the field,” she said, adding, “There is no cop on the beat at the federal level that can intervene if Comcast, AT&T, or Verizon block access to websites or self-hustlings to others.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The California Public Utilities Commission, van Schewick said, has been a national leader in using its own authority over broadband to protect Californians. “And that has been particularly important because the federal government has left the field,” she said, adding, “There is no cop on the beat at the federal level that can intervene if Comcast, AT&T, or Verizon block access to websites or self-hustlings to others.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Anthony Martinez, a deputy communications director for Newsom, said Friday the office would follow up when it had anything to add. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>AT&T, Comcast and Verizon did not respond to requests for comment from KQED in time for publication.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s a bad deal. And this is a deliberate effort on the part of the Trump administration to tie our hands. And out of all states in this country, California has the most to lose,” said Regina Costa, who directs telecom policy for TURN, The Utility Reform Network. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Perhaps counterintuitively, opposition to Condition 50 has come from rural California as well, despite the possibility that Newsom declining the award could delay the expansion of broadband access. The state Democratic Party’s Rural Caucus and leaders of 10 \u003ca href=\"https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/firewise-communities\">Firewise\u003c/a> communities along the lower Russian River, near where Costa lives, have urged Newsom not to sign, telling the governor in an Oct. 21 letter that their communications infrastructure is “already sketchy.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Perhaps counterintuitively, opposition to Condition 50 has come from rural California as well, despite the possibility that Newsom declining the award could delay the expansion of broadband access. The state Democratic Party’s Rural Caucus and leaders of 10 \u003ca href=\"https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/firewise-communities\">Firewise\u003c/a> communities along the lower Russian River, near where Costa lives, have urged Newsom not to sign, telling the governor in an Oct. 21 letter that their communications infrastructure is “already sketchy.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We are over a 10th of the population,” Costa said of California. “We have one of the largest economies of any nation-state in the world, let alone a U.S. State. We have charted our own course on many, many important things, and telecommunications is one of those areas, and we should not just sign that away,” she told KQED.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We are over a 10th of the population,” Costa said of California. “We have one of the largest economies of any nation-state in the world, let alone a U.S. State. We have charted our own course on many, many important things, and telecommunications is one of those areas, and we should not just sign that away,” she told KQED.\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "Gov. Gavin Newsom has until this Monday to decide whether California accepts $1.42 billion in federal broadband money that comes tied to a provision that would bar the state from enforcing many of its own consumer protection rules for about 14 years.",
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"title": "Gavin Newsom Has Till Monday To Make Key Wildfire Safety Decision | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a world where \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12021777/reporters-notebook\">all of California lives in wildfire country now\u003c/a>, Gov. Gavin Newsom faces a pivotal choice. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2021, Congress \u003ca href=\"https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF12429\">set aside more than $42 billion\u003c/a> through the \u003ca href=\"https://broadbandusa.ntia.gov/funding-programs/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program\">Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program\u003c/a> to connect homes and businesses without good internet service. The sum was to be divided among the states, D.C. and the territories. But last November, the Trump administration’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) added a new provision, Condition 50, which stipulates that accepting the money requires states to agree not to enforce any state law or rule that “directly or indirectly” regulates broadband service or imposes net neutrality, open access or “utility-style” rules.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Newsom faces a Monday deadline to decide whether California will accept its share of the funds. Critics say a signature from the governor could leave California unable to enforce a host of broadband consumer protections, including a ban on slowing firefighters’ data during emergencies.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261023-PROP50VICTORYLAP-33-BL-KQED-7273678d.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106175\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261023-PROP50VICTORYLAP-33-BL-KQED-7273678d.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261023-PROP50VICTORYLAP-33-BL-KQED-7273678d-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261023-PROP50VICTORYLAP-33-BL-KQED-7273678d-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at a rally alongside California Democratic Party members, labor leaders and advocates in San Francisco on Oct. 23, 2026. Newsom has until Monday to decide if the state will accept its share of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program funding. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We don’t have any protections at the federal level anymore,” said Stanford Law professor Barbara van Schewick, who focuses \u003cstrong>\u003c/strong>on internet, communications and antitrust law. “Neither Congress nor the Federal Communications Commission are prepared to do anything to change that. And at the same time, the concentration among internet service providers has increased rapidly.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">van Schewick is one of eight law professors who signed an \u003ca href=\"https://storage.ghost.io/c/d5/17/d517bf5e-0944-433c-a10e-1dfe572602c5/content/files/2026/10/Law-Professor-Letter-to-Governor-Newsom-and-President-Reynolds-BEAD-funding-Condition-50.pdf\">open letter\u003c/a> urging Newsom not to sign the Notice of Award for California’s $1.42 billion BEAD grant while Condition 50 remains attached. According to \u003ca href=\"https://www.ntia.gov/funding-programs/internet-all/broadband-equity-access-and-deployment-bead-program/progress-dashboard\">NTIA’s dashboard\u003c/a>, California is the last holdout.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Turning down the award could delay new internet service for about 270,000 homes and businesses, many in rural areas. But critics of Condition 50 like van Schewick want the state to sue before the deadline instead, arguing the federal government lacked authority to impose such restrictions on the funding. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the letter, the professors argued that accepting the funds would put the award at risk every time California tried to enforce its broadband protections. The state currently has rules in place that mandate phone and internet companies keep 72 hours of backup power at their equipment in high fire-threat areas, so people can still call 911, get emergency alerts, and look up evacuation information when the power goes out. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Even if California won every fight, each could take years to resolve,” the professors wrote. “Violations would harm Californians in the meantime, and some harms, such as those from throttling firefighters during a wildfire, cannot be undone. More likely, enforcers would back off, and providers would stop complying. At worst, courts would hold these protections unenforceable against some or most of California’s major ISPs until about 2040.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most dramatic example they cite: a 2019 state law passed to address situations like the one in 2018, when Verizon \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11688157/verizon-throttled-firefighters-internet-access-at-outset-of-mendocino-blaze\">restricted data speeds to\u003c/a> Santa Clara County firefighters during the Mendocino Complex Fire and restored full service only after the department paid for a more expensive plan. As KQED previously reported, the data “throttling,” \u003ca href=\"https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/08/verizon-throttled-fire-departments-unlimited-data-during-calif-wildfire/\">first reported\u003c/a> by the technology news site \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11688570/firefighters-get-throttled-by-verizon-during-mendocino-fire\">Ars Technica\u003c/a>, forced Santa Clara County Fire Department firefighters to negotiate with Verizon for higher internet speeds while the unit’s command vehicle was serving as a communications hub for incident commanders. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Verizon later blamed the issue on a “mistake” in communicating with the fire department and said full-speed access should have been restored because the agency was responding to an emergency. The county later said it believed the slowdown was connected to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101866848/did-the-repeal-of-net-neutrality-impede-firefighting-efforts\">repeal of federal net neutrality laws\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The California Public Utilities Commission, van Schewick said, has been a national leader in using its own authority over broadband to protect Californians. “And that has been particularly important because the federal government has left the field,” she said, adding, “There is no cop on the beat at the federal level that can intervene if Comcast, AT&T, or Verizon block access to websites or self-hustlings to others.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Anthony Martinez, a deputy communications director for Newsom, said Friday the office would follow up when it had anything to add. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AT&T, Comcast and Verizon did not respond to requests for comment from KQED in time for publication.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s a bad deal. And this is a deliberate effort on the part of the Trump administration to tie our hands. And out of all states in this country, California has the most to lose,” said Regina Costa, who directs telecom policy for TURN, The Utility Reform Network. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perhaps counterintuitively, opposition to Condition 50 has come from rural California as well, despite the possibility that Newsom declining the award could delay the expansion of broadband access. The state Democratic Party’s Rural Caucus and leaders of 10 \u003ca href=\"https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/firewise-communities\">Firewise\u003c/a> communities along the lower Russian River, near where Costa lives, have urged Newsom not to sign, telling the governor in an Oct. 21 letter that their communications infrastructure is “already sketchy.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We are over a 10th of the population,” Costa said of California. “We have one of the largest economies of any nation-state in the world, let alone a U.S. State. We have charted our own course on many, many important things, and telecommunications is one of those areas, and we should not just sign that away,” she told KQED.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "advocates-defend-noncitizen-voting-in-sf-school-board-races-as-trump-targets-voter-rolls",
"title": "Advocates Defend Noncitizen Voting in SF School Board Races, as Trump Targets Voter Rolls",
"publishDate": 1793390400,
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"headTitle": "Advocates Defend Noncitizen Voting in SF School Board Races, as Trump Targets Voter Rolls | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the Trump administration’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107158/judge-rejects-trump-administration-bid-to-set-aside-20000-california-ballots\">scrutiny\u003c/a> of California’s election system intensifies, advocates in San Francisco are calling for the city to stand by a program that allows \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11424662/trump-election-complicates-noncitizen-voting-in-s-f\">noncitizen parents\u003c/a> to vote in local school board elections.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2016, voters \u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.org/results/20161108w/index.html\">approved\u003c/a> Measure N, granting noncitizen residents with a child in the San Francisco Unified School District the right to vote for members of the city’s Board of Education. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11923048/a-fight-is-brewing-over-local-noncitizen-voting\">yearslong legal battle\u003c/a> between the city and a conservative nonprofit over the legality of the program soon followed. A state appeals court ultimately \u003ca href=\"https://law.justia.com/cases/california/court-of-appeal/2023/a165899.html\">ruled\u003c/a> in 2022 that the city does, in fact, have the authority to include noncitizen parents in school board elections.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/012_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022.jpg\" alt=\"Voters seated at desks to vote.\" class=\"wp-image-11931540\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/012_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/012_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/012_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/012_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/012_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Voters fill the City Hall Voting Center in San Francisco on Election Day, Nov. 8, 2022. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hundreds of noncitizen parents have \u003ca href=\"https://caasf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/23-CAA-ImmigrationVotingReport-F2-edit.pdf\">since\u003c/a> legally voted with special ballots that only include school board races. The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11902654/sf-school-board-recall-how-to-vote-as-a-noncitizen-parent\">2022 school board recall\u003c/a> saw the highest turnout, with 235 eligible noncitizens participating in an election that was decided by thousands of votes.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The same organizers who rallied for Measure N now worry that eligible noncitizen parents will skip Tuesday’s competitive \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/sanfrancisco/school\">school board election\u003c/a> out of fear that they will also be targeted as part of the White House’s criminal investigation into noncitizen voting in California.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“People start to pull back from their rights because there’s fear that they’re going to get caught up in this dragnet,” said Annette Wong, managing director of programs at the civil rights group Chinese for Affirmative Action.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who decides who votes in local elections?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Justice \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106418/santa-clara-county-rejects-trump-administration-voter-probe\">sent letters\u003c/a> to all the county registrars in the state directing them to hold off counting thousands of ballots it alleges were sent to noncitizens.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In San Francisco, federal officials demanded the personal information of 441 individuals, including Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers. City Attorney David Chiu refused the administration’s requests in a letter on Tuesday, stating that they “violate state and local law.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A federal judge also \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107158/judge-rejects-trump-administration-bid-to-set-aside-20000-california-ballots\">denied\u003c/a> on Wednesday a request from the Trump administration to order California election officials to set aside 20,000 ballots from all over the state.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It’s not clear if the list from the federal government correlates with San Francisco’s noncitizen voting program. However, independent legal experts agreed that the city has the legal authority to include noncitizen parents in local elections.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“In the U.S., for better or worse, elections are run at the state and local level,” said Matt Coles, professor at UC Law San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the 2022 case that settled the legal fight over Measure N, the court ruled that the California Constitution grants cities the power to expand voting rights for local offices.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“No locality could let a noncitizen vote for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, for example,” Coles said, adding that Congress has made it a \u003ca href=\"https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/611\">crime\u003c/a> for noncitizens to vote in federal elections, which includes voting in a presidential race.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To register for a school board election, eligible noncitizens must fill out a different form than the one used by citizen voters. And city officials told KQED — in 2022 and 2026 — that the information of noncitizen voters is kept in a local database separate from the statewide system that contains the personal details of citizen voters. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The city’s \u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.org/tools/edu_portal/index.html\">noncitizen voter information portal\u003c/a>, however, makes an important caveat: the name and address of those who register can be accessed by other government agencies and political campaigns — just like citizen voters.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few \u003ca href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Laws_permitting_noncitizens_to_vote_in_the_United_States\">dozen cities\u003c/a> across the country — most of them in Vermont and Maryland — allow noncitizens to vote in local elections. After San Francisco expanded the franchise, \u003ca href=\"https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/10/04/dc-council-noncitizen-vote-elections/\">Washington, D.C.\u003c/a> followed suit in 2022. That same year, voters in Oakland \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12012228/after-two-years-of-waiting-noncitizen-parents-still-cant-vote-in-oakland-school-board-elections\">approved\u003c/a> a similar program — which has not yet been implemented.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261008-ELECTIONSTOCKIMAGERY-14-BL-KQED-25395098.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103669\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261008-ELECTIONSTOCKIMAGERY-14-BL-KQED-25395098.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261008-ELECTIONSTOCKIMAGERY-14-BL-KQED-25395098-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261008-ELECTIONSTOCKIMAGERY-14-BL-KQED-25395098-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A vote-by-mail ballot for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election on Oct. 8, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Having these pathbreaker jurisdictions like San Francisco also goes to show how you can administer elections in which noncitizens are not eligible to vote in federal elections — but are able to vote in local elections,” said Emily Rong Zhang, assistant professor at UC Berkeley School of Law.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This also means that San Francisco has a responsibility to this group of voters, she added. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The city of San Francisco has a duty to ensure that all eligible voters in the upcoming election can cast their ballots without voter intimidation,” she said. “Regardless of whether they’re voting in federal elections or local elections.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What advocates are telling noncitizen parents\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This month, the Trump administration \u003ca href=\"https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-charges-28-foreign-nationals-california-election-crimes\">announced\u003c/a> charges against 28 noncitizen Californians, all of them legal residents, for illegally voting or registering to vote. None have been convicted, but those accused represent just 0.0001% of registered voters in the state.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a statement, federal officials said this is part of their efforts to “combat and root out fraud in U.S. elections and protect electoral integrity.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wong from CAA disagreed.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“What we’re seeing here with these efforts is an intent to scare people out of voting,” she said, and added that this year, she’s talked to nervous parents who are unsure whether to vote in the upcoming school board election.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“At this moment, we’re not encouraging people to register and vote no matter what. We’re also not discouraging people,” she said. “What we are saying is — if this is something that you want to do, come talk to us and we can help you navigate that process safely.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If someone is worried that voting in a school board election may impact the future of their immigration case, Wong recommended they also talk with an immigration attorney. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Even if you voted legally as a noncitizen, it’s still important to flag it,” she said, and pointed out that anyone can request their voting record from the Department of Elections.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This agency can also provide a verification letter that lists the criteria set up for noncitizens to vote in school board elections, and that also confirms they voted in a specific school board election.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>KQED’s\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/gmarzorati\">\u003cem>Guy Marzorati\u003c/em>\u003c/a> \u003cem>contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In 2016, voters \u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.org/results/20161108w/index.html\">approved\u003c/a> Measure N, granting noncitizen residents with a child in the San Francisco Unified School District the right to vote for members of the city’s Board of Education. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In 2016, voters \u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.org/results/20161108w/index.html\">approved\u003c/a> Measure N, granting noncitizen residents with a child in the San Francisco Unified School District the right to vote for members of the city’s Board of Education. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11923048/a-fight-is-brewing-over-local-noncitizen-voting\">yearslong legal battle\u003c/a> between the city and a conservative nonprofit over the legality of the program soon followed. A state appeals court ultimately \u003ca href=\"https://law.justia.com/cases/california/court-of-appeal/2023/a165899.html\">ruled\u003c/a> in 2022 that the city does, in fact, have the authority to include noncitizen parents in school board elections.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>A \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11923048/a-fight-is-brewing-over-local-noncitizen-voting\">yearslong legal battle\u003c/a> between the city and a conservative nonprofit over the legality of the program soon followed. A state appeals court ultimately \u003ca href=\"https://law.justia.com/cases/california/court-of-appeal/2023/a165899.html\">ruled\u003c/a> in 2022 that the city does, in fact, have the authority to include noncitizen parents in school board elections.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/012_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022.jpg\" alt=\"Voters seated at desks to vote.\" class=\"wp-image-11931540\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/012_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/012_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/012_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/012_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/012_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Voters fill the City Hall Voting Center in San Francisco on Election Day, Nov. 8, 2022.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/012_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022.jpg\" alt=\"Voters seated at desks to vote.\" class=\"wp-image-11931540\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Voters fill the City Hall Voting Center in San Francisco on Election Day, Nov. 8, 2022.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Hundreds of noncitizen parents have \u003ca href=\"https://caasf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/23-CAA-ImmigrationVotingReport-F2-edit.pdf\">since\u003c/a> legally voted with special ballots that only include school board races. The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11902654/sf-school-board-recall-how-to-vote-as-a-noncitizen-parent\">2022 school board recall\u003c/a> saw the highest turnout, with 235 eligible noncitizens participating in an election that was decided by thousands of votes.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Hundreds of noncitizen parents have \u003ca href=\"https://caasf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/23-CAA-ImmigrationVotingReport-F2-edit.pdf\">since\u003c/a> legally voted with special ballots that only include school board races. The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11902654/sf-school-board-recall-how-to-vote-as-a-noncitizen-parent\">2022 school board recall\u003c/a> saw the highest turnout, with 235 eligible noncitizens participating in an election that was decided by thousands of votes.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The same organizers who rallied for Measure N now worry that eligible noncitizen parents will skip Tuesday’s competitive \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/sanfrancisco/school\">school board election\u003c/a> out of fear that they will also be targeted as part of the White House’s criminal investigation into noncitizen voting in California.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The same organizers who rallied for Measure N now worry that eligible noncitizen parents will skip Tuesday’s competitive \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/sanfrancisco/school\">school board election\u003c/a> out of fear that they will also be targeted as part of the White House’s criminal investigation into noncitizen voting in California.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“People start to pull back from their rights because there’s fear that they’re going to get caught up in this dragnet,” said Annette Wong, managing director of programs at the civil rights group Chinese for Affirmative Action.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“People start to pull back from their rights because there’s fear that they’re going to get caught up in this dragnet,” said Annette Wong, managing director of programs at the civil rights group Chinese for Affirmative Action.\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "Who decides who votes in local elections?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who decides who votes in local elections?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Justice \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106418/santa-clara-county-rejects-trump-administration-voter-probe\">sent letters\u003c/a> to all the county registrars in the state directing them to hold off counting thousands of ballots it alleges were sent to noncitizens.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Justice \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106418/santa-clara-county-rejects-trump-administration-voter-probe\">sent letters\u003c/a> to all the county registrars in the state directing them to hold off counting thousands of ballots it alleges were sent to noncitizens.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In San Francisco, federal officials demanded the personal information of 441 individuals, including Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers. City Attorney David Chiu refused the administration’s requests in a letter on Tuesday, stating that they “violate state and local law.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In San Francisco, federal officials demanded the personal information of 441 individuals, including Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers. City Attorney David Chiu refused the administration’s requests in a letter on Tuesday, stating that they “violate state and local law.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A federal judge also \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107158/judge-rejects-trump-administration-bid-to-set-aside-20000-california-ballots\">denied\u003c/a> on Wednesday a request from the Trump administration to order California election officials to set aside 20,000 ballots from all over the state.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>A federal judge also \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107158/judge-rejects-trump-administration-bid-to-set-aside-20000-california-ballots\">denied\u003c/a> on Wednesday a request from the Trump administration to order California election officials to set aside 20,000 ballots from all over the state.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s not clear if the list from the federal government correlates with San Francisco’s noncitizen voting program. However, independent legal experts agreed that the city has the legal authority to include noncitizen parents in local elections.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>It’s not clear if the list from the federal government correlates with San Francisco’s noncitizen voting program. However, independent legal experts agreed that the city has the legal authority to include noncitizen parents in local elections.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“In the U.S., for better or worse, elections are run at the state and local level,” said Matt Coles, professor at UC Law San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“In the U.S., for better or worse, elections are run at the state and local level,” said Matt Coles, professor at UC Law San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In the 2022 case that settled the legal fight over Measure N, the court ruled that the California Constitution grants cities the power to expand voting rights for local offices.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In the 2022 case that settled the legal fight over Measure N, the court ruled that the California Constitution grants cities the power to expand voting rights for local offices.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“No locality could let a noncitizen vote for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, for example,” Coles said, adding that Congress has made it a \u003ca href=\"https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/611\">crime\u003c/a> for noncitizens to vote in federal elections, which includes voting in a presidential race.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“No locality could let a noncitizen vote for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, for example,” Coles said, adding that Congress has made it a \u003ca href=\"https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/611\">crime\u003c/a> for noncitizens to vote in federal elections, which includes voting in a presidential race.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>To register for a school board election, eligible noncitizens must fill out a different form than the one used by citizen voters. And city officials told KQED — in 2022 and 2026 — that the information of noncitizen voters is kept in a local database separate from the statewide system that contains the personal details of citizen voters. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>To register for a school board election, eligible noncitizens must fill out a different form than the one used by citizen voters. And city officials told KQED — in 2022 and 2026 — that the information of noncitizen voters is kept in a local database separate from the statewide system that contains the personal details of citizen voters. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The city’s \u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.org/tools/edu_portal/index.html\">noncitizen voter information portal\u003c/a>, however, makes an important caveat: the name and address of those who register can be accessed by other government agencies and political campaigns — just like citizen voters.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The city’s \u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.org/tools/edu_portal/index.html\">noncitizen voter information portal\u003c/a>, however, makes an important caveat: the name and address of those who register can be accessed by other government agencies and political campaigns — just like citizen voters.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A few \u003ca href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Laws_permitting_noncitizens_to_vote_in_the_United_States\">dozen cities\u003c/a> across the country — most of them in Vermont and Maryland — allow noncitizens to vote in local elections. After San Francisco expanded the franchise, \u003ca href=\"https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/10/04/dc-council-noncitizen-vote-elections/\">Washington, D.C.\u003c/a> followed suit in 2022. That same year, voters in Oakland \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12012228/after-two-years-of-waiting-noncitizen-parents-still-cant-vote-in-oakland-school-board-elections\">approved\u003c/a> a similar program — which has not yet been implemented.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>A few \u003ca href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Laws_permitting_noncitizens_to_vote_in_the_United_States\">dozen cities\u003c/a> across the country — most of them in Vermont and Maryland — allow noncitizens to vote in local elections. After San Francisco expanded the franchise, \u003ca href=\"https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/10/04/dc-council-noncitizen-vote-elections/\">Washington, D.C.\u003c/a> followed suit in 2022. That same year, voters in Oakland \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12012228/after-two-years-of-waiting-noncitizen-parents-still-cant-vote-in-oakland-school-board-elections\">approved\u003c/a> a similar program — which has not yet been implemented.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261008-ELECTIONSTOCKIMAGERY-14-BL-KQED-25395098.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103669\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261008-ELECTIONSTOCKIMAGERY-14-BL-KQED-25395098.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261008-ELECTIONSTOCKIMAGERY-14-BL-KQED-25395098-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261008-ELECTIONSTOCKIMAGERY-14-BL-KQED-25395098-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A vote-by-mail ballot for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election on Oct. 8, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261008-ELECTIONSTOCKIMAGERY-14-BL-KQED-25395098.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103669\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A vote-by-mail ballot for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election on Oct. 8, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Having these pathbreaker jurisdictions like San Francisco also goes to show how you can administer elections in which noncitizens are not eligible to vote in federal elections — but are able to vote in local elections,” said Emily Rong Zhang, assistant professor at UC Berkeley School of Law.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This also means that San Francisco has a responsibility to this group of voters, she added. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The city of San Francisco has a duty to ensure that all eligible voters in the upcoming election can cast their ballots without voter intimidation,” she said. “Regardless of whether they’re voting in federal elections or local elections.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“The city of San Francisco has a duty to ensure that all eligible voters in the upcoming election can cast their ballots without voter intimidation,” she said. “Regardless of whether they’re voting in federal elections or local elections.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "What advocates are telling noncitizen parents",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What advocates are telling noncitizen parents\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This month, the Trump administration \u003ca href=\"https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-charges-28-foreign-nationals-california-election-crimes\">announced\u003c/a> charges against 28 noncitizen Californians, all of them legal residents, for illegally voting or registering to vote. None have been convicted, but those accused represent just 0.0001% of registered voters in the state.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>This month, the Trump administration \u003ca href=\"https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-charges-28-foreign-nationals-california-election-crimes\">announced\u003c/a> charges against 28 noncitizen Californians, all of them legal residents, for illegally voting or registering to vote. None have been convicted, but those accused represent just 0.0001% of registered voters in the state.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In a statement, federal officials said this is part of their efforts to “combat and root out fraud in U.S. elections and protect electoral integrity.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Wong from CAA disagreed.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“What we’re seeing here with these efforts is an intent to scare people out of voting,” she said, and added that this year, she’s talked to nervous parents who are unsure whether to vote in the upcoming school board election.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“What we’re seeing here with these efforts is an intent to scare people out of voting,” she said, and added that this year, she’s talked to nervous parents who are unsure whether to vote in the upcoming school board election.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“At this moment, we’re not encouraging people to register and vote no matter what. We’re also not discouraging people,” she said. “What we are saying is — if this is something that you want to do, come talk to us and we can help you navigate that process safely.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“At this moment, we’re not encouraging people to register and vote no matter what. We’re also not discouraging people,” she said. “What we are saying is — if this is something that you want to do, come talk to us and we can help you navigate that process safely.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If someone is worried that voting in a school board election may impact the future of their immigration case, Wong recommended they also talk with an immigration attorney. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Even if you voted legally as a noncitizen, it’s still important to flag it,” she said, and pointed out that anyone can request their voting record from the Department of Elections.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This agency can also provide a verification letter that lists the criteria set up for noncitizens to vote in school board elections, and that also confirms they voted in a specific school board election.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/gmarzorati\">\u003cem>Guy Marzorati\u003c/em>\u003c/a> \u003cem>contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Ten years ago, San Francisco granted noncitizen parents the right to vote in local school board elections. Advocates now worry eligible voters are being intimidated by the Trump administration.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the Trump administration’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107158/judge-rejects-trump-administration-bid-to-set-aside-20000-california-ballots\">scrutiny\u003c/a> of California’s election system intensifies, advocates in San Francisco are calling for the city to stand by a program that allows \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11424662/trump-election-complicates-noncitizen-voting-in-s-f\">noncitizen parents\u003c/a> to vote in local school board elections.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2016, voters \u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.org/results/20161108w/index.html\">approved\u003c/a> Measure N, granting noncitizen residents with a child in the San Francisco Unified School District the right to vote for members of the city’s Board of Education. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11923048/a-fight-is-brewing-over-local-noncitizen-voting\">yearslong legal battle\u003c/a> between the city and a conservative nonprofit over the legality of the program soon followed. A state appeals court ultimately \u003ca href=\"https://law.justia.com/cases/california/court-of-appeal/2023/a165899.html\">ruled\u003c/a> in 2022 that the city does, in fact, have the authority to include noncitizen parents in school board elections.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/012_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022.jpg\" alt=\"Voters seated at desks to vote.\" class=\"wp-image-11931540\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/012_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/012_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/012_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/012_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/11/012_KQED_CityHallSFVoting_11082022-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Voters fill the City Hall Voting Center in San Francisco on Election Day, Nov. 8, 2022. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hundreds of noncitizen parents have \u003ca href=\"https://caasf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/23-CAA-ImmigrationVotingReport-F2-edit.pdf\">since\u003c/a> legally voted with special ballots that only include school board races. The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11902654/sf-school-board-recall-how-to-vote-as-a-noncitizen-parent\">2022 school board recall\u003c/a> saw the highest turnout, with 235 eligible noncitizens participating in an election that was decided by thousands of votes.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The same organizers who rallied for Measure N now worry that eligible noncitizen parents will skip Tuesday’s competitive \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/sanfrancisco/school\">school board election\u003c/a> out of fear that they will also be targeted as part of the White House’s criminal investigation into noncitizen voting in California.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“People start to pull back from their rights because there’s fear that they’re going to get caught up in this dragnet,” said Annette Wong, managing director of programs at the civil rights group Chinese for Affirmative Action.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who decides who votes in local elections?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Justice \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106418/santa-clara-county-rejects-trump-administration-voter-probe\">sent letters\u003c/a> to all the county registrars in the state directing them to hold off counting thousands of ballots it alleges were sent to noncitizens.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In San Francisco, federal officials demanded the personal information of 441 individuals, including Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers. City Attorney David Chiu refused the administration’s requests in a letter on Tuesday, stating that they “violate state and local law.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A federal judge also \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107158/judge-rejects-trump-administration-bid-to-set-aside-20000-california-ballots\">denied\u003c/a> on Wednesday a request from the Trump administration to order California election officials to set aside 20,000 ballots from all over the state.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It’s not clear if the list from the federal government correlates with San Francisco’s noncitizen voting program. However, independent legal experts agreed that the city has the legal authority to include noncitizen parents in local elections.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“In the U.S., for better or worse, elections are run at the state and local level,” said Matt Coles, professor at UC Law San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the 2022 case that settled the legal fight over Measure N, the court ruled that the California Constitution grants cities the power to expand voting rights for local offices.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“No locality could let a noncitizen vote for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, for example,” Coles said, adding that Congress has made it a \u003ca href=\"https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/611\">crime\u003c/a> for noncitizens to vote in federal elections, which includes voting in a presidential race.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To register for a school board election, eligible noncitizens must fill out a different form than the one used by citizen voters. And city officials told KQED — in 2022 and 2026 — that the information of noncitizen voters is kept in a local database separate from the statewide system that contains the personal details of citizen voters. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The city’s \u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.org/tools/edu_portal/index.html\">noncitizen voter information portal\u003c/a>, however, makes an important caveat: the name and address of those who register can be accessed by other government agencies and political campaigns — just like citizen voters.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few \u003ca href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Laws_permitting_noncitizens_to_vote_in_the_United_States\">dozen cities\u003c/a> across the country — most of them in Vermont and Maryland — allow noncitizens to vote in local elections. After San Francisco expanded the franchise, \u003ca href=\"https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/10/04/dc-council-noncitizen-vote-elections/\">Washington, D.C.\u003c/a> followed suit in 2022. That same year, voters in Oakland \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12012228/after-two-years-of-waiting-noncitizen-parents-still-cant-vote-in-oakland-school-board-elections\">approved\u003c/a> a similar program — which has not yet been implemented.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261008-ELECTIONSTOCKIMAGERY-14-BL-KQED-25395098.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103669\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261008-ELECTIONSTOCKIMAGERY-14-BL-KQED-25395098.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261008-ELECTIONSTOCKIMAGERY-14-BL-KQED-25395098-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261008-ELECTIONSTOCKIMAGERY-14-BL-KQED-25395098-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A vote-by-mail ballot for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election on Oct. 8, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Having these pathbreaker jurisdictions like San Francisco also goes to show how you can administer elections in which noncitizens are not eligible to vote in federal elections — but are able to vote in local elections,” said Emily Rong Zhang, assistant professor at UC Berkeley School of Law.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This also means that San Francisco has a responsibility to this group of voters, she added. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The city of San Francisco has a duty to ensure that all eligible voters in the upcoming election can cast their ballots without voter intimidation,” she said. “Regardless of whether they’re voting in federal elections or local elections.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What advocates are telling noncitizen parents\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This month, the Trump administration \u003ca href=\"https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-charges-28-foreign-nationals-california-election-crimes\">announced\u003c/a> charges against 28 noncitizen Californians, all of them legal residents, for illegally voting or registering to vote. None have been convicted, but those accused represent just 0.0001% of registered voters in the state.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a statement, federal officials said this is part of their efforts to “combat and root out fraud in U.S. elections and protect electoral integrity.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wong from CAA disagreed.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“What we’re seeing here with these efforts is an intent to scare people out of voting,” she said, and added that this year, she’s talked to nervous parents who are unsure whether to vote in the upcoming school board election.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“At this moment, we’re not encouraging people to register and vote no matter what. We’re also not discouraging people,” she said. “What we are saying is — if this is something that you want to do, come talk to us and we can help you navigate that process safely.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If someone is worried that voting in a school board election may impact the future of their immigration case, Wong recommended they also talk with an immigration attorney. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Even if you voted legally as a noncitizen, it’s still important to flag it,” she said, and pointed out that anyone can request their voting record from the Department of Elections.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This agency can also provide a verification letter that lists the criteria set up for noncitizens to vote in school board elections, and that also confirms they voted in a specific school board election.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>KQED’s\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/gmarzorati\">\u003cem>Guy Marzorati\u003c/em>\u003c/a> \u003cem>contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"headTitle": "DOJ Subpoenas California Election Officials, Despite Judge’s Order to Stop Threatening Them | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>This story was originally published by \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/\">CalMatters\u003c/a>. \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/subscribe-to-calmatters/\">Sign up\u003c/a> for their newsletters.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On Wednesday, a federal judge \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107158/judge-rejects-trump-administration-bid-to-set-aside-20000-california-ballots\">issued a blistering order\u003c/a> warning federal prosecutors to stop threatening California election officials with crimes.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A day later, federal prosecutors kept going. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At least four elections workers in California have received federal criminal grand jury subpoenas over the past week, with at least one delivered on Thursday after the court’s order.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In that subpoena, issued to the Orange County Registrar of Voters’s office, federal agents with the Department of Homeland Security are seeking unredacted voter records for 60 people, according to records obtained by CalMatters. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-6-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12085887\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-6-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-6-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-6-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Colby Brown, rover supervisor at the Veterans Memorial Center voting center, seals a ballot drop box, in Davis on June 2, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The subpoenas signal an intensification of the federal government’s unprecedented targeting of California’s elections, setting up what could be a showdown over the fundamentals of American democracy around next Tuesday’s midterm elections. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prosecutors include those in the office of Los Angeles’ top federal prosecutor, Bill Essayli, a leading aide in President Donald Trump’s push to find evidence to support longstanding — and never proven — claims that California elections are rigged in Democrats’ favor due to noncitizen votes.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003ca href=\"https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/doj-orders-criminal-probes-of-california-officials-over-ballots\">Bloomberg Law first reported\u003c/a> Thursday that U.S. Justice Department leaders had directed top federal prosecutors to pursue criminal subpoenas of state and local officials in their efforts to find evidence that noncitizens were allowed to vote. The news outlet cited two unnamed sources familiar with the situation.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This month Essayli sued California and Los Angeles County, demanding they set aside the ballots of 20,000 registered voters he accused of not being U.S. citizens, and last week the Justice Department sent letters threatening local elections officials with criminal charges if they did not do the same with lists of voters in their own counties.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">County election officials from across California have said spot checks \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/trump-voting-claims-counties/\">found the government’s list of names to be inaccurate\u003c/a> and have challenged the legality of the requests. Officials in only one county so far – San Luis Obispo – have announced \u003ca href=\"https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/district-attorney/latest-news/2026/october/district-attorney-investigating-63-federally-identified-registrations-and-local-election-referrals\">they will investigate\u003c/a> the voters from the Justice Department’s demand letters. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the subpoenas say \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Los Angeles County, federal prosecutors last week subpoenaed three employees of the Registrar-Recorder’s Office, ordering them to testify before a grand jury in a criminal investigation on Nov. 4, the day after the election. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prosecutors demanded county employees bring records of how their department prevents non-citizens from voting and “records relating to or involving evidence collected by your agency which tends to indicate an alien has voted in a federal election.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a statement, Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder Dean Logan said prosecutors were taking a “confrontational, adversarial approach.” He said the federal judge’s warning to stop making threats directed at election officials “was well placed and appreciated.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Threats and intimidation have no place in elections,” Logan said. “We will take whatever steps necessary to ensure the safety of our employees and to remain focused on serving the voters of Los Angeles County so they can exercise their voting franchise.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Orange County, federal agents obtained the new grand jury subpoena last week but elections officials received it Thursday. It is similar to previous information demands from federal prosecutors. Elections officials had in September produced records on 20 registered voters in response to subpoenas. On Thursday, Registrar of Voters Bob Page told CalMatters three of those names appeared again in the new subpoena.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The federal government downplayed the subpoenas and suggested elections officials weren’t the targets of its investigation.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Receiving a subpoena doesn’t mean you are a target,” Justice Department spokesperson Kiersten Pels said in an emailed statement. “In fact, generally, the DOJ doesn’t subpoena targets.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Judge says ‘these threats must stop’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In his courtroom on Tuesday, U.S. District Judge David O. Carter made it clear that the federal government needed to stop \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/trump-voting-claims-counties/\">threatening election workers with criminal charges\u003c/a> if they didn’t comply with prosecutors’ demands. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“This court believes it would be wise that any threats to state or county (election) employees cease immediately,” Carter told the courtroom. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He made the warning formal in his written ruling issued Wednesday evening. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Never before in American history has the federal government, on the eve of an election, sought to coerce a state and local government to abandon their own Constitutional elections procedures and bend to the will of the Executive Branch,” Carter wrote. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/CMPollWorkers02.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11977756\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/CMPollWorkers02.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/CMPollWorkers02-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/CMPollWorkers02-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/CMPollWorkers02-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/CMPollWorkers02-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/CMPollWorkers02-1920x1281.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter fills out their ballot at a polling station at the American Legion in Shasta Lake, California, during a special election in Shasta County on Nov. 7, 2023. (Fred Greaves/CalMatters)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The court reiterates what it said yesterday: these threats must stop,” he wrote.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Justice Department has appealed Carter’s ruling to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Pels said prosecutors are merely doing what Carter told them to do: prosecute illegal voting if it’s found.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In expressing skepticism about the Trump administration’s claims, Carter told Essayli in court on Tuesday that if noncitizens really are voting in as large of numbers as the Trump administration claims, there’s nothing stopping federal prosecutors from finding them and charging them without the risk of blocking legal voters from having their ballots counted. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Last week, federal prosecutors across California charged 28 people with registering to vote despite not being citizens. Not all of those people had voted in past elections; those charged amount to 0.0001% of the state’s 23 million registered voters.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“If it’s this big, you’ve got a remedy for goodness sakes,” Carter told Essayli during the hearing. “Go out and indict.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“To be clear, the district court judge explained that voting unlawfully results in criminal exposure,” Pels wrote in her statement. “Consistent with this, California also wrote in its filing that the remedy for unlawful voting is through criminal prosecution. Thus, while DOJ maintains that a civil remedy is still available, all agree that noncitizen voting is properly addressed through criminal law.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Justin Levitt, an elections law expert at Loyola Law School, said federal prosecutors can argue they’re carrying out a legitimate criminal investigation, but in that case, there shouldn’t be any rush to subpoena officials in the middle of the election. The statute of limitations on federal voting offenses, he noted, is five years.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Because they have no role in affecting the election results, there is no reason whatsoever for them to demand this information now,” Levitt said. “It’s not directly against the judge’s order … but it’s certainly not going to make the judge happy.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California Sen. Tom Umberg, a Democrat and former federal prosecutor representing the Santa Ana area, said he was appalled that his former employer was clearly attempting “to intimidate public officials in exercising their sworn duties.”\u003cbr>\u003cbr>“I’m embarrassed and outraged that they’re trying to interfere with the election,” he said.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>Essalyi didn’t return a text message seeking comment Thursday.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>Professor Michael Vitiello, an expert on criminal law at the University of Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law, agreed that the federal government is trying to make election officials “insecure and fearful.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Maybe technically they’re trying to avoid direct conflict with the judge’s order, but they’re sure signaling that … election officials should lose some money, lose some sleep and maybe even go consult with lawyers,” Vitiello said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>This article was \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/ca-election-officials-subpoenas/\">originally published on CalMatters\u003c/a> and was republished under the \u003ca href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/\">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives\u003c/a> license.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story was originally published by \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/\">CalMatters\u003c/a>. \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/subscribe-to-calmatters/\">Sign up\u003c/a> for their newsletters.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story was originally published by \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/\">CalMatters\u003c/a>. \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/subscribe-to-calmatters/\">Sign up\u003c/a> for their newsletters.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>On Wednesday, a federal judge \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107158/judge-rejects-trump-administration-bid-to-set-aside-20000-california-ballots\">issued a blistering order\u003c/a> warning federal prosecutors to stop threatening California election officials with crimes.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>On Wednesday, a federal judge \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107158/judge-rejects-trump-administration-bid-to-set-aside-20000-california-ballots\">issued a blistering order\u003c/a> warning federal prosecutors to stop threatening California election officials with crimes.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A day later, federal prosecutors kept going. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>A day later, federal prosecutors kept going. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>At least four elections workers in California have received federal criminal grand jury subpoenas over the past week, with at least one delivered on Thursday after the court’s order.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>At least four elections workers in California have received federal criminal grand jury subpoenas over the past week, with at least one delivered on Thursday after the court’s order.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In that subpoena, issued to the Orange County Registrar of Voters’s office, federal agents with the Department of Homeland Security are seeking unredacted voter records for 60 people, according to records obtained by CalMatters. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In that subpoena, issued to the Orange County Registrar of Voters’s office, federal agents with the Department of Homeland Security are seeking unredacted voter records for 60 people, according to records obtained by CalMatters. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-6-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12085887\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-6-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-6-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-6-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Colby Brown, rover supervisor at the Veterans Memorial Center voting center, seals a ballot drop box, in Davis on June 2, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The subpoenas signal an intensification of the federal government’s unprecedented targeting of California’s elections, setting up what could be a showdown over the fundamentals of American democracy around next Tuesday’s midterm elections. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The subpoenas signal an intensification of the federal government’s unprecedented targeting of California’s elections, setting up what could be a showdown over the fundamentals of American democracy around next Tuesday’s midterm elections. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The prosecutors include those in the office of Los Angeles’ top federal prosecutor, Bill Essayli, a leading aide in President Donald Trump’s push to find evidence to support longstanding — and never proven — claims that California elections are rigged in Democrats’ favor due to noncitizen votes.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The prosecutors include those in the office of Los Angeles’ top federal prosecutor, Bill Essayli, a leading aide in President Donald Trump’s push to find evidence to support longstanding — and never proven — claims that California elections are rigged in Democrats’ favor due to noncitizen votes.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/doj-orders-criminal-probes-of-california-officials-over-ballots\">Bloomberg Law first reported\u003c/a> Thursday that U.S. Justice Department leaders had directed top federal prosecutors to pursue criminal subpoenas of state and local officials in their efforts to find evidence that noncitizens were allowed to vote. The news outlet cited two unnamed sources familiar with the situation.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/doj-orders-criminal-probes-of-california-officials-over-ballots\">Bloomberg Law first reported\u003c/a> Thursday that U.S. Justice Department leaders had directed top federal prosecutors to pursue criminal subpoenas of state and local officials in their efforts to find evidence that noncitizens were allowed to vote. The news outlet cited two unnamed sources familiar with the situation.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This month Essayli sued California and Los Angeles County, demanding they set aside the ballots of 20,000 registered voters he accused of not being U.S. citizens, and last week the Justice Department sent letters threatening local elections officials with criminal charges if they did not do the same with lists of voters in their own counties.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>This month Essayli sued California and Los Angeles County, demanding they set aside the ballots of 20,000 registered voters he accused of not being U.S. citizens, and last week the Justice Department sent letters threatening local elections officials with criminal charges if they did not do the same with lists of voters in their own counties.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>County election officials from across California have said spot checks \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/trump-voting-claims-counties/\">found the government’s list of names to be inaccurate\u003c/a> and have challenged the legality of the requests. Officials in only one county so far – San Luis Obispo – have announced \u003ca href=\"https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/district-attorney/latest-news/2026/october/district-attorney-investigating-63-federally-identified-registrations-and-local-election-referrals\">they will investigate\u003c/a> the voters from the Justice Department’s demand letters. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>County election officials from across California have said spot checks \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/trump-voting-claims-counties/\">found the government’s list of names to be inaccurate\u003c/a> and have challenged the legality of the requests. Officials in only one county so far – San Luis Obispo – have announced \u003ca href=\"https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/district-attorney/latest-news/2026/october/district-attorney-investigating-63-federally-identified-registrations-and-local-election-referrals\">they will investigate\u003c/a> the voters from the Justice Department’s demand letters. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In Los Angeles County, federal prosecutors last week subpoenaed three employees of the Registrar-Recorder’s Office, ordering them to testify before a grand jury in a criminal investigation on Nov. 4, the day after the election. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In Los Angeles County, federal prosecutors last week subpoenaed three employees of the Registrar-Recorder’s Office, ordering them to testify before a grand jury in a criminal investigation on Nov. 4, the day after the election. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Prosecutors demanded county employees bring records of how their department prevents non-citizens from voting and “records relating to or involving evidence collected by your agency which tends to indicate an alien has voted in a federal election.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Prosecutors demanded county employees bring records of how their department prevents non-citizens from voting and “records relating to or involving evidence collected by your agency which tends to indicate an alien has voted in a federal election.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In a statement, Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder Dean Logan said prosecutors were taking a “confrontational, adversarial approach.” He said the federal judge’s warning to stop making threats directed at election officials “was well placed and appreciated.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In a statement, Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder Dean Logan said prosecutors were taking a “confrontational, adversarial approach.” He said the federal judge’s warning to stop making threats directed at election officials “was well placed and appreciated.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Threats and intimidation have no place in elections,” Logan said. “We will take whatever steps necessary to ensure the safety of our employees and to remain focused on serving the voters of Los Angeles County so they can exercise their voting franchise.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Threats and intimidation have no place in elections,” Logan said. “We will take whatever steps necessary to ensure the safety of our employees and to remain focused on serving the voters of Los Angeles County so they can exercise their voting franchise.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In Orange County, federal agents obtained the new grand jury subpoena last week but elections officials received it Thursday. It is similar to previous information demands from federal prosecutors. Elections officials had in September produced records on 20 registered voters in response to subpoenas. On Thursday, Registrar of Voters Bob Page told CalMatters three of those names appeared again in the new subpoena.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In Orange County, federal agents obtained the new grand jury subpoena last week but elections officials received it Thursday. It is similar to previous information demands from federal prosecutors. Elections officials had in September produced records on 20 registered voters in response to subpoenas. On Thursday, Registrar of Voters Bob Page told CalMatters three of those names appeared again in the new subpoena.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The federal government downplayed the subpoenas and suggested elections officials weren’t the targets of its investigation.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Receiving a subpoena doesn’t mean you are a target,” Justice Department spokesperson Kiersten Pels said in an emailed statement. “In fact, generally, the DOJ doesn’t subpoena targets.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Receiving a subpoena doesn’t mean you are a target,” Justice Department spokesperson Kiersten Pels said in an emailed statement. “In fact, generally, the DOJ doesn’t subpoena targets.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In his courtroom on Tuesday, U.S. District Judge David O. Carter made it clear that the federal government needed to stop \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/trump-voting-claims-counties/\">threatening election workers with criminal charges\u003c/a> if they didn’t comply with prosecutors’ demands. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In his courtroom on Tuesday, U.S. District Judge David O. Carter made it clear that the federal government needed to stop \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/trump-voting-claims-counties/\">threatening election workers with criminal charges\u003c/a> if they didn’t comply with prosecutors’ demands. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“This court believes it would be wise that any threats to state or county (election) employees cease immediately,” Carter told the courtroom. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“This court believes it would be wise that any threats to state or county (election) employees cease immediately,” Carter told the courtroom. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>He made the warning formal in his written ruling issued Wednesday evening. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Never before in American history has the federal government, on the eve of an election, sought to coerce a state and local government to abandon their own Constitutional elections procedures and bend to the will of the Executive Branch,” Carter wrote. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Never before in American history has the federal government, on the eve of an election, sought to coerce a state and local government to abandon their own Constitutional elections procedures and bend to the will of the Executive Branch,” Carter wrote. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The court reiterates what it said yesterday: these threats must stop,” he wrote.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Justice Department has appealed Carter’s ruling to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Pels said prosecutors are merely doing what Carter told them to do: prosecute illegal voting if it’s found.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The Justice Department has appealed Carter’s ruling to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Pels said prosecutors are merely doing what Carter told them to do: prosecute illegal voting if it’s found.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In expressing skepticism about the Trump administration’s claims, Carter told Essayli in court on Tuesday that if noncitizens really are voting in as large of numbers as the Trump administration claims, there’s nothing stopping federal prosecutors from finding them and charging them without the risk of blocking legal voters from having their ballots counted. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In expressing skepticism about the Trump administration’s claims, Carter told Essayli in court on Tuesday that if noncitizens really are voting in as large of numbers as the Trump administration claims, there’s nothing stopping federal prosecutors from finding them and charging them without the risk of blocking legal voters from having their ballots counted. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Last week, federal prosecutors across California charged 28 people with registering to vote despite not being citizens. Not all of those people had voted in past elections; those charged amount to 0.0001% of the state’s 23 million registered voters.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Last week, federal prosecutors across California charged 28 people with registering to vote despite not being citizens. Not all of those people had voted in past elections; those charged amount to 0.0001% of the state’s 23 million registered voters.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“If it’s this big, you’ve got a remedy for goodness sakes,” Carter told Essayli during the hearing. “Go out and indict.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“If it’s this big, you’ve got a remedy for goodness sakes,” Carter told Essayli during the hearing. “Go out and indict.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“To be clear, the district court judge explained that voting unlawfully results in criminal exposure,” Pels wrote in her statement. “Consistent with this, California also wrote in its filing that the remedy for unlawful voting is through criminal prosecution. Thus, while DOJ maintains that a civil remedy is still available, all agree that noncitizen voting is properly addressed through criminal law.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“To be clear, the district court judge explained that voting unlawfully results in criminal exposure,” Pels wrote in her statement. “Consistent with this, California also wrote in its filing that the remedy for unlawful voting is through criminal prosecution. Thus, while DOJ maintains that a civil remedy is still available, all agree that noncitizen voting is properly addressed through criminal law.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Justin Levitt, an elections law expert at Loyola Law School, said federal prosecutors can argue they’re carrying out a legitimate criminal investigation, but in that case, there shouldn’t be any rush to subpoena officials in the middle of the election. The statute of limitations on federal voting offenses, he noted, is five years.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Justin Levitt, an elections law expert at Loyola Law School, said federal prosecutors can argue they’re carrying out a legitimate criminal investigation, but in that case, there shouldn’t be any rush to subpoena officials in the middle of the election. The statute of limitations on federal voting offenses, he noted, is five years.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Because they have no role in affecting the election results, there is no reason whatsoever for them to demand this information now,” Levitt said. “It’s not directly against the judge’s order … but it’s certainly not going to make the judge happy.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Because they have no role in affecting the election results, there is no reason whatsoever for them to demand this information now,” Levitt said. “It’s not directly against the judge’s order … but it’s certainly not going to make the judge happy.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>California Sen. Tom Umberg, a Democrat and former federal prosecutor representing the Santa Ana area, said he was appalled that his former employer was clearly attempting “to intimidate public officials in exercising their sworn duties.”\u003cbr>\u003cbr>“I’m embarrassed and outraged that they’re trying to interfere with the election,” he said.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>Essalyi didn’t return a text message seeking comment Thursday.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>Professor Michael Vitiello, an expert on criminal law at the University of Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law, agreed that the federal government is trying to make election officials “insecure and fearful.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>California Sen. Tom Umberg, a Democrat and former federal prosecutor representing the Santa Ana area, said he was appalled that his former employer was clearly attempting “to intimidate public officials in exercising their sworn duties.”\u003cbr>\u003cbr>“I’m embarrassed and outraged that they’re trying to interfere with the election,” he said.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>Essalyi didn’t return a text message seeking comment Thursday.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>Professor Michael Vitiello, an expert on criminal law at the University of Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law, agreed that the federal government is trying to make election officials “insecure and fearful.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Maybe technically they’re trying to avoid direct conflict with the judge’s order, but they’re sure signaling that … election officials should lose some money, lose some sleep and maybe even go consult with lawyers,” Vitiello said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Maybe technically they’re trying to avoid direct conflict with the judge’s order, but they’re sure signaling that … election officials should lose some money, lose some sleep and maybe even go consult with lawyers,” Vitiello said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This article was \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/ca-election-officials-subpoenas/\">originally published on CalMatters\u003c/a> and was republished under the \u003ca href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/\">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives\u003c/a> license.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "A federal judge warned federal prosecutors to stop threatening California election officials, but prosecutors kept going. ",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>This story was originally published by \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/\">CalMatters\u003c/a>. \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/subscribe-to-calmatters/\">Sign up\u003c/a> for their newsletters.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On Wednesday, a federal judge \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107158/judge-rejects-trump-administration-bid-to-set-aside-20000-california-ballots\">issued a blistering order\u003c/a> warning federal prosecutors to stop threatening California election officials with crimes.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A day later, federal prosecutors kept going. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At least four elections workers in California have received federal criminal grand jury subpoenas over the past week, with at least one delivered on Thursday after the court’s order.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In that subpoena, issued to the Orange County Registrar of Voters’s office, federal agents with the Department of Homeland Security are seeking unredacted voter records for 60 people, according to records obtained by CalMatters. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-6-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12085887\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-6-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-6-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-6-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Colby Brown, rover supervisor at the Veterans Memorial Center voting center, seals a ballot drop box, in Davis on June 2, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The subpoenas signal an intensification of the federal government’s unprecedented targeting of California’s elections, setting up what could be a showdown over the fundamentals of American democracy around next Tuesday’s midterm elections. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prosecutors include those in the office of Los Angeles’ top federal prosecutor, Bill Essayli, a leading aide in President Donald Trump’s push to find evidence to support longstanding — and never proven — claims that California elections are rigged in Democrats’ favor due to noncitizen votes.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003ca href=\"https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/doj-orders-criminal-probes-of-california-officials-over-ballots\">Bloomberg Law first reported\u003c/a> Thursday that U.S. Justice Department leaders had directed top federal prosecutors to pursue criminal subpoenas of state and local officials in their efforts to find evidence that noncitizens were allowed to vote. The news outlet cited two unnamed sources familiar with the situation.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This month Essayli sued California and Los Angeles County, demanding they set aside the ballots of 20,000 registered voters he accused of not being U.S. citizens, and last week the Justice Department sent letters threatening local elections officials with criminal charges if they did not do the same with lists of voters in their own counties.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">County election officials from across California have said spot checks \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/trump-voting-claims-counties/\">found the government’s list of names to be inaccurate\u003c/a> and have challenged the legality of the requests. Officials in only one county so far – San Luis Obispo – have announced \u003ca href=\"https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/district-attorney/latest-news/2026/october/district-attorney-investigating-63-federally-identified-registrations-and-local-election-referrals\">they will investigate\u003c/a> the voters from the Justice Department’s demand letters. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the subpoenas say \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Los Angeles County, federal prosecutors last week subpoenaed three employees of the Registrar-Recorder’s Office, ordering them to testify before a grand jury in a criminal investigation on Nov. 4, the day after the election. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prosecutors demanded county employees bring records of how their department prevents non-citizens from voting and “records relating to or involving evidence collected by your agency which tends to indicate an alien has voted in a federal election.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a statement, Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder Dean Logan said prosecutors were taking a “confrontational, adversarial approach.” He said the federal judge’s warning to stop making threats directed at election officials “was well placed and appreciated.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Threats and intimidation have no place in elections,” Logan said. “We will take whatever steps necessary to ensure the safety of our employees and to remain focused on serving the voters of Los Angeles County so they can exercise their voting franchise.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Orange County, federal agents obtained the new grand jury subpoena last week but elections officials received it Thursday. It is similar to previous information demands from federal prosecutors. Elections officials had in September produced records on 20 registered voters in response to subpoenas. On Thursday, Registrar of Voters Bob Page told CalMatters three of those names appeared again in the new subpoena.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The federal government downplayed the subpoenas and suggested elections officials weren’t the targets of its investigation.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Receiving a subpoena doesn’t mean you are a target,” Justice Department spokesperson Kiersten Pels said in an emailed statement. “In fact, generally, the DOJ doesn’t subpoena targets.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Judge says ‘these threats must stop’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In his courtroom on Tuesday, U.S. District Judge David O. Carter made it clear that the federal government needed to stop \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/trump-voting-claims-counties/\">threatening election workers with criminal charges\u003c/a> if they didn’t comply with prosecutors’ demands. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“This court believes it would be wise that any threats to state or county (election) employees cease immediately,” Carter told the courtroom. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He made the warning formal in his written ruling issued Wednesday evening. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Never before in American history has the federal government, on the eve of an election, sought to coerce a state and local government to abandon their own Constitutional elections procedures and bend to the will of the Executive Branch,” Carter wrote. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/CMPollWorkers02.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11977756\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/CMPollWorkers02.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/CMPollWorkers02-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/CMPollWorkers02-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/CMPollWorkers02-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/CMPollWorkers02-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/03/CMPollWorkers02-1920x1281.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter fills out their ballot at a polling station at the American Legion in Shasta Lake, California, during a special election in Shasta County on Nov. 7, 2023. (Fred Greaves/CalMatters)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The court reiterates what it said yesterday: these threats must stop,” he wrote.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Justice Department has appealed Carter’s ruling to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Pels said prosecutors are merely doing what Carter told them to do: prosecute illegal voting if it’s found.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In expressing skepticism about the Trump administration’s claims, Carter told Essayli in court on Tuesday that if noncitizens really are voting in as large of numbers as the Trump administration claims, there’s nothing stopping federal prosecutors from finding them and charging them without the risk of blocking legal voters from having their ballots counted. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Last week, federal prosecutors across California charged 28 people with registering to vote despite not being citizens. Not all of those people had voted in past elections; those charged amount to 0.0001% of the state’s 23 million registered voters.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“If it’s this big, you’ve got a remedy for goodness sakes,” Carter told Essayli during the hearing. “Go out and indict.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“To be clear, the district court judge explained that voting unlawfully results in criminal exposure,” Pels wrote in her statement. “Consistent with this, California also wrote in its filing that the remedy for unlawful voting is through criminal prosecution. Thus, while DOJ maintains that a civil remedy is still available, all agree that noncitizen voting is properly addressed through criminal law.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Justin Levitt, an elections law expert at Loyola Law School, said federal prosecutors can argue they’re carrying out a legitimate criminal investigation, but in that case, there shouldn’t be any rush to subpoena officials in the middle of the election. The statute of limitations on federal voting offenses, he noted, is five years.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Because they have no role in affecting the election results, there is no reason whatsoever for them to demand this information now,” Levitt said. “It’s not directly against the judge’s order … but it’s certainly not going to make the judge happy.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California Sen. Tom Umberg, a Democrat and former federal prosecutor representing the Santa Ana area, said he was appalled that his former employer was clearly attempting “to intimidate public officials in exercising their sworn duties.”\u003cbr>\u003cbr>“I’m embarrassed and outraged that they’re trying to interfere with the election,” he said.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>Essalyi didn’t return a text message seeking comment Thursday.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>Professor Michael Vitiello, an expert on criminal law at the University of Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law, agreed that the federal government is trying to make election officials “insecure and fearful.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Maybe technically they’re trying to avoid direct conflict with the judge’s order, but they’re sure signaling that … election officials should lose some money, lose some sleep and maybe even go consult with lawyers,” Vitiello said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>This article was \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/ca-election-officials-subpoenas/\">originally published on CalMatters\u003c/a> and was republished under the \u003ca href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/\">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives\u003c/a> license.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "dropbox-near-me-san-francisco-bay-area-find-my-polling-place-election-day-voter-guide-california-midterm-elections-2026-vote-for-governor",
"title": "Election 2026: Where Can I Drop Off My Midterm Ballot This Weekend— or Vote Early?",
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"headTitle": "Election 2026: Where Can I Drop Off My Midterm Ballot This Weekend— or Vote Early? | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California voters: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">the midterm elections are here\u003c/a>, and Election Day is Tuesday.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wondering where to drop off your completed mail-in ballot in the Bay Area? Or where you can vote in person and find a polling place near you? What about if you prefer to vote on Election Day itself?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep reading for everything you need to know about submitting your vote in the California midterm elections. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#ballot-drop-off\">How to find your closest voting location or ballot drop-off\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#in-person\">How to find your polling place on Election Day\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">How to contact your county directly about voting\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you’re concerned you might have made a mistake when filling out your ballot, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103115/california-midterms-elections-2026-vote-for-governor-ballot-signature-how-to-correct-mistake\">read our guide to addressing common errors on your ballot \u003c/a>(\u003cem>before\u003c/em> you mail it) — and find out how to get a fresh ballot or vote in person if you really messed up.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is it best to drop off my ballot in a drop box or at a voting location?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. State officials — and USPS — stress that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">you shouldn’t mail your ballot through the Postal Service this close to Election Day\u003c/a>, because there’s a real risk it might be postmarked too late for it to be counted at this stage. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, find a secure official election drop box and drop it off there. Once you’ve placed your ballot into one of these drop boxes, it’ll then be taken straight to your county elections office. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">sign up to track your ballot’s progress with the “Where’s My Ballot?” online tool\u003c/a>, for reassurance that it’s on its way to being counted.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also hand-deliver your ballot to any open voting location. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">The first vote centers opened\u003c/a> Oct. 24 in certain counties, and more early voting locations will be open from Saturday, Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/251030-BayAreaVoters-04-BL_qed-afbb8079.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107030\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/251030-BayAreaVoters-04-BL_qed-afbb8079.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/251030-BayAreaVoters-04-BL_qed-afbb8079-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/251030-BayAreaVoters-04-BL_qed-afbb8079-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">John Chan drops off his ballot at City Hall in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2025, ahead of the statewide special election. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Submitting your ballot by hand this way is the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">top recommendation\u003c/a> of Kim Alexander, president and founder of the non-partisan California Voter Foundation. If you live in \u003ca href=\"https://calvoter.org/content/sign-scan-and-go\">one of the California counties\u003c/a> that has adopted the “Sign & Go” system — which in the Bay Area are Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin and Napa — you can complete your ballot at home, and then bring it to a participating vote center and sign the voter roster under penalty of perjury (just as you would for in-person voting) to submit it in person. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And if you live in a county that has adopted “Sign, Scan & Go”, like San Mateo, you can do all of the above and then scan your ballot yourself to have your vote recorded immediately at the voting site. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also, of course, fill your ballot out in-person \u003cem>at \u003c/em>a voting location, and submit it directly there and then. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few reasons the effort to hand-deliver your completed ballot instead of mailing it might be worth it:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Peace of mind:\u003c/strong> There’s a satisfaction that comes with knowing your ballot should now travel straight to your county elections office rather than going through USPS collection and sorting for delivery\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Timing:\u003c/strong> If it’s Election Day itself, using a drop box or a voting location to drop off your ballot is the best way to be sure it’ll reach your county elections office in time to be counted\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Assistance:\u003c/strong> If you drop off your ballot at a voting location during operating hours and you have a few lingering questions about your ballot or the process, chances are good that you’ll find someone there to help answer them.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regardless of how you deliver it, you can \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">sign up to track your ballot’s progress with the “Where’s My Ballot?” online tool\u003c/a> and be reassured it’s on its way to being counted.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"in-person\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I vote in person on Election Day?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On Tuesday, in-person voting is still available at every county registrar’s office (also known as your county’s elections office) in the Bay Area. If you’re a San Francisco voter, this location will be City Hall. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\">Find your county registrar’s office and opening hours.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check your mail-in ballot to see where you can vote and whether you’ve been assigned a specific polling place.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261008-ELECTIONSTOCKIMAGERY-09-BL-KQED-eb95111c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103668\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261008-ELECTIONSTOCKIMAGERY-09-BL-KQED-eb95111c.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261008-ELECTIONSTOCKIMAGERY-09-BL-KQED-eb95111c-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261008-ELECTIONSTOCKIMAGERY-09-BL-KQED-eb95111c-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A vote-by-mail ballot for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election on Oct. 8, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>If you live in San Francisco, Contra Costa or Solano counties:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You are assigned a specific polling place, though Contra Costa County election officials say they can process your ballot no matter where you show up to vote.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But even if you live in a county that assigns you a particular polling place, you can still vote at \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\">your county registrar’s office\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>If you live in Alameda, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara or Sonoma counties:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can vote at any voting location — known as Vote Centers — including your county registrar’s office.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can \u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\">find your voting location through the state’s lookup tool\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Do I need to bring my ballot with me?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you’d like to cast a ballot in person, it’s a good idea to bring the blank ballot you were mailed, as some counties may require you to vote provisionally if you don’t bring it. If you’re issued a new ballot when you vote in person, any ballot you left at home will be canceled.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Provisional votes are subject to extra checks — confirming that you’re actually registered to vote in California, or that you didn’t already complete and mail your ballot — and this extra layer of confirmation takes time. That means that although your vote will eventually be counted, it might not be tallied on Election Day itself.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I still need to register to vote. What should I do? Can I do this on Election Day?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This close to Election Day, if you want to register to vote — or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\">re-register,\u003c/a> if you’ve changed your name, want to change the political party choice you previously registered to vote with or have moved address — you’ll need to do this in person. (The online deadline for voter registration was Oct.19.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To do this, you’ll complete the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg/\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a> process, also known as “conditional voting,” and request your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling location. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This system enables you to fill out and submit your ballot then and there, up until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to voter registration, many voting locations also offer replacement ballots, accessible voting machines and language assistance.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"ballot-drop-off\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I find my voting location or ballot drop-off?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Secure drop boxes \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">opened back on Oct. 5, and the first vote centers opened\u003c/a> Oct. 24 in certain counties. Widespread early voting locations will open on Saturday, Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Visit the \u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\">state of California lookup tool\u003c/a>, where you can:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Enter your county (adding your city or ZIP code will give more localized results, but it’s optional)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Check the “Early Voting” and/or “Drop Off Location” boxes\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Hit “Search” to see all the early voting and drop-off locations in that area.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember that in-person voting hours may differ by location, and some locations may not be open every day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"county\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I contact my county directly about voting?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Across the Bay Area, elections officials are encouraging voters to reach out — early — with any questions or concerns. Here’s the contact information for your county:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\">send a form email\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 888-762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll-free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call 707-784-6675 or 888-933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-565-6800 or toll-free at 800-750-8683\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The state also has a full list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/\">every county elections office in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>California voters: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">the midterm elections are here\u003c/a>, and Election Day is Tuesday.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>California voters: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">the midterm elections are here\u003c/a>, and Election Day is Tuesday.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Wondering where to drop off your completed mail-in ballot in the Bay Area? Or where you can vote in person and find a polling place near you? What about if you prefer to vote on Election Day itself?\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Wondering where to drop off your completed mail-in ballot in the Bay Area? Or where you can vote in person and find a polling place near you? What about if you prefer to vote on Election Day itself?\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Keep reading for everything you need to know about submitting your vote in the California midterm elections. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Keep reading for everything you need to know about submitting your vote in the California midterm elections. \u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"How to find your closest voting location or ballot drop-off",
"How to find your polling place on Election Day",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#ballot-drop-off\">How to find your closest voting location or ballot drop-off\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#ballot-drop-off\">How to find your closest voting location or ballot drop-off\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#in-person\">How to find your polling place on Election Day\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#in-person\">How to find your polling place on Election Day\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">How to contact your county directly about voting\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">How to contact your county directly about voting\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’re concerned you might have made a mistake when filling out your ballot, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103115/california-midterms-elections-2026-vote-for-governor-ballot-signature-how-to-correct-mistake\">read our guide to addressing common errors on your ballot \u003c/a>(\u003cem>before\u003c/em> you mail it) — and find out how to get a fresh ballot or vote in person if you really messed up.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you’re concerned you might have made a mistake when filling out your ballot, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103115/california-midterms-elections-2026-vote-for-governor-ballot-signature-how-to-correct-mistake\">read our guide to addressing common errors on your ballot \u003c/a>(\u003cem>before\u003c/em> you mail it) — and find out how to get a fresh ballot or vote in person if you really messed up.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerBlocks": []
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Is it best to drop off my ballot in a drop box or at a voting location?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is it best to drop off my ballot in a drop box or at a voting location?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is it best to drop off my ballot in a drop box or at a voting location?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Yes. State officials — and USPS — stress that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">you shouldn’t mail your ballot through the Postal Service this close to Election Day\u003c/a>, because there’s a real risk it might be postmarked too late for it to be counted at this stage. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Yes. State officials — and USPS — stress that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">you shouldn’t mail your ballot through the Postal Service this close to Election Day\u003c/a>, because there’s a real risk it might be postmarked too late for it to be counted at this stage. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Instead, find a secure official election drop box and drop it off there. Once you’ve placed your ballot into one of these drop boxes, it’ll then be taken straight to your county elections office. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Instead, find a secure official election drop box and drop it off there. Once you’ve placed your ballot into one of these drop boxes, it’ll then be taken straight to your county elections office. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">sign up to track your ballot’s progress with the “Where’s My Ballot?” online tool\u003c/a>, for reassurance that it’s on its way to being counted.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">sign up to track your ballot’s progress with the “Where’s My Ballot?” online tool\u003c/a>, for reassurance that it’s on its way to being counted.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can also hand-deliver your ballot to any open voting location. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">The first vote centers opened\u003c/a> Oct. 24 in certain counties, and more early voting locations will be open from Saturday, Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can also hand-deliver your ballot to any open voting location. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">The first vote centers opened\u003c/a> Oct. 24 in certain counties, and more early voting locations will be open from Saturday, Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/251030-BayAreaVoters-04-BL_qed-afbb8079.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107030\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/251030-BayAreaVoters-04-BL_qed-afbb8079.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/251030-BayAreaVoters-04-BL_qed-afbb8079-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/251030-BayAreaVoters-04-BL_qed-afbb8079-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">John Chan drops off his ballot at City Hall in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2025, ahead of the statewide special election.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/251030-BayAreaVoters-04-BL_qed-afbb8079.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107030\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">John Chan drops off his ballot at City Hall in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2025, ahead of the statewide special election.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Submitting your ballot by hand this way is the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">top recommendation\u003c/a> of Kim Alexander, president and founder of the non-partisan California Voter Foundation. If you live in \u003ca href=\"https://calvoter.org/content/sign-scan-and-go\">one of the California counties\u003c/a> that has adopted the “Sign & Go” system — which in the Bay Area are Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin and Napa — you can complete your ballot at home, and then bring it to a participating vote center and sign the voter roster under penalty of perjury (just as you would for in-person voting) to submit it in person. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Submitting your ballot by hand this way is the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">top recommendation\u003c/a> of Kim Alexander, president and founder of the non-partisan California Voter Foundation. If you live in \u003ca href=\"https://calvoter.org/content/sign-scan-and-go\">one of the California counties\u003c/a> that has adopted the “Sign & Go” system — which in the Bay Area are Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin and Napa — you can complete your ballot at home, and then bring it to a participating vote center and sign the voter roster under penalty of perjury (just as you would for in-person voting) to submit it in person. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if you live in a county that has adopted “Sign, Scan & Go”, like San Mateo, you can do all of the above and then scan your ballot yourself to have your vote recorded immediately at the voting site. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And if you live in a county that has adopted “Sign, Scan & Go”, like San Mateo, you can do all of the above and then scan your ballot yourself to have your vote recorded immediately at the voting site. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can also, of course, fill your ballot out in-person \u003cem>at \u003c/em>a voting location, and submit it directly there and then. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can also, of course, fill your ballot out in-person \u003cem>at \u003c/em>a voting location, and submit it directly there and then. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A few reasons the effort to hand-deliver your completed ballot instead of mailing it might be worth it:\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>A few reasons the effort to hand-deliver your completed ballot instead of mailing it might be worth it:\u003c/p>\n"
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"Peace of mind: There’s a satisfaction that comes with knowing your ballot should now travel straight to your county elections office rather than going through USPS collection and sorting for delivery",
"Timing: If it’s Election Day itself, using a drop box or a voting location to drop off your ballot is the best way to be sure it’ll reach your county elections office in time to be counted",
"Assistance: If you drop off your ballot at a voting location during operating hours and you have a few lingering questions about your ballot or the process, chances are good that you’ll find someone there to help answer them."
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Peace of mind:\u003c/strong> There’s a satisfaction that comes with knowing your ballot should now travel straight to your county elections office rather than going through USPS collection and sorting for delivery\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Peace of mind:\u003c/strong> There’s a satisfaction that comes with knowing your ballot should now travel straight to your county elections office rather than going through USPS collection and sorting for delivery\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Timing:\u003c/strong> If it’s Election Day itself, using a drop box or a voting location to drop off your ballot is the best way to be sure it’ll reach your county elections office in time to be counted\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Timing:\u003c/strong> If it’s Election Day itself, using a drop box or a voting location to drop off your ballot is the best way to be sure it’ll reach your county elections office in time to be counted\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Assistance:\u003c/strong> If you drop off your ballot at a voting location during operating hours and you have a few lingering questions about your ballot or the process, chances are good that you’ll find someone there to help answer them.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Assistance:\u003c/strong> If you drop off your ballot at a voting location during operating hours and you have a few lingering questions about your ballot or the process, chances are good that you’ll find someone there to help answer them.\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Regardless of how you deliver it, you can \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">sign up to track your ballot’s progress with the “Where’s My Ballot?” online tool\u003c/a> and be reassured it’s on its way to being counted.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Regardless of how you deliver it, you can \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">sign up to track your ballot’s progress with the “Where’s My Ballot?” online tool\u003c/a> and be reassured it’s on its way to being counted.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>On Tuesday, in-person voting is still available at every county registrar’s office (also known as your county’s elections office) in the Bay Area. If you’re a San Francisco voter, this location will be City Hall. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\">Find your county registrar’s office and opening hours.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>On Tuesday, in-person voting is still available at every county registrar’s office (also known as your county’s elections office) in the Bay Area. If you’re a San Francisco voter, this location will be City Hall. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\">Find your county registrar’s office and opening hours.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Check your mail-in ballot to see where you can vote and whether you’ve been assigned a specific polling place.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Check your mail-in ballot to see where you can vote and whether you’ve been assigned a specific polling place.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261008-ELECTIONSTOCKIMAGERY-09-BL-KQED-eb95111c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103668\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261008-ELECTIONSTOCKIMAGERY-09-BL-KQED-eb95111c.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261008-ELECTIONSTOCKIMAGERY-09-BL-KQED-eb95111c-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261008-ELECTIONSTOCKIMAGERY-09-BL-KQED-eb95111c-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A vote-by-mail ballot for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election on Oct. 8, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261008-ELECTIONSTOCKIMAGERY-09-BL-KQED-eb95111c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103668\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A vote-by-mail ballot for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election on Oct. 8, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you live in San Francisco, Contra Costa or Solano counties:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you live in San Francisco, Contra Costa or Solano counties:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You are assigned a specific polling place, though Contra Costa County election officials say they can process your ballot no matter where you show up to vote.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You are assigned a specific polling place, though Contra Costa County election officials say they can process your ballot no matter where you show up to vote.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But even if you live in a county that assigns you a particular polling place, you can still vote at \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\">your county registrar’s office\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But even if you live in a county that assigns you a particular polling place, you can still vote at \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\">your county registrar’s office\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you live in Alameda, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara or Sonoma counties:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If you live in Alameda, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara or Sonoma counties:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can vote at any voting location — known as Vote Centers — including your county registrar’s office.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>You can vote at any voting location — known as Vote Centers — including your county registrar’s office.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can \u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\">find your voting location through the state’s lookup tool\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can \u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\">find your voting location through the state’s lookup tool\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Do I need to bring my ballot with me?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Do I need to bring my ballot with me?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’d like to cast a ballot in person, it’s a good idea to bring the blank ballot you were mailed, as some counties may require you to vote provisionally if you don’t bring it. If you’re issued a new ballot when you vote in person, any ballot you left at home will be canceled.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If you’d like to cast a ballot in person, it’s a good idea to bring the blank ballot you were mailed, as some counties may require you to vote provisionally if you don’t bring it. If you’re issued a new ballot when you vote in person, any ballot you left at home will be canceled.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Provisional votes are subject to extra checks — confirming that you’re actually registered to vote in California, or that you didn’t already complete and mail your ballot — and this extra layer of confirmation takes time. That means that although your vote will eventually be counted, it might not be tallied on Election Day itself.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Provisional votes are subject to extra checks — confirming that you’re actually registered to vote in California, or that you didn’t already complete and mail your ballot — and this extra layer of confirmation takes time. That means that although your vote will eventually be counted, it might not be tallied on Election Day itself.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This close to Election Day, if you want to register to vote — or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\">re-register,\u003c/a> if you’ve changed your name, want to change the political party choice you previously registered to vote with or have moved address — you’ll need to do this in person. (The online deadline for voter registration was Oct.19.)\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>This close to Election Day, if you want to register to vote — or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\">re-register,\u003c/a> if you’ve changed your name, want to change the political party choice you previously registered to vote with or have moved address — you’ll need to do this in person. (The online deadline for voter registration was Oct.19.)\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>To do this, you’ll complete the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg/\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a> process, also known as “conditional voting,” and request your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling location. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>To do this, you’ll complete the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg/\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a> process, also known as “conditional voting,” and request your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling location. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This system enables you to fill out and submit your ballot then and there, up until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>This system enables you to fill out and submit your ballot then and there, up until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In addition to voter registration, many voting locations also offer replacement ballots, accessible voting machines and language assistance.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>In addition to voter registration, many voting locations also offer replacement ballots, accessible voting machines and language assistance.\u003c/p>\n"
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"anchor": "ballot-drop-off",
"text": "How can I find my voting location or ballot drop-off?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 id=\"ballot-drop-off\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I find my voting location or ballot drop-off?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Secure drop boxes \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">opened back on Oct. 5, and the first vote centers opened\u003c/a> Oct. 24 in certain counties. Widespread early voting locations will open on Saturday, Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Secure drop boxes \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">opened back on Oct. 5, and the first vote centers opened\u003c/a> Oct. 24 in certain counties. Widespread early voting locations will open on Saturday, Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Visit the \u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\">state of California lookup tool\u003c/a>, where you can:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Visit the \u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\">state of California lookup tool\u003c/a>, where you can:\u003c/p>\n"
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"Enter your county (adding your city or ZIP code will give more localized results, but it’s optional)",
"Check the “Early Voting” and/or “Drop Off Location” boxes",
"Hit “Search” to see all the early voting and drop-off locations in that area."
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Enter your county (adding your city or ZIP code will give more localized results, but it’s optional)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Check the “Early Voting” and/or “Drop Off Location” boxes\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Check the “Early Voting” and/or “Drop Off Location” boxes\u003c/li>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Hit “Search” to see all the early voting and drop-off locations in that area.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Hit “Search” to see all the early voting and drop-off locations in that area.\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Remember that in-person voting hours may differ by location, and some locations may not be open every day.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Remember that in-person voting hours may differ by location, and some locations may not be open every day.\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "How can I contact my county directly about voting?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Across the Bay Area, elections officials are encouraging voters to reach out — early — with any questions or concerns. Here’s the contact information for your county:\u003c/p>\n",
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"Alameda: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683",
"Contra Costa: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us",
"Marin: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to send a form email",
"Napa: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org",
"San Francisco: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org",
"San Mateo: Call 888-762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org",
"Santa Clara: Call toll-free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org",
"Solano: Call 707-784-6675 or 888-933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com",
"Sonoma: Call 707-565-6800 or toll-free at 800-750-8683"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\">send a form email\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\">send a form email\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org\u003c/li>\n"
]
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 888-762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 888-762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll-free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll-free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org\u003c/li>\n"
]
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call 707-784-6675 or 888-933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call 707-784-6675 or 888-933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-565-6800 or toll-free at 800-750-8683\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-565-6800 or toll-free at 800-750-8683\u003c/li>\n"
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"excerpt": "With early voting opening available across the Bay Area this weekend, here’s how to find your closest location — or a ballot drop box. ",
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"title": "Election 2026: Where Can I Drop Off My Midterm Ballot This Weekend— or Vote Early? | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California voters: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">the midterm elections are here\u003c/a>, and Election Day is Tuesday.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wondering where to drop off your completed mail-in ballot in the Bay Area? Or where you can vote in person and find a polling place near you? What about if you prefer to vote on Election Day itself?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep reading for everything you need to know about submitting your vote in the California midterm elections. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Jump straight to:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#ballot-drop-off\">How to find your closest voting location or ballot drop-off\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#in-person\">How to find your polling place on Election Day\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">How to contact your county directly about voting\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you’re concerned you might have made a mistake when filling out your ballot, you can \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103115/california-midterms-elections-2026-vote-for-governor-ballot-signature-how-to-correct-mistake\">read our guide to addressing common errors on your ballot \u003c/a>(\u003cem>before\u003c/em> you mail it) — and find out how to get a fresh ballot or vote in person if you really messed up.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is it best to drop off my ballot in a drop box or at a voting location?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. State officials — and USPS — stress that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">you shouldn’t mail your ballot through the Postal Service this close to Election Day\u003c/a>, because there’s a real risk it might be postmarked too late for it to be counted at this stage. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, find a secure official election drop box and drop it off there. Once you’ve placed your ballot into one of these drop boxes, it’ll then be taken straight to your county elections office. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">sign up to track your ballot’s progress with the “Where’s My Ballot?” online tool\u003c/a>, for reassurance that it’s on its way to being counted.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also hand-deliver your ballot to any open voting location. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">The first vote centers opened\u003c/a> Oct. 24 in certain counties, and more early voting locations will be open from Saturday, Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/251030-BayAreaVoters-04-BL_qed-afbb8079.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107030\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/251030-BayAreaVoters-04-BL_qed-afbb8079.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/251030-BayAreaVoters-04-BL_qed-afbb8079-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/251030-BayAreaVoters-04-BL_qed-afbb8079-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">John Chan drops off his ballot at City Hall in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2025, ahead of the statewide special election. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Submitting your ballot by hand this way is the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">top recommendation\u003c/a> of Kim Alexander, president and founder of the non-partisan California Voter Foundation. If you live in \u003ca href=\"https://calvoter.org/content/sign-scan-and-go\">one of the California counties\u003c/a> that has adopted the “Sign & Go” system — which in the Bay Area are Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin and Napa — you can complete your ballot at home, and then bring it to a participating vote center and sign the voter roster under penalty of perjury (just as you would for in-person voting) to submit it in person. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And if you live in a county that has adopted “Sign, Scan & Go”, like San Mateo, you can do all of the above and then scan your ballot yourself to have your vote recorded immediately at the voting site. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also, of course, fill your ballot out in-person \u003cem>at \u003c/em>a voting location, and submit it directly there and then. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few reasons the effort to hand-deliver your completed ballot instead of mailing it might be worth it:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Peace of mind:\u003c/strong> There’s a satisfaction that comes with knowing your ballot should now travel straight to your county elections office rather than going through USPS collection and sorting for delivery\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Timing:\u003c/strong> If it’s Election Day itself, using a drop box or a voting location to drop off your ballot is the best way to be sure it’ll reach your county elections office in time to be counted\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Assistance:\u003c/strong> If you drop off your ballot at a voting location during operating hours and you have a few lingering questions about your ballot or the process, chances are good that you’ll find someone there to help answer them.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regardless of how you deliver it, you can \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">sign up to track your ballot’s progress with the “Where’s My Ballot?” online tool\u003c/a> and be reassured it’s on its way to being counted.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"in-person\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I vote in person on Election Day?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On Tuesday, in-person voting is still available at every county registrar’s office (also known as your county’s elections office) in the Bay Area. If you’re a San Francisco voter, this location will be City Hall. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\">Find your county registrar’s office and opening hours.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check your mail-in ballot to see where you can vote and whether you’ve been assigned a specific polling place.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261008-ELECTIONSTOCKIMAGERY-09-BL-KQED-eb95111c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103668\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261008-ELECTIONSTOCKIMAGERY-09-BL-KQED-eb95111c.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261008-ELECTIONSTOCKIMAGERY-09-BL-KQED-eb95111c-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261008-ELECTIONSTOCKIMAGERY-09-BL-KQED-eb95111c-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A vote-by-mail ballot for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election on Oct. 8, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>If you live in San Francisco, Contra Costa or Solano counties:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You are assigned a specific polling place, though Contra Costa County election officials say they can process your ballot no matter where you show up to vote.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But even if you live in a county that assigns you a particular polling place, you can still vote at \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\">your county registrar’s office\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>If you live in Alameda, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara or Sonoma counties:\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can vote at any voting location — known as Vote Centers — including your county registrar’s office.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can \u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\">find your voting location through the state’s lookup tool\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Do I need to bring my ballot with me?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you’d like to cast a ballot in person, it’s a good idea to bring the blank ballot you were mailed, as some counties may require you to vote provisionally if you don’t bring it. If you’re issued a new ballot when you vote in person, any ballot you left at home will be canceled.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Provisional votes are subject to extra checks — confirming that you’re actually registered to vote in California, or that you didn’t already complete and mail your ballot — and this extra layer of confirmation takes time. That means that although your vote will eventually be counted, it might not be tallied on Election Day itself.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I still need to register to vote. What should I do? Can I do this on Election Day?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This close to Election Day, if you want to register to vote — or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/\">re-register,\u003c/a> if you’ve changed your name, want to change the political party choice you previously registered to vote with or have moved address — you’ll need to do this in person. (The online deadline for voter registration was Oct.19.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To do this, you’ll complete the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg/\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a> process, also known as “conditional voting,” and request your ballot in person at your county elections office or polling location. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This system enables you to fill out and submit your ballot then and there, up until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to voter registration, many voting locations also offer replacement ballots, accessible voting machines and language assistance.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"ballot-drop-off\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I find my voting location or ballot drop-off?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Secure drop boxes \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">opened back on Oct. 5, and the first vote centers opened\u003c/a> Oct. 24 in certain counties. Widespread early voting locations will open on Saturday, Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Visit the \u003ca href=\"https://caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov/\">state of California lookup tool\u003c/a>, where you can:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Enter your county (adding your city or ZIP code will give more localized results, but it’s optional)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Check the “Early Voting” and/or “Drop Off Location” boxes\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Hit “Search” to see all the early voting and drop-off locations in that area.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember that in-person voting hours may differ by location, and some locations may not be open every day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"county\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I contact my county directly about voting?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Across the Bay Area, elections officials are encouraging voters to reach out — early — with any questions or concerns. Here’s the contact information for your county:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\">send a form email\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 888-762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll-free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call 707-784-6675 or 888-933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-565-6800 or toll-free at 800-750-8683\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The state also has a full list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/\">every county elections office in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "california-midterms-elections-2026-vote-for-governor-ballot-signature-how-to-correct-mistake",
"title": "Midterms 2026: How to Correct a Mistake on Your Ballot (and Make Sure Your Vote’s Counted in Time)",
"publishDate": 1793380140,
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"headTitle": "Midterms 2026: How to Correct a Mistake on Your Ballot (and Make Sure Your Vote’s Counted in Time) | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tuesday is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/electionsnews\">Election Day\u003c/a> in California, your last chance to vote in the state’s general election — and to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/\">cast your vote\u003c/a> for who should be the next governor.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But what if you’re unsure of how to fill that ballot out according to how you want to vote? Or what to do if you’ve made a mistake on it?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read on to learn how to fill out your ballot when it arrives, how important your signature is, and your options if you need to start again with a fresh ballot.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#mistake\">I messed up my ballot, and I’m afraid my vote won’t count. What should I do? \u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Remind me: What’s on my 2026 midterm elections ballot?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on which county you live in, your California ballot will present you with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">a mix of races\u003c/a> to vote on.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The races for statewide offices include:\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/governor\">Governor\u003c/a>: Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton face off in a race to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/insurance-commissioner\">Insurance commissioner\u003c/a>: Wildfires and inflation have thrown California into an insurance crisis. Two Democrats, Ben Allen and Jane Kim, are running to become the insurance industry’s chief regulator.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12078808\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12078808\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Steve Hilton speaks during the California gubernatorial candidate debate on Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Laure Andrillon/AP Photo)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12086476\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Xavier-Becerra-Getty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12086476\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Xavier-Becerra-Getty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Xavier-Becerra-Getty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Xavier-Becerra-Getty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Xavier Becerra, a candidate for governor, speaks to supporters on election night on June 2, 2026. (David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A number of statewide propositions, including:\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-1\">Prop. 1\u003c/a>: Should California issue $11.25 billion in general obligation bonds for affordable housing, homebuying opportunities and veterans and homelessness programs?\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-39\">Prop 39\u003c/a>: Should Californians be required to show ID for in-person and mail-in voting? \u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-40\">Prop 40: \u003c/a>Should California tax the wealth of billionaires to fund health care services?\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Local measures and races \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These will depend on your Bay Area county or district. See \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">the KQED Voter Guide for more information\u003c/a> on what’s on your ballot this election season, with details of all those California props.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I return my ballot when I’ve completed it?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This close to Election Day, state officials — and USPS — stress that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">you shouldn’t be \u003cem>mailing\u003c/em> your ballot through the Postal Service\u003c/a>, because there’s a real risk it might be postmarked too late for it to be counted at this stage.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead of submitting your ballot via a USPS collection box, you should now:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drop off your ballot in a secure ballot drop box\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using one of these drop boxes means your ballot will be taken straight to your local county elections office.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drop off your ballot in an open voting location\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">The first vote centers opened \u003c/a>Oct. 24 in certain counties, with more early voting locations opening Saturday, Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Submitting your ballot by hand this way is the top recommendation of Kim Alexander, president and founder of the non-partisan California Voter Foundation. You can fill out your ballot in person at a voting location and submit it directly there and then. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Or, if you live in \u003ca href=\"https://calvoter.org/content/sign-scan-and-go\">one of the California counties\u003c/a> that has adopted the “Sign & Go” system — in the Bay Area, that’s Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin and Napa — you can complete your ballot at your convenience at home, and then bring it to a participating vote center and sign the voter roster under penalty of perjury (just as you would for in-person voting) to submit it in person. And if you live in a county that has adopted “Sign, Scan & Go”, like San Mateo, you can do all of the above and then scan your ballot yourself to have your vote recorded immediately at the voting site. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Really\u003c/strong> \u003cstrong>\u003cem>have\u003c/em>\u003c/strong> \u003cstrong>to use the Postal Service this close to Election Day?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At this late stage, we’ll say it again\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">: You shouldn’t be using a USPS collection box\u003c/a> to mail your ballot. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But if you really have to use USPS for some reason instead of the methods above, Secretary of State Shirley Weber’s office recommends you go inside an open Post Office location to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail\">“get a hand-stamped postmark\u003c/a> from a postal employee,” and then submit your postmarked ballot through USPS that way.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do I \u003cem>have\u003c/em> to vote by mail?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail\">If you’re registered to vote, you’ll have received a mail-in ballot by default\u003c/a> for the 2026 midterms, without requesting it. But voting by mail is still just one option that’s open to you.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can still vote in person, either at an early voting location before Election Day or on Tuesday itself.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"A person puts a yellow ballot envelope in a ballot drop box.\" class=\"wp-image-12012711\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter drops off their mail-in ballot at a drop box outside of Novato City Hall on Nov. 2, 2024. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I fix a mistake on my ballot?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It’s important to note that each county is slightly different in how they’d prefer you to address a mistake on your ballot, and will often provide specific details about corrections \u003cem>on\u003c/em> the ballot itself. If you have a specific question about your ballot that isn’t answered here, you can always contact your local registrar of voters for advice and instructions.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I have problems with my signature?\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you’re done filling out your ballot, you must sign the envelope. But two big mistakes people make with their signatures are:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Forgetting to sign their ballot entirely.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Making a signature that doesn’t match the signature they made when they registered to vote.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why \u003cem>wouldn’t\u003c/em> your signature match the one on file? If you registered to vote at a young age, maybe your signature has changed over time. Or perhaps you registered to vote at the DMV and provided your signature on a screen with a stylus, which doesn’t quite replicate how you’d make your signature with a pen on paper.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12088632\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Edgardo Domingo fills out a ballot at a voting booth at the Vietnamese American Cultural Center in San José on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you registered this way, one simple way to avoid any signature problems is to take a quick glance at the signature that’s on your driver’s license or state ID — because that’s the one you want your ballot signature to match.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if you didn’t register at the DMV, that signature on your most recent license or state ID is still very likely the one to emulate. That’s because when you register to vote online, your county elections office electronically requests a copy of the signature the DMV \u003cem>currently\u003c/em> has for you, and this information is regularly updated.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To further set your mind at rest, know that California isn’t an “exact match” state, and doesn’t demand voters’ signatures 100% replicate the signature that’s on file.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I just don’t know my ‘correct’ signature I’m registered to vote with?\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you’re \u003cem>really\u003c/em> worried about the signature on your envelope not matching the signature you’re registered to vote with, there are two good solutions.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One: \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">Re-register to vote with your current signature\u003c/a>, to be sure that the state now has your most recent one on file, by completing the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg/\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a> process, also known as “conditional voting,” at your county elections office or polling location. You’ll be handed your ballot to vote right there.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2021, the California Voter Foundation’s Alexander told us there’s another solution if you’re worried about your signature: Go vote in person, if you’re able.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That’s because the signature goes only on your ballot’s \u003cem>envelope\u003c/em> — and if you’re voting in person, there’s no envelope, because that ballot then goes straight into the ballot box without needing that envelope at all.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“So if you want that satisfaction of seeing your ballot drop in the box and know that it’s not going to get held up because of some signature issue, you can go and vote in person,” said Alexander.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I already mailed my ballot, but now I’m paranoid about my signature. What if I messed it up?\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rest assured: There’s a whole system in place to help you correct your mistake.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your county’s election office detects a signature mismatch on your ballot, they’ll reach out to you via mail to verify and work with you to correct it, so that your ballot can be counted after all. It’s called “curing” a ballot.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This system is also applied when it looks like a member of a voter’s family might have signed their ballot, instead of the voter. This happens a \u003cem>surprising\u003c/em> amount when one household has several voters who all receive a ballot in the mail.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One way to get peace of mind: \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">Sign up to track your ballot\u003c/a>, and you’ll find out about any issues with your ballot or your signature quickly.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"mistake\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">I made a mistake on my ballot. How do I fix it?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, don’t panic. People make mistakes on ballots and find good ways to correct them.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Counties give different directions to voters about what to do if they make a mistake (remember: Read the instructions!), but you can usually simply X out the choice you didn’t intend.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12085889\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Voters cast their ballots at UC Davis in Davis on June 2, 2026. (Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The job of county elections officials — once they’ve verified your signature — is to make sure your ballot can be read correctly. If that means that your corrections on your ballot have resulted in readability issues, officials working in teams of two will actually remake it for you according to the intent you’ve signaled with your corrections.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some counties, like Alameda, ask that you actually contact them first if you make a serious mistake — including voting for the wrong candidate — so they can send you a replacement ballot. So, wherever you live, it’s a good idea to check with your local elections office first to see what \u003cem>they\u003c/em> recommend if you made a mistake.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And remember, there’s always this option …\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I just want a new ballot?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you’ve made a big mistake on your ballot — too big to fix — your best plan of action may be to focus on getting a new one. And that’s totally OK. You can:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Call your county elections office and ask them to cancel that ballot and issue a new one to you.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Go to your county elections office with your spoiled ballot during business hours and vote right there at the counter.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Take advantage of the early voting options available in many counties.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Go to a voting site on Tuesday’s Election Day, turn in your spoiled ballot there and get a new ballot.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also do this if you’ve accidentally damaged your ballot in some way (coffee spills happen).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I think I put the wrong date on my envelope\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First off, that date should be the date you signed your envelope — not your date of birth. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But if you’re worried you messed up the date, don’t worry. Elections officials say that the date they’re \u003cem>really\u003c/em> looking for is the date that the ballot is postmarked, to make sure it was submitted on time.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099795\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A San Francisco official mail-in ballot for the Nov. 3, 2020 election. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Election officials will only truly scrutinize the date you’ve written if they receive your ballot \u003cem>after\u003c/em> Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And if you haven’t mailed your envelope yet, it’s an easy fix: Just clearly cross out the incorrect date on the envelope and write in the correct one above it.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I use assistive technology to complete forms?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting physical assistance with filling out your ballot from someone you trust is always fine, whether you’re voting at home or at a voting site. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You just need to make sure your signature is your own and matches the one you’re registered to vote with.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12062371\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tessa King drops off a ballot at the City Hall Voting Center in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2025, ahead of the statewide special election. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Disabled voters can also choose to use the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/remote-accessible-vote-mail\">Remote Accessible Vote-by-Mail\u003c/a> system to vote privately and independently at home, using their usual assistive device on their home computer to fill out the ballot on their screen and then print and mail it.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every voting location in California is also equipped with an accessible voting unit. Here, voters with blindness or low vision or who have a disability that limits their dexterity, will be able to use the assistive device of their choice that allows them to vote privately and independently.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I make sure my mail-in ballot gets there on time? \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember, one big reason that ballots get disqualified in elections is that voters mail them too late: either too late on Election Day itself (after U.S. Postal Service mailboxes have already been collected), or after Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To be counted in this election, your ballot must be postmarked on Election Day, Nov. 3, at the latest. Your ballot has seven days to reach your county elections office.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So in this election, it’s as crucial as ever to make sure you have a plan for voting on time. And if you’re not voting in person, that means making sure you get your ballot into a secure voting drop box, or dropped off at a polling location or your county elections office, by the time polls close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read more about why \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">California election officials are urging voters to make sure their ballot arrives on time\u003c/a> – and why they say it’s too late at this stage to mail your ballot through USPS.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A few other common ballot mistakes to watch out for …\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make sure you’re filling out and signing the ballot and envelope with \u003cem>your\u003c/em> name on it: \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It’s common to see partners or roommates accidentally mix up their ballots. So make sure you’re signing the document that bears your name.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make sure you use a black or blue pen: \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It reads better, and it doesn’t slow workers down when they have to check to see what voter intent was. (Don’t use a felt-tip or a Sharpie that bleeds through the paper and marks other pages on your ballot.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12084638\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tanya Yule looks over a voting guide at her home in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2020. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don’t mail an empty envelope: \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It does happen. Keeping your envelope and your ballot together in your home might be a helpful way of avoiding this problem. And of course, when you’re ready to mail your ballot, make sure it’s actually inside the envelope before you seal it.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don’t bother with a stamp: \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your ballot envelope is postage-paid. You don’t need it.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My ballot is missing or hasn’t arrived. What should I do?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don’t panic: You have options. Here’s what to do.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Check that you’re actually registered to vote — and to the right address.\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">Input your details on the secretary of state’s voter status page\u003c/a> to check your registration status. This will show whether you’re actually registered to vote, and to which address. It should also show whether your ballot was mailed out.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also use \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">the Where’s My Ballot? tool\u003c/a> to check whether your ballot has been sent.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095745\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter is given a sticker after dropping his ballot at City Hall in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2025, ahead of the statewide special election. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>If your voter registration address was correct but your ballot never showed up, you still have options.\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your county elections office won’t mail you a ballot six days or less before Election Day, because it can’t be sure it’ll reach you in time. So if you’re trying to get a ballot in the immediate run-up to Election Day, go to your county elections office in person and request one at the counter. You can also vote right there at the counter at the same time until 8 p.m. on Tuesday.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And remember, if you’re \u003cem>not\u003c/em> actually registered to vote, you always have the option of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a>, also known as conditional voter registration, at a voting location, where you can then fill out and submit your ballot, too.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contact your county directly\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Across the Bay Area, elections officials are encouraging voters to reach out — early — with any questions or concerns. Here’s the contact information for your county:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\">send a form email\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 888- 762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll-free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call 707-784-6675 or (888) 933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-565-6800 or toll-free at 800-750-8683\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The state also has a full list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/\">every county elections office in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Tuesday is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/electionsnews\">Election Day\u003c/a> in California, your last chance to vote in the state’s general election — and to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/\">cast your vote\u003c/a> for who should be the next governor.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Tuesday is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/electionsnews\">Election Day\u003c/a> in California, your last chance to vote in the state’s general election — and to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/\">cast your vote\u003c/a> for who should be the next governor.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But what if you’re unsure of how to fill that ballot out according to how you want to vote? Or what to do if you’ve made a mistake on it?\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But what if you’re unsure of how to fill that ballot out according to how you want to vote? Or what to do if you’ve made a mistake on it?\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Read on to learn how to fill out your ballot when it arrives, how important your signature is, and your options if you need to start again with a fresh ballot.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Read on to learn how to fill out your ballot when it arrives, how important your signature is, and your options if you need to start again with a fresh ballot.\u003c/p>\n"
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"Jump to: I messed up my ballot, and I’m afraid my vote won’t count. What should I do? "
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\u003c/ul>\n",
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null,
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#mistake\">I messed up my ballot, and I’m afraid my vote won’t count. What should I do? \u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#mistake\">I messed up my ballot, and I’m afraid my vote won’t count. What should I do? \u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Remind me: What’s on my 2026 midterm elections ballot?",
"level": 2
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Remind me: What’s on my 2026 midterm elections ballot?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Remind me: What’s on my 2026 midterm elections ballot?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Depending on which county you live in, your California ballot will present you with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">a mix of races\u003c/a> to vote on.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Depending on which county you live in, your California ballot will present you with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">a mix of races\u003c/a> to vote on.\u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
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"text": "The races for statewide offices include:"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The races for statewide offices include:\u003c/h3>\n",
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"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The races for statewide offices include:\u003c/h3>\n"
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"Governor: Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton face off in a race to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom.",
"Insurance commissioner: Wildfires and inflation have thrown California into an insurance crisis. Two Democrats, Ben Allen and Jane Kim, are running to become the insurance industry’s chief regulator."
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
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null,
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null,
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/governor\">Governor\u003c/a>: Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton face off in a race to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/governor\">Governor\u003c/a>: Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton face off in a race to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom.\u003c/li>\n"
]
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/insurance-commissioner\">Insurance commissioner\u003c/a>: Wildfires and inflation have thrown California into an insurance crisis. Two Democrats, Ben Allen and Jane Kim, are running to become the insurance industry’s chief regulator.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/insurance-commissioner\">Insurance commissioner\u003c/a>: Wildfires and inflation have thrown California into an insurance crisis. Two Democrats, Ben Allen and Jane Kim, are running to become the insurance industry’s chief regulator.\u003c/li>\n"
]
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n\u003c/figure>\n",
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null,
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null,
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12078808\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Steve Hilton speaks during the California gubernatorial candidate debate on Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12078808\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Steve Hilton speaks during the California gubernatorial candidate debate on Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Xavier-Becerra-Getty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12086476\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Xavier Becerra, a candidate for governor, speaks to supporters on election night on June 2, 2026. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Xavier-Becerra-Getty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12086476\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Xavier Becerra, a candidate for governor, speaks to supporters on election night on June 2, 2026. \u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "A number of statewide propositions, including:"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A number of statewide propositions, including:\u003c/h3>\n",
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"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A number of statewide propositions, including:\u003c/h3>\n"
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"Prop. 1: Should California issue $11.25 billion in general obligation bonds for affordable housing, homebuying opportunities and veterans and homelessness programs?",
"Prop 39: Should Californians be required to show ID for in-person and mail-in voting? ",
"Prop 40: Should California tax the wealth of billionaires to fund health care services?"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-1\">Prop. 1\u003c/a>: Should California issue $11.25 billion in general obligation bonds for affordable housing, homebuying opportunities and veterans and homelessness programs?\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-1\">Prop. 1\u003c/a>: Should California issue $11.25 billion in general obligation bonds for affordable housing, homebuying opportunities and veterans and homelessness programs?\u003c/li>\n"
]
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"attrs": [],
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-39\">Prop 39\u003c/a>: Should Californians be required to show ID for in-person and mail-in voting? \u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-39\">Prop 39\u003c/a>: Should Californians be required to show ID for in-person and mail-in voting? \u003c/li>\n"
]
},
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-40\">Prop 40: \u003c/a>Should California tax the wealth of billionaires to fund health care services?\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-40\">Prop 40: \u003c/a>Should California tax the wealth of billionaires to fund health care services?\u003c/li>\n"
]
}
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Local measures and races "
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Local measures and races \u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Local measures and races \u003c/h3>\n"
],
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},
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>These will depend on your Bay Area county or district. See \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">the KQED Voter Guide for more information\u003c/a> on what’s on your ballot this election season, with details of all those California props.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>These will depend on your Bay Area county or district. See \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">the KQED Voter Guide for more information\u003c/a> on what’s on your ballot this election season, with details of all those California props.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "How do I return my ballot when I’ve completed it?",
"level": 2
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I return my ballot when I’ve completed it?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I return my ballot when I’ve completed it?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This close to Election Day, state officials — and USPS — stress that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">you shouldn’t be \u003cem>mailing\u003c/em> your ballot through the Postal Service\u003c/a>, because there’s a real risk it might be postmarked too late for it to be counted at this stage.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>This close to Election Day, state officials — and USPS — stress that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">you shouldn’t be \u003cem>mailing\u003c/em> your ballot through the Postal Service\u003c/a>, because there’s a real risk it might be postmarked too late for it to be counted at this stage.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Instead of submitting your ballot via a USPS collection box, you should now:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Instead of submitting your ballot via a USPS collection box, you should now:\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
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"text": "Drop off your ballot in a secure ballot drop box"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drop off your ballot in a secure ballot drop box\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drop off your ballot in a secure ballot drop box\u003c/h3>\n"
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"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Using one of these drop boxes means your ballot will be taken straight to your local county elections office.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Using one of these drop boxes means your ballot will be taken straight to your local county elections office.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Drop off your ballot in an open voting location"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drop off your ballot in an open voting location\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drop off your ballot in an open voting location\u003c/h3>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">The first vote centers opened \u003c/a>Oct. 24 in certain counties, with more early voting locations opening Saturday, Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">The first vote centers opened \u003c/a>Oct. 24 in certain counties, with more early voting locations opening Saturday, Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Submitting your ballot by hand this way is the top recommendation of Kim Alexander, president and founder of the non-partisan California Voter Foundation. You can fill out your ballot in person at a voting location and submit it directly there and then. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Submitting your ballot by hand this way is the top recommendation of Kim Alexander, president and founder of the non-partisan California Voter Foundation. You can fill out your ballot in person at a voting location and submit it directly there and then. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Or, if you live in \u003ca href=\"https://calvoter.org/content/sign-scan-and-go\">one of the California counties\u003c/a> that has adopted the “Sign & Go” system — in the Bay Area, that’s Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin and Napa — you can complete your ballot at your convenience at home, and then bring it to a participating vote center and sign the voter roster under penalty of perjury (just as you would for in-person voting) to submit it in person. And if you live in a county that has adopted “Sign, Scan & Go”, like San Mateo, you can do all of the above and then scan your ballot yourself to have your vote recorded immediately at the voting site. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Or, if you live in \u003ca href=\"https://calvoter.org/content/sign-scan-and-go\">one of the California counties\u003c/a> that has adopted the “Sign & Go” system — in the Bay Area, that’s Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin and Napa — you can complete your ballot at your convenience at home, and then bring it to a participating vote center and sign the voter roster under penalty of perjury (just as you would for in-person voting) to submit it in person. And if you live in a county that has adopted “Sign, Scan & Go”, like San Mateo, you can do all of the above and then scan your ballot yourself to have your vote recorded immediately at the voting site. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Really\u003c/strong> \u003cstrong>\u003cem>have\u003c/em>\u003c/strong> \u003cstrong>to use the Postal Service this close to Election Day?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Really\u003c/strong> \u003cstrong>\u003cem>have\u003c/em>\u003c/strong> \u003cstrong>to use the Postal Service this close to Election Day?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>At this late stage, we’ll say it again\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">: You shouldn’t be using a USPS collection box\u003c/a> to mail your ballot. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>At this late stage, we’ll say it again\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">: You shouldn’t be using a USPS collection box\u003c/a> to mail your ballot. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But if you really have to use USPS for some reason instead of the methods above, Secretary of State Shirley Weber’s office recommends you go inside an open Post Office location to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail\">“get a hand-stamped postmark\u003c/a> from a postal employee,” and then submit your postmarked ballot through USPS that way.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But if you really have to use USPS for some reason instead of the methods above, Secretary of State Shirley Weber’s office recommends you go inside an open Post Office location to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail\">“get a hand-stamped postmark\u003c/a> from a postal employee,” and then submit your postmarked ballot through USPS that way.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Do I have to vote by mail?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do I \u003cem>have\u003c/em> to vote by mail?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>No. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail\">If you’re registered to vote, you’ll have received a mail-in ballot by default\u003c/a> for the 2026 midterms, without requesting it. But voting by mail is still just one option that’s open to you.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>No. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail\">If you’re registered to vote, you’ll have received a mail-in ballot by default\u003c/a> for the 2026 midterms, without requesting it. But voting by mail is still just one option that’s open to you.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can still vote in person, either at an early voting location before Election Day or on Tuesday itself.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"A person puts a yellow ballot envelope in a ballot drop box.\" class=\"wp-image-12012711\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter drops off their mail-in ballot at a drop box outside of Novato City Hall on Nov. 2, 2024.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s important to note that each county is slightly different in how they’d prefer you to address a mistake on your ballot, and will often provide specific details about corrections \u003cem>on\u003c/em> the ballot itself. If you have a specific question about your ballot that isn’t answered here, you can always contact your local registrar of voters for advice and instructions.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>When you’re done filling out your ballot, you must sign the envelope. But two big mistakes people make with their signatures are:\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Forgetting to sign their ballot entirely.\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Making a signature that doesn’t match the signature they made when they registered to vote.\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Why \u003cem>wouldn’t\u003c/em> your signature match the one on file? If you registered to vote at a young age, maybe your signature has changed over time. Or perhaps you registered to vote at the DMV and provided your signature on a screen with a stylus, which doesn’t quite replicate how you’d make your signature with a pen on paper.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Why \u003cem>wouldn’t\u003c/em> your signature match the one on file? If you registered to vote at a young age, maybe your signature has changed over time. Or perhaps you registered to vote at the DMV and provided your signature on a screen with a stylus, which doesn’t quite replicate how you’d make your signature with a pen on paper.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12088632\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Edgardo Domingo fills out a ballot at a voting booth at the Vietnamese American Cultural Center in San José on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12088632\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Edgardo Domingo fills out a ballot at a voting booth at the Vietnamese American Cultural Center in San José on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you registered this way, one simple way to avoid any signature problems is to take a quick glance at the signature that’s on your driver’s license or state ID — because that’s the one you want your ballot signature to match.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If you registered this way, one simple way to avoid any signature problems is to take a quick glance at the signature that’s on your driver’s license or state ID — because that’s the one you want your ballot signature to match.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Even if you didn’t register at the DMV, that signature on your most recent license or state ID is still very likely the one to emulate. That’s because when you register to vote online, your county elections office electronically requests a copy of the signature the DMV \u003cem>currently\u003c/em> has for you, and this information is regularly updated.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Even if you didn’t register at the DMV, that signature on your most recent license or state ID is still very likely the one to emulate. That’s because when you register to vote online, your county elections office electronically requests a copy of the signature the DMV \u003cem>currently\u003c/em> has for you, and this information is regularly updated.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>To further set your mind at rest, know that California isn’t an “exact match” state, and doesn’t demand voters’ signatures 100% replicate the signature that’s on file.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>To further set your mind at rest, know that California isn’t an “exact match” state, and doesn’t demand voters’ signatures 100% replicate the signature that’s on file.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’re \u003cem>really\u003c/em> worried about the signature on your envelope not matching the signature you’re registered to vote with, there are two good solutions.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If you’re \u003cem>really\u003c/em> worried about the signature on your envelope not matching the signature you’re registered to vote with, there are two good solutions.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>One: \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">Re-register to vote with your current signature\u003c/a>, to be sure that the state now has your most recent one on file, by completing the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg/\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a> process, also known as “conditional voting,” at your county elections office or polling location. You’ll be handed your ballot to vote right there.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>One: \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">Re-register to vote with your current signature\u003c/a>, to be sure that the state now has your most recent one on file, by completing the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg/\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a> process, also known as “conditional voting,” at your county elections office or polling location. You’ll be handed your ballot to vote right there.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In 2021, the California Voter Foundation’s Alexander told us there’s another solution if you’re worried about your signature: Go vote in person, if you’re able.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>That’s because the signature goes only on your ballot’s \u003cem>envelope\u003c/em> — and if you’re voting in person, there’s no envelope, because that ballot then goes straight into the ballot box without needing that envelope at all.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>That’s because the signature goes only on your ballot’s \u003cem>envelope\u003c/em> — and if you’re voting in person, there’s no envelope, because that ballot then goes straight into the ballot box without needing that envelope at all.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“So if you want that satisfaction of seeing your ballot drop in the box and know that it’s not going to get held up because of some signature issue, you can go and vote in person,” said Alexander.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“So if you want that satisfaction of seeing your ballot drop in the box and know that it’s not going to get held up because of some signature issue, you can go and vote in person,” said Alexander.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Rest assured: There’s a whole system in place to help you correct your mistake.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Rest assured: There’s a whole system in place to help you correct your mistake.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If your county’s election office detects a signature mismatch on your ballot, they’ll reach out to you via mail to verify and work with you to correct it, so that your ballot can be counted after all. It’s called “curing” a ballot.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If your county’s election office detects a signature mismatch on your ballot, they’ll reach out to you via mail to verify and work with you to correct it, so that your ballot can be counted after all. It’s called “curing” a ballot.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This system is also applied when it looks like a member of a voter’s family might have signed their ballot, instead of the voter. This happens a \u003cem>surprising\u003c/em> amount when one household has several voters who all receive a ballot in the mail.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>This system is also applied when it looks like a member of a voter’s family might have signed their ballot, instead of the voter. This happens a \u003cem>surprising\u003c/em> amount when one household has several voters who all receive a ballot in the mail.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>One way to get peace of mind: \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">Sign up to track your ballot\u003c/a>, and you’ll find out about any issues with your ballot or your signature quickly.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>One way to get peace of mind: \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">Sign up to track your ballot\u003c/a>, and you’ll find out about any issues with your ballot or your signature quickly.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"anchor": "mistake",
"text": "I made a mistake on my ballot. How do I fix it?",
"level": 2
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 id=\"mistake\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">I made a mistake on my ballot. How do I fix it?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 id=\"mistake\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">I made a mistake on my ballot. How do I fix it?\u003c/h2>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>First, don’t panic. People make mistakes on ballots and find good ways to correct them.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>First, don’t panic. People make mistakes on ballots and find good ways to correct them.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Counties give different directions to voters about what to do if they make a mistake (remember: Read the instructions!), but you can usually simply X out the choice you didn’t intend.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Counties give different directions to voters about what to do if they make a mistake (remember: Read the instructions!), but you can usually simply X out the choice you didn’t intend.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12085889\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Voters cast their ballots at UC Davis in Davis on June 2, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12085889\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Voters cast their ballots at UC Davis in Davis on June 2, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The job of county elections officials — once they’ve verified your signature — is to make sure your ballot can be read correctly. If that means that your corrections on your ballot have resulted in readability issues, officials working in teams of two will actually remake it for you according to the intent you’ve signaled with your corrections.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The job of county elections officials — once they’ve verified your signature — is to make sure your ballot can be read correctly. If that means that your corrections on your ballot have resulted in readability issues, officials working in teams of two will actually remake it for you according to the intent you’ve signaled with your corrections.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Some counties, like Alameda, ask that you actually contact them first if you make a serious mistake — including voting for the wrong candidate — so they can send you a replacement ballot. So, wherever you live, it’s a good idea to check with your local elections office first to see what \u003cem>they\u003c/em> recommend if you made a mistake.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Some counties, like Alameda, ask that you actually contact them first if you make a serious mistake — including voting for the wrong candidate — so they can send you a replacement ballot. So, wherever you live, it’s a good idea to check with your local elections office first to see what \u003cem>they\u003c/em> recommend if you made a mistake.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And remember, there’s always this option …\u003c/p>\n",
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What if I just want a new ballot?",
"level": 2
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I just want a new ballot?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’ve made a big mistake on your ballot — too big to fix — your best plan of action may be to focus on getting a new one. And that’s totally OK. You can:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you’ve made a big mistake on your ballot — too big to fix — your best plan of action may be to focus on getting a new one. And that’s totally OK. You can:\u003c/p>\n"
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"items": [
"Call your county elections office and ask them to cancel that ballot and issue a new one to you.",
"Go to your county elections office with your spoiled ballot during business hours and vote right there at the counter.",
"Take advantage of the early voting options available in many counties.",
"Go to a voting site on Tuesday’s Election Day, turn in your spoiled ballot there and get a new ballot."
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
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null,
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null,
"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Call your county elections office and ask them to cancel that ballot and issue a new one to you.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Call your county elections office and ask them to cancel that ballot and issue a new one to you.\u003c/li>\n"
]
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{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Go to your county elections office with your spoiled ballot during business hours and vote right there at the counter.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Go to your county elections office with your spoiled ballot during business hours and vote right there at the counter.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Take advantage of the early voting options available in many counties.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Take advantage of the early voting options available in many counties.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Go to a voting site on Tuesday’s Election Day, turn in your spoiled ballot there and get a new ballot.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Go to a voting site on Tuesday’s Election Day, turn in your spoiled ballot there and get a new ballot.\u003c/li>\n"
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}
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can also do this if you’ve accidentally damaged your ballot in some way (coffee spills happen).\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can also do this if you’ve accidentally damaged your ballot in some way (coffee spills happen).\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "I think I put the wrong date on my envelope",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I think I put the wrong date on my envelope\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I think I put the wrong date on my envelope\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>First off, that date should be the date you signed your envelope — not your date of birth. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>First off, that date should be the date you signed your envelope — not your date of birth. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But if you’re worried you messed up the date, don’t worry. Elections officials say that the date they’re \u003cem>really\u003c/em> looking for is the date that the ballot is postmarked, to make sure it was submitted on time.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But if you’re worried you messed up the date, don’t worry. Elections officials say that the date they’re \u003cem>really\u003c/em> looking for is the date that the ballot is postmarked, to make sure it was submitted on time.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12099795,
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099795\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A San Francisco official mail-in ballot for the Nov. 3, 2020 election.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099795\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A San Francisco official mail-in ballot for the Nov. 3, 2020 election.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Election officials will only truly scrutinize the date you’ve written if they receive your ballot \u003cem>after\u003c/em> Election Day.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Election officials will only truly scrutinize the date you’ve written if they receive your ballot \u003cem>after\u003c/em> Election Day.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if you haven’t mailed your envelope yet, it’s an easy fix: Just clearly cross out the incorrect date on the envelope and write in the correct one above it.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And if you haven’t mailed your envelope yet, it’s an easy fix: Just clearly cross out the incorrect date on the envelope and write in the correct one above it.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What if I use assistive technology to complete forms?",
"level": 2
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I use assistive technology to complete forms?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I use assistive technology to complete forms?\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Getting physical assistance with filling out your ballot from someone you trust is always fine, whether you’re voting at home or at a voting site. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Getting physical assistance with filling out your ballot from someone you trust is always fine, whether you’re voting at home or at a voting site. \u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You just need to make sure your signature is your own and matches the one you’re registered to vote with.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You just need to make sure your signature is your own and matches the one you’re registered to vote with.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
"id": 12062371,
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12062371\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tessa King drops off a ballot at the City Hall Voting Center in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2025, ahead of the statewide special election.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12062371\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tessa King drops off a ballot at the City Hall Voting Center in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2025, ahead of the statewide special election.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Disabled voters can also choose to use the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/remote-accessible-vote-mail\">Remote Accessible Vote-by-Mail\u003c/a> system to vote privately and independently at home, using their usual assistive device on their home computer to fill out the ballot on their screen and then print and mail it.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Disabled voters can also choose to use the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/remote-accessible-vote-mail\">Remote Accessible Vote-by-Mail\u003c/a> system to vote privately and independently at home, using their usual assistive device on their home computer to fill out the ballot on their screen and then print and mail it.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Every voting location in California is also equipped with an accessible voting unit. Here, voters with blindness or low vision or who have a disability that limits their dexterity, will be able to use the assistive device of their choice that allows them to vote privately and independently.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Every voting location in California is also equipped with an accessible voting unit. Here, voters with blindness or low vision or who have a disability that limits their dexterity, will be able to use the assistive device of their choice that allows them to vote privately and independently.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "How can I make sure my mail-in ballot gets there on time? ",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I make sure my mail-in ballot gets there on time? \u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Remember, one big reason that ballots get disqualified in elections is that voters mail them too late: either too late on Election Day itself (after U.S. Postal Service mailboxes have already been collected), or after Election Day.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Remember, one big reason that ballots get disqualified in elections is that voters mail them too late: either too late on Election Day itself (after U.S. Postal Service mailboxes have already been collected), or after Election Day.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>To be counted in this election, your ballot must be postmarked on Election Day, Nov. 3, at the latest. Your ballot has seven days to reach your county elections office.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>To be counted in this election, your ballot must be postmarked on Election Day, Nov. 3, at the latest. Your ballot has seven days to reach your county elections office.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So in this election, it’s as crucial as ever to make sure you have a plan for voting on time. And if you’re not voting in person, that means making sure you get your ballot into a secure voting drop box, or dropped off at a polling location or your county elections office, by the time polls close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>So in this election, it’s as crucial as ever to make sure you have a plan for voting on time. And if you’re not voting in person, that means making sure you get your ballot into a secure voting drop box, or dropped off at a polling location or your county elections office, by the time polls close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday. \u003c/p>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Read more about why \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">California election officials are urging voters to make sure their ballot arrives on time\u003c/a> – and why they say it’s too late at this stage to mail your ballot through USPS.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Read more about why \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">California election officials are urging voters to make sure their ballot arrives on time\u003c/a> – and why they say it’s too late at this stage to mail your ballot through USPS.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "A few other common ballot mistakes to watch out for …",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A few other common ballot mistakes to watch out for …\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A few other common ballot mistakes to watch out for …\u003c/h2>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Make sure you’re filling out and signing the ballot and envelope with your name on it:"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make sure you’re filling out and signing the ballot and envelope with \u003cem>your\u003c/em> name on it: \u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make sure you’re filling out and signing the ballot and envelope with \u003cem>your\u003c/em> name on it: \u003c/h3>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s common to see partners or roommates accidentally mix up their ballots. So make sure you’re signing the document that bears your name.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>It’s common to see partners or roommates accidentally mix up their ballots. So make sure you’re signing the document that bears your name.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Make sure you use a black or blue pen:"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make sure you use a black or blue pen: \u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make sure you use a black or blue pen: \u003c/h3>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It reads better, and it doesn’t slow workers down when they have to check to see what voter intent was. (Don’t use a felt-tip or a Sharpie that bleeds through the paper and marks other pages on your ballot.)\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>It reads better, and it doesn’t slow workers down when they have to check to see what voter intent was. (Don’t use a felt-tip or a Sharpie that bleeds through the paper and marks other pages on your ballot.)\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12084638\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tanya Yule looks over a voting guide at her home in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2020.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12084638\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tanya Yule looks over a voting guide at her home in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2020.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
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"text": "Don’t mail an empty envelope:"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don’t mail an empty envelope: \u003c/h3>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It does happen. Keeping your envelope and your ballot together in your home might be a helpful way of avoiding this problem. And of course, when you’re ready to mail your ballot, make sure it’s actually inside the envelope before you seal it.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>It does happen. Keeping your envelope and your ballot together in your home might be a helpful way of avoiding this problem. And of course, when you’re ready to mail your ballot, make sure it’s actually inside the envelope before you seal it.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "Don’t bother with a stamp:"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don’t bother with a stamp: \u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don’t bother with a stamp: \u003c/h3>\n"
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"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Your ballot envelope is postage-paid. You don’t need it.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Your ballot envelope is postage-paid. You don’t need it.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "My ballot is missing or hasn’t arrived. What should I do?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My ballot is missing or hasn’t arrived. What should I do?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My ballot is missing or hasn’t arrived. What should I do?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Don’t panic: You have options. Here’s what to do.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Don’t panic: You have options. Here’s what to do.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Check that you’re actually registered to vote — and to the right address.\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>Check that you’re actually registered to vote — and to the right address.\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">Input your details on the secretary of state’s voter status page\u003c/a> to check your registration status. This will show whether you’re actually registered to vote, and to which address. It should also show whether your ballot was mailed out.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">Input your details on the secretary of state’s voter status page\u003c/a> to check your registration status. This will show whether you’re actually registered to vote, and to which address. It should also show whether your ballot was mailed out.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can also use \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">the Where’s My Ballot? tool\u003c/a> to check whether your ballot has been sent.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can also use \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">the Where’s My Ballot? tool\u003c/a> to check whether your ballot has been sent.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095745\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter is given a sticker after dropping his ballot at City Hall in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2025, ahead of the statewide special election.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095745\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter is given a sticker after dropping his ballot at City Hall in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2025, ahead of the statewide special election.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If your voter registration address was correct but your ballot never showed up, you still have options.\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cstrong>If your voter registration address was correct but your ballot never showed up, you still have options.\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Your county elections office won’t mail you a ballot six days or less before Election Day, because it can’t be sure it’ll reach you in time. So if you’re trying to get a ballot in the immediate run-up to Election Day, go to your county elections office in person and request one at the counter. You can also vote right there at the counter at the same time until 8 p.m. on Tuesday.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Your county elections office won’t mail you a ballot six days or less before Election Day, because it can’t be sure it’ll reach you in time. So if you’re trying to get a ballot in the immediate run-up to Election Day, go to your county elections office in person and request one at the counter. You can also vote right there at the counter at the same time until 8 p.m. on Tuesday.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And remember, if you’re \u003cem>not\u003c/em> actually registered to vote, you always have the option of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a>, also known as conditional voter registration, at a voting location, where you can then fill out and submit your ballot, too.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And remember, if you’re \u003cem>not\u003c/em> actually registered to vote, you always have the option of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a>, also known as conditional voter registration, at a voting location, where you can then fill out and submit your ballot, too.\u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
"text": "Contact your county directly",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contact your county directly\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contact your county directly\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Across the Bay Area, elections officials are encouraging voters to reach out — early — with any questions or concerns. Here’s the contact information for your county:\u003c/p>\n",
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"Alameda: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683",
"Contra Costa: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us",
"Marin: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to send a form email",
"Napa: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org",
"San Francisco: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org",
"San Mateo: Call 888- 762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org",
"Santa Clara: Call toll-free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org",
"Solano: Call 707-784-6675 or (888) 933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com",
"Sonoma: Call 707-565-6800 or toll-free at 800-750-8683"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\">send a form email\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\">send a form email\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
]
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"blockName": "core/list-item",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org\u003c/li>\n"
]
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org\u003c/li>\n"
]
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 888- 762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 888- 762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll-free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll-free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org\u003c/li>\n"
]
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call 707-784-6675 or (888) 933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call 707-784-6675 or (888) 933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-565-6800 or toll-free at 800-750-8683\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-565-6800 or toll-free at 800-750-8683\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The state also has a full list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/\">every county elections office in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The state also has a full list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/\">every county elections office in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "From the signature on your envelope to what happens if you make a mistake on your ballot, here's how to correctly cast your vote in the 2026 California midterm elections.",
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"title": "Midterms 2026: How to Correct a Mistake on Your Ballot (and Make Sure Your Vote’s Counted in Time) | KQED",
"description": "From the signature on your envelope to what happens if you make a mistake on your ballot, here's how to correctly cast your vote in the 2026 California midterm elections.",
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"headline": "Midterms 2026: How to Correct a Mistake on Your Ballot (and Make Sure Your Vote’s Counted in Time)",
"datePublished": "2026-10-30T10:09:00-07:00",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tuesday is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/electionsnews\">Election Day\u003c/a> in California, your last chance to vote in the state’s general election — and to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/\">cast your vote\u003c/a> for who should be the next governor.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But what if you’re unsure of how to fill that ballot out according to how you want to vote? Or what to do if you’ve made a mistake on it?\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read on to learn how to fill out your ballot when it arrives, how important your signature is, and your options if you need to start again with a fresh ballot.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#mistake\">I messed up my ballot, and I’m afraid my vote won’t count. What should I do? \u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Remind me: What’s on my 2026 midterm elections ballot?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Depending on which county you live in, your California ballot will present you with \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">a mix of races\u003c/a> to vote on.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The races for statewide offices include:\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/governor\">Governor\u003c/a>: Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton face off in a race to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/insurance-commissioner\">Insurance commissioner\u003c/a>: Wildfires and inflation have thrown California into an insurance crisis. Two Democrats, Ben Allen and Jane Kim, are running to become the insurance industry’s chief regulator.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12078808\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12078808\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/SteveHiltonAP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Steve Hilton speaks during the California gubernatorial candidate debate on Feb. 3, 2026, in San Francisco. (Laure Andrillon/AP Photo)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12086476\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Xavier-Becerra-Getty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12086476\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Xavier-Becerra-Getty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Xavier-Becerra-Getty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/Xavier-Becerra-Getty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Xavier Becerra, a candidate for governor, speaks to supporters on election night on June 2, 2026. (David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A number of statewide propositions, including:\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-1\">Prop. 1\u003c/a>: Should California issue $11.25 billion in general obligation bonds for affordable housing, homebuying opportunities and veterans and homelessness programs?\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-39\">Prop 39\u003c/a>: Should Californians be required to show ID for in-person and mail-in voting? \u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-40\">Prop 40: \u003c/a>Should California tax the wealth of billionaires to fund health care services?\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Local measures and races \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These will depend on your Bay Area county or district. See \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">the KQED Voter Guide for more information\u003c/a> on what’s on your ballot this election season, with details of all those California props.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I return my ballot when I’ve completed it?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This close to Election Day, state officials — and USPS — stress that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">you shouldn’t be \u003cem>mailing\u003c/em> your ballot through the Postal Service\u003c/a>, because there’s a real risk it might be postmarked too late for it to be counted at this stage.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead of submitting your ballot via a USPS collection box, you should now:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drop off your ballot in a secure ballot drop box\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using one of these drop boxes means your ballot will be taken straight to your local county elections office.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Drop off your ballot in an open voting location\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-november-3-2026\">The first vote centers opened \u003c/a>Oct. 24 in certain counties, with more early voting locations opening Saturday, Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Submitting your ballot by hand this way is the top recommendation of Kim Alexander, president and founder of the non-partisan California Voter Foundation. You can fill out your ballot in person at a voting location and submit it directly there and then. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Or, if you live in \u003ca href=\"https://calvoter.org/content/sign-scan-and-go\">one of the California counties\u003c/a> that has adopted the “Sign & Go” system — in the Bay Area, that’s Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin and Napa — you can complete your ballot at your convenience at home, and then bring it to a participating vote center and sign the voter roster under penalty of perjury (just as you would for in-person voting) to submit it in person. And if you live in a county that has adopted “Sign, Scan & Go”, like San Mateo, you can do all of the above and then scan your ballot yourself to have your vote recorded immediately at the voting site. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Really\u003c/strong> \u003cstrong>\u003cem>have\u003c/em>\u003c/strong> \u003cstrong>to use the Postal Service this close to Election Day?\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At this late stage, we’ll say it again\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">: You shouldn’t be using a USPS collection box\u003c/a> to mail your ballot. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But if you really have to use USPS for some reason instead of the methods above, Secretary of State Shirley Weber’s office recommends you go inside an open Post Office location to \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail\">“get a hand-stamped postmark\u003c/a> from a postal employee,” and then submit your postmarked ballot through USPS that way.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do I \u003cem>have\u003c/em> to vote by mail?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail\">If you’re registered to vote, you’ll have received a mail-in ballot by default\u003c/a> for the 2026 midterms, without requesting it. But voting by mail is still just one option that’s open to you.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can still vote in person, either at an early voting location before Election Day or on Tuesday itself.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"A person puts a yellow ballot envelope in a ballot drop box.\" class=\"wp-image-12012711\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/20241102_EARLYVOTINGMARIN_GC-5-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter drops off their mail-in ballot at a drop box outside of Novato City Hall on Nov. 2, 2024. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I fix a mistake on my ballot?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It’s important to note that each county is slightly different in how they’d prefer you to address a mistake on your ballot, and will often provide specific details about corrections \u003cem>on\u003c/em> the ballot itself. If you have a specific question about your ballot that isn’t answered here, you can always contact your local registrar of voters for advice and instructions.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I have problems with my signature?\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you’re done filling out your ballot, you must sign the envelope. But two big mistakes people make with their signatures are:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Forgetting to sign their ballot entirely.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Making a signature that doesn’t match the signature they made when they registered to vote.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why \u003cem>wouldn’t\u003c/em> your signature match the one on file? If you registered to vote at a young age, maybe your signature has changed over time. Or perhaps you registered to vote at the DMV and provided your signature on a screen with a stylus, which doesn’t quite replicate how you’d make your signature with a pen on paper.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12088632\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Edgardo Domingo fills out a ballot at a voting booth at the Vietnamese American Cultural Center in San José on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you registered this way, one simple way to avoid any signature problems is to take a quick glance at the signature that’s on your driver’s license or state ID — because that’s the one you want your ballot signature to match.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if you didn’t register at the DMV, that signature on your most recent license or state ID is still very likely the one to emulate. That’s because when you register to vote online, your county elections office electronically requests a copy of the signature the DMV \u003cem>currently\u003c/em> has for you, and this information is regularly updated.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To further set your mind at rest, know that California isn’t an “exact match” state, and doesn’t demand voters’ signatures 100% replicate the signature that’s on file.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I just don’t know my ‘correct’ signature I’m registered to vote with?\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you’re \u003cem>really\u003c/em> worried about the signature on your envelope not matching the signature you’re registered to vote with, there are two good solutions.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One: \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">Re-register to vote with your current signature\u003c/a>, to be sure that the state now has your most recent one on file, by completing the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg/\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a> process, also known as “conditional voting,” at your county elections office or polling location. You’ll be handed your ballot to vote right there.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2021, the California Voter Foundation’s Alexander told us there’s another solution if you’re worried about your signature: Go vote in person, if you’re able.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That’s because the signature goes only on your ballot’s \u003cem>envelope\u003c/em> — and if you’re voting in person, there’s no envelope, because that ballot then goes straight into the ballot box without needing that envelope at all.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“So if you want that satisfaction of seeing your ballot drop in the box and know that it’s not going to get held up because of some signature issue, you can go and vote in person,” said Alexander.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I already mailed my ballot, but now I’m paranoid about my signature. What if I messed it up?\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rest assured: There’s a whole system in place to help you correct your mistake.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your county’s election office detects a signature mismatch on your ballot, they’ll reach out to you via mail to verify and work with you to correct it, so that your ballot can be counted after all. It’s called “curing” a ballot.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This system is also applied when it looks like a member of a voter’s family might have signed their ballot, instead of the voter. This happens a \u003cem>surprising\u003c/em> amount when one household has several voters who all receive a ballot in the mail.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One way to get peace of mind: \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">Sign up to track your ballot\u003c/a>, and you’ll find out about any issues with your ballot or your signature quickly.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"mistake\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">I made a mistake on my ballot. How do I fix it?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, don’t panic. People make mistakes on ballots and find good ways to correct them.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Counties give different directions to voters about what to do if they make a mistake (remember: Read the instructions!), but you can usually simply X out the choice you didn’t intend.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12085889\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260602_PRIMARY2026CD4_GC-20-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Voters cast their ballots at UC Davis in Davis on June 2, 2026. (Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The job of county elections officials — once they’ve verified your signature — is to make sure your ballot can be read correctly. If that means that your corrections on your ballot have resulted in readability issues, officials working in teams of two will actually remake it for you according to the intent you’ve signaled with your corrections.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some counties, like Alameda, ask that you actually contact them first if you make a serious mistake — including voting for the wrong candidate — so they can send you a replacement ballot. So, wherever you live, it’s a good idea to check with your local elections office first to see what \u003cem>they\u003c/em> recommend if you made a mistake.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And remember, there’s always this option …\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I just want a new ballot?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you’ve made a big mistake on your ballot — too big to fix — your best plan of action may be to focus on getting a new one. And that’s totally OK. You can:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Call your county elections office and ask them to cancel that ballot and issue a new one to you.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Go to your county elections office with your spoiled ballot during business hours and vote right there at the counter.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Take advantage of the early voting options available in many counties.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Go to a voting site on Tuesday’s Election Day, turn in your spoiled ballot there and get a new ballot.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also do this if you’ve accidentally damaged your ballot in some way (coffee spills happen).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I think I put the wrong date on my envelope\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First off, that date should be the date you signed your envelope — not your date of birth. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But if you’re worried you messed up the date, don’t worry. Elections officials say that the date they’re \u003cem>really\u003c/em> looking for is the date that the ballot is postmarked, to make sure it was submitted on time.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12099795\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/002_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_MailinBallot_10122020_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A San Francisco official mail-in ballot for the Nov. 3, 2020 election. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Election officials will only truly scrutinize the date you’ve written if they receive your ballot \u003cem>after\u003c/em> Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And if you haven’t mailed your envelope yet, it’s an easy fix: Just clearly cross out the incorrect date on the envelope and write in the correct one above it.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if I use assistive technology to complete forms?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting physical assistance with filling out your ballot from someone you trust is always fine, whether you’re voting at home or at a voting site. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You just need to make sure your signature is your own and matches the one you’re registered to vote with.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12062371\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/10/251030-BAYAREAVOTERS-32-BL-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tessa King drops off a ballot at the City Hall Voting Center in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2025, ahead of the statewide special election. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Disabled voters can also choose to use the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/remote-accessible-vote-mail\">Remote Accessible Vote-by-Mail\u003c/a> system to vote privately and independently at home, using their usual assistive device on their home computer to fill out the ballot on their screen and then print and mail it.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every voting location in California is also equipped with an accessible voting unit. Here, voters with blindness or low vision or who have a disability that limits their dexterity, will be able to use the assistive device of their choice that allows them to vote privately and independently.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I make sure my mail-in ballot gets there on time? \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember, one big reason that ballots get disqualified in elections is that voters mail them too late: either too late on Election Day itself (after U.S. Postal Service mailboxes have already been collected), or after Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To be counted in this election, your ballot must be postmarked on Election Day, Nov. 3, at the latest. Your ballot has seven days to reach your county elections office.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So in this election, it’s as crucial as ever to make sure you have a plan for voting on time. And if you’re not voting in person, that means making sure you get your ballot into a secure voting drop box, or dropped off at a polling location or your county elections office, by the time polls close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read more about why \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103028/should-you-use-usps-to-mail-your-midterm-ballot-heres-what-california-election-officials-say\">California election officials are urging voters to make sure their ballot arrives on time\u003c/a> – and why they say it’s too late at this stage to mail your ballot through USPS.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A few other common ballot mistakes to watch out for …\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make sure you’re filling out and signing the ballot and envelope with \u003cem>your\u003c/em> name on it: \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It’s common to see partners or roommates accidentally mix up their ballots. So make sure you’re signing the document that bears your name.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Make sure you use a black or blue pen: \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It reads better, and it doesn’t slow workers down when they have to check to see what voter intent was. (Don’t use a felt-tip or a Sharpie that bleeds through the paper and marks other pages on your ballot.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12084638\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/003_KQED_SanFrancisco_Election2020_TanyaYule_10092020_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tanya Yule looks over a voting guide at her home in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2020. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don’t mail an empty envelope: \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It does happen. Keeping your envelope and your ballot together in your home might be a helpful way of avoiding this problem. And of course, when you’re ready to mail your ballot, make sure it’s actually inside the envelope before you seal it.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don’t bother with a stamp: \u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your ballot envelope is postage-paid. You don’t need it.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">My ballot is missing or hasn’t arrived. What should I do?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don’t panic: You have options. Here’s what to do.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>Check that you’re actually registered to vote — and to the right address.\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">Input your details on the secretary of state’s voter status page\u003c/a> to check your registration status. This will show whether you’re actually registered to vote, and to which address. It should also show whether your ballot was mailed out.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also use \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">the Where’s My Ballot? tool\u003c/a> to check whether your ballot has been sent.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095745\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/251030-BayAreaVoters-06-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter is given a sticker after dropping his ballot at City Hall in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2025, ahead of the statewide special election. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cstrong>If your voter registration address was correct but your ballot never showed up, you still have options.\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your county elections office won’t mail you a ballot six days or less before Election Day, because it can’t be sure it’ll reach you in time. So if you’re trying to get a ballot in the immediate run-up to Election Day, go to your county elections office in person and request one at the counter. You can also vote right there at the counter at the same time until 8 p.m. on Tuesday.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And remember, if you’re \u003cem>not\u003c/em> actually registered to vote, you always have the option of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/same-day-reg\">same-day voter registration\u003c/a>, also known as conditional voter registration, at a voting location, where you can then fill out and submit your ballot, too.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contact your county directly\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Across the Bay Area, elections officials are encouraging voters to reach out — early — with any questions or concerns. Here’s the contact information for your county:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\">send a form email\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 888- 762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll-free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call 707-784-6675 or (888) 933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-565-6800 or toll-free at 800-750-8683\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The state also has a full list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/\">every county elections office in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sarah Longwell has conducted hundreds of focus groups and spoken with thousands of American voters over the past decade. As a result, the former Republican strategist, who left the party after President Trump was elected in 2016, has become one of the nation’s preeminent experts on voter sentiment. Less than a week before election day, Longwell joins Marisa to discuss the state of U.S. politics in 2026. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Longwell is also the New York Times bestselling author of “\u003ca href=\"https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/how-to-eat-an-elephant-9781250464170/\">How to Eat an Elephant: One Voter at a Time\u003c/a>,” publisher of The Bulwark and host of The Focus Group podcast. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don’t forget to use \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">KQED’s voter guide\u003c/a> when filling out your ballot!\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plus, check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/newsletters/political-breakdown\">Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter\u003c/a>, delivered straight to your inbox.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Sarah Longwell has conducted hundreds of focus groups and spoken with thousands of American voters over the past decade. As a result, the former Republican strategist, who left the party after President Trump was elected in 2016, has become one of the nation’s preeminent experts on voter sentiment. Less than a week before election day, Longwell joins Marisa to discuss the state of U.S. politics in 2026. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Longwell is also the New York Times bestselling author of “\u003ca href=\"https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/how-to-eat-an-elephant-9781250464170/\">How to Eat an Elephant: One Voter at a Time\u003c/a>,” publisher of The Bulwark and host of The Focus Group podcast. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Longwell is also the New York Times bestselling author of “\u003ca href=\"https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/how-to-eat-an-elephant-9781250464170/\">How to Eat an Elephant: One Voter at a Time\u003c/a>,” publisher of The Bulwark and host of The Focus Group podcast. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Don’t forget to use \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">KQED’s voter guide\u003c/a> when filling out your ballot!\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Don’t forget to use \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">KQED’s voter guide\u003c/a> when filling out your ballot!\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Plus, check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/newsletters/political-breakdown\">Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter\u003c/a>, delivered straight to your inbox.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Plus, check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/newsletters/political-breakdown\">Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter\u003c/a>, delivered straight to your inbox.\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "Political strategist Sarah Longwell shares what she’s learned from hundreds of voter focus groups and what those lessons reveal about the 2026 midterms. ",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sarah Longwell has conducted hundreds of focus groups and spoken with thousands of American voters over the past decade. As a result, the former Republican strategist, who left the party after President Trump was elected in 2016, has become one of the nation’s preeminent experts on voter sentiment. Less than a week before election day, Longwell joins Marisa to discuss the state of U.S. politics in 2026. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Longwell is also the New York Times bestselling author of “\u003ca href=\"https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/how-to-eat-an-elephant-9781250464170/\">How to Eat an Elephant: One Voter at a Time\u003c/a>,” publisher of The Bulwark and host of The Focus Group podcast. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don’t forget to use \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">KQED’s voter guide\u003c/a> when filling out your ballot!\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plus, check out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/newsletters/political-breakdown\">Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter\u003c/a>, delivered straight to your inbox.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003c!-- Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ -->\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story was originally published by \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/\">CalMatters\u003c/a>. \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/subscribe-to-calmatters/\">Sign up\u003c/a> for their newsletters.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The CEO of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california-high-speed-rail\">California’s high-speed rail\u003c/a> authority resigned late Wednesday, saying he needs to focus on “important personal and family priorities,” according to a copy of the emailed resignation obtained by CalMatters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This has not been an easy decision, as leading the Authority has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding chapters of my professional life,” wrote Chief Executive Ian Choudri.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He will be replaced by Joe Stephenshaw, who has led the state Department of Finance since July 2022 after working as a policy analyst in the state Legislature for more than a decade, the board announced Thursday morning following a closed session.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The abrupt announcement comes in the midst of a two-day meeting of the board that oversees the project, which continues Thursday. It follows Choudri’s tumultuous two-year tenure, which has been troubled by budget woes, project delays, transparency concerns and various scandals including the misuse of \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/09/california-high-speed-rail-travel-expenses/\">nearly $600,000 in taxpayer money\u003c/a> for questionable trips by rail authority consultants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Under Choudri, the authority also lost $4 billion in federal funding under President Donald Trump’s administration, after the agency repeatedly missed deadlines required by the funding agreement to buy trains. The state initially sued Trump for the funding but abruptly dropped the lawsuit in December 2025, blaming Trump as “not a reliable partner” and turning to private investors instead.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Choudri did not respond to an email or a text from CalMatters requesting comment Wednesday night. His resignation took effect immediately, board chair Steve Kawa said Thursday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Today’s news reflects the board’s commitment to accountability and transparency, consistent with the governor’s mandate,” Kawa said. “Californians deserve a project they can trust.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Investigative-Report-2026-Allegations-of-Wasteful-and-Unallowable-Travel-Expenses-for-Contracted-Consultants-A11Y.pdf\">State investigators\u003c/a> last month found the rail agency’s consultants flew first class, hailed premium rides and traveled to a nightclub, cigar lounge and restaurants on taxpayers’ dime, sometimes at Choudri’s request. Many of the trips involved traveling to Folsom, the Sacramento suburb where Choudri has a home, sometimes after hours.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12100017\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12100017\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/CMHighSpeedRail2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/CMHighSpeedRail2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/CMHighSpeedRail2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/CMHighSpeedRail2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Construction on the high-speed rail project over a ramp above Highway 99 in south Fresno on March 3, 2023. \u003ccite>(Larry Valenzuela/CalMatters via CatchLight Local)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The board voted earlier this month to \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/california-high-speed-rail-board-contracts/\">limit Choudri’s contracting authority\u003c/a> following the probe, requiring the in-house legal counsel to sign off first on contracts under $25 million.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The board has been weighing additional disciplinary action against Choudri for weeks, including possible termination, according to a source with the authority who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak on the matter.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California voters in 2008 approved a $10 billion bond to build a bullet train connecting San Francisco to Los Angeles by 2020, with a projected cost of $45 billion. But progress stalled amid rising costs, legal fights and funding uncertainties.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The authority’s \u003ca href=\"https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-Final-Business-Plan-060126-A11Y.pdf\">latest business plan\u003c/a> said the project could now cost between $126 billion and $231 billion, with the current 171-mile leg between Merced and Bakersfield under construction, and a full buildout expected by 2040.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The board was supposed to decide at the meeting this week if Choudri qualified for a potential $25,000 bonus based on his performance this year, agency spokesperson Micah Flores told CalMatters last month.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Choudri’s compensation this year is more than $534,000, according to agency spokesperson Annie Parker.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Cost overruns, project delays, legal challenges\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Choudri was hired in August 2024 after spending decades in transportation engineering, with experience building high-speed rail in France and Spain. The board hired him in part due to his “strong understanding of complex transportation projects,” according to then-board chair Tom Richards.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Under Choudri, the agency has continued construction of the Central Valley segment and is on the cusp of getting environmental clearance from the state for all 500 miles of planned railway between San Francisco and Southern California. Newsom, a big supporter of the rail project, has committed $1 billion a year from the state’s climate fund toward the rail project until 2045.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Choudri has also led efforts to cut consultant contract costs, attract private investments and speed up contracting, rail authority chief of staff Mark Tollefson said during a \u003ca href=\"https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-10-28-PPT-CEO-Report-A11Y.pdf\">Wednesday presentation\u003c/a> touting Choudri’s achievements.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12107256\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12107256\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/HighSpeedRail2-40058538.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/HighSpeedRail2-40058538.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/HighSpeedRail2-40058538-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/HighSpeedRail2-40058538-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ian Choudri, CEO of California High Speed Rail, speaks during a press conference on the high-speed rail project at the Wasco Rail Yard facility in Wasco on Feb. 3, 2026. \u003ccite>(Larry Valenzuela/CalMatters)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>On Wednesday, the board unanimously approved a $772.1 million contract to Germany-based Siemens Mobility, Inc. to design, build and test three seven-car high-speed bullet trains by 2030. The authority will also pay up to $63.7 million in import duties and tariffs, because the trains will be designed and built in Germany.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The vote comes three years after the agency first opened bidding for six trainsets in August 2023 to qualify for more than $3 billion in federal grants, before ultimately losing the funding following missed deadlines.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In his resignation letter, Choudri said he was proud to have transformed the project.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I took on a project facing significant challenges and serious questions about its prospects for success, and led its turnaround into a successful program,” he wrote.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But the project has continued to face significant cost overruns, schedule delays and lawsuits.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12083557\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12083557\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/IMG_4619_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/IMG_4619_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/IMG_4619_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/IMG_4619_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A viaduct runs alongside Highway 99 in south Fresno on March 27, 2019. \u003ccite>(Alex Hall/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The train agency could run out of cash by December 2027, the office of inspector general \u003ca href=\"https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/OIG-HSR-Review-of-2026-Business-Plan-A11Y.pdf\">warned in July.\u003c/a> Meanwhile, the authority failed to make clear in its latest business plan that the Central Valley segment is now expected to be completed by 2034 at a cost likely exceeding $40 billion, the inspector general said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The authority also based its project schedule on the assumption it would achieve legislative proposals it \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/09/high-speed-rail-legislative-wins-losses/\">failed to push through this year\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To save money, the authority proposed shrinking the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment by 9 miles and moving the downtown Merced station to South Merced, \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB198\">in apparent violation of state law\u003c/a>. It also requested an \u003ca href=\"https://ceqanet.lci.ca.gov/2026090282\">exemption from environmental regulations\u003c/a> and solicited contractors for the new location, prompting a lawsuit this month from the Central Valley coalition Community Alliance for a Sustainable Economy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This challenge follows an unlawful pattern of behavior by the HSRA — proposing to relocate the downtown Merced station, then acting as if that move has been approved when it has not,” the complaint said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Questionable trips plague the authority\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Between 2024 and 2026, employees from four consulting firms working for Choudri’s agency billed the state for questionable trips to locations including gyms, a nightclub, an escape room, a tiki bar and a cigar lounge, according to last month’s probe by the inspector general’s office overseeing the rail agency.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many trips were poorly justified, yet the agency routinely reimbursed them without sufficient vetting, the inspector general said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One legal consultant traveled between Denver and Sacramento 30 times in a year, charging the state $86,500 in “travel time” payments and an additional $40,800 in reimbursements.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID=news_12105834 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260601_SMARTFILE_GC-9-KQED.jpg']\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In a testy meeting earlier this month, the board accused them of using the agency as a “piggy bank.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On Wednesday\u003cstrong>,\u003c/strong> \u003ca href=\"https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-10-28-PPT-CEO-Report-A11Y.pdf\">authority staff reported\u003c/a> that the consulting firms have paid nearly $1.3 million in reimbursements to the agency.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>CalMatters filed a public records request last month seeking the questionable travel invoices from the inspector general’s office. The agency provided records only from one firm, Nossaman, arguing that the records for other consultants are related to audits or investigations and therefore are not required to be publicly disclosed under a \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260sb169\">recent law\u003c/a> signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The records that were released were heavily redacted by both the inspector general’s office and the rail agency, which argued much of the information is protected by attorney-client privilege.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This article was \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/california-high-speed-rail-ceo-resigns/\">originally published on CalMatters\u003c/a> and was republished under the \u003ca href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/\">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives\u003c/a> license.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003c!-- Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ -->\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story was originally published by \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/\">CalMatters\u003c/a>. \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/subscribe-to-calmatters/\">Sign up\u003c/a> for their newsletters.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The CEO of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california-high-speed-rail\">California’s high-speed rail\u003c/a> authority resigned late Wednesday, saying he needs to focus on “important personal and family priorities,” according to a copy of the emailed resignation obtained by CalMatters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This has not been an easy decision, as leading the Authority has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding chapters of my professional life,” wrote Chief Executive Ian Choudri.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He will be replaced by Joe Stephenshaw, who has led the state Department of Finance since July 2022 after working as a policy analyst in the state Legislature for more than a decade, the board announced Thursday morning following a closed session.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The abrupt announcement comes in the midst of a two-day meeting of the board that oversees the project, which continues Thursday. It follows Choudri’s tumultuous two-year tenure, which has been troubled by budget woes, project delays, transparency concerns and various scandals including the misuse of \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/09/california-high-speed-rail-travel-expenses/\">nearly $600,000 in taxpayer money\u003c/a> for questionable trips by rail authority consultants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Under Choudri, the authority also lost $4 billion in federal funding under President Donald Trump’s administration, after the agency repeatedly missed deadlines required by the funding agreement to buy trains. The state initially sued Trump for the funding but abruptly dropped the lawsuit in December 2025, blaming Trump as “not a reliable partner” and turning to private investors instead.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Choudri did not respond to an email or a text from CalMatters requesting comment Wednesday night. His resignation took effect immediately, board chair Steve Kawa said Thursday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Today’s news reflects the board’s commitment to accountability and transparency, consistent with the governor’s mandate,” Kawa said. “Californians deserve a project they can trust.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Investigative-Report-2026-Allegations-of-Wasteful-and-Unallowable-Travel-Expenses-for-Contracted-Consultants-A11Y.pdf\">State investigators\u003c/a> last month found the rail agency’s consultants flew first class, hailed premium rides and traveled to a nightclub, cigar lounge and restaurants on taxpayers’ dime, sometimes at Choudri’s request. Many of the trips involved traveling to Folsom, the Sacramento suburb where Choudri has a home, sometimes after hours.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12100017\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12100017\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/CMHighSpeedRail2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/CMHighSpeedRail2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/CMHighSpeedRail2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/CMHighSpeedRail2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Construction on the high-speed rail project over a ramp above Highway 99 in south Fresno on March 3, 2023. \u003ccite>(Larry Valenzuela/CalMatters via CatchLight Local)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The board voted earlier this month to \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/california-high-speed-rail-board-contracts/\">limit Choudri’s contracting authority\u003c/a> following the probe, requiring the in-house legal counsel to sign off first on contracts under $25 million.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The board has been weighing additional disciplinary action against Choudri for weeks, including possible termination, according to a source with the authority who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak on the matter.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California voters in 2008 approved a $10 billion bond to build a bullet train connecting San Francisco to Los Angeles by 2020, with a projected cost of $45 billion. But progress stalled amid rising costs, legal fights and funding uncertainties.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The authority’s \u003ca href=\"https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-Final-Business-Plan-060126-A11Y.pdf\">latest business plan\u003c/a> said the project could now cost between $126 billion and $231 billion, with the current 171-mile leg between Merced and Bakersfield under construction, and a full buildout expected by 2040.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The board was supposed to decide at the meeting this week if Choudri qualified for a potential $25,000 bonus based on his performance this year, agency spokesperson Micah Flores told CalMatters last month.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Choudri’s compensation this year is more than $534,000, according to agency spokesperson Annie Parker.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Cost overruns, project delays, legal challenges\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Choudri was hired in August 2024 after spending decades in transportation engineering, with experience building high-speed rail in France and Spain. The board hired him in part due to his “strong understanding of complex transportation projects,” according to then-board chair Tom Richards.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Under Choudri, the agency has continued construction of the Central Valley segment and is on the cusp of getting environmental clearance from the state for all 500 miles of planned railway between San Francisco and Southern California. Newsom, a big supporter of the rail project, has committed $1 billion a year from the state’s climate fund toward the rail project until 2045.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Choudri has also led efforts to cut consultant contract costs, attract private investments and speed up contracting, rail authority chief of staff Mark Tollefson said during a \u003ca href=\"https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-10-28-PPT-CEO-Report-A11Y.pdf\">Wednesday presentation\u003c/a> touting Choudri’s achievements.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12107256\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12107256\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/HighSpeedRail2-40058538.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/HighSpeedRail2-40058538.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/HighSpeedRail2-40058538-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/HighSpeedRail2-40058538-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ian Choudri, CEO of California High Speed Rail, speaks during a press conference on the high-speed rail project at the Wasco Rail Yard facility in Wasco on Feb. 3, 2026. \u003ccite>(Larry Valenzuela/CalMatters)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>On Wednesday, the board unanimously approved a $772.1 million contract to Germany-based Siemens Mobility, Inc. to design, build and test three seven-car high-speed bullet trains by 2030. The authority will also pay up to $63.7 million in import duties and tariffs, because the trains will be designed and built in Germany.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The vote comes three years after the agency first opened bidding for six trainsets in August 2023 to qualify for more than $3 billion in federal grants, before ultimately losing the funding following missed deadlines.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In his resignation letter, Choudri said he was proud to have transformed the project.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I took on a project facing significant challenges and serious questions about its prospects for success, and led its turnaround into a successful program,” he wrote.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But the project has continued to face significant cost overruns, schedule delays and lawsuits.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12083557\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12083557\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/IMG_4619_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/IMG_4619_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/IMG_4619_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/IMG_4619_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A viaduct runs alongside Highway 99 in south Fresno on March 27, 2019. \u003ccite>(Alex Hall/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The train agency could run out of cash by December 2027, the office of inspector general \u003ca href=\"https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/OIG-HSR-Review-of-2026-Business-Plan-A11Y.pdf\">warned in July.\u003c/a> Meanwhile, the authority failed to make clear in its latest business plan that the Central Valley segment is now expected to be completed by 2034 at a cost likely exceeding $40 billion, the inspector general said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The authority also based its project schedule on the assumption it would achieve legislative proposals it \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/09/high-speed-rail-legislative-wins-losses/\">failed to push through this year\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To save money, the authority proposed shrinking the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment by 9 miles and moving the downtown Merced station to South Merced, \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB198\">in apparent violation of state law\u003c/a>. It also requested an \u003ca href=\"https://ceqanet.lci.ca.gov/2026090282\">exemption from environmental regulations\u003c/a> and solicited contractors for the new location, prompting a lawsuit this month from the Central Valley coalition Community Alliance for a Sustainable Economy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This challenge follows an unlawful pattern of behavior by the HSRA — proposing to relocate the downtown Merced station, then acting as if that move has been approved when it has not,” the complaint said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Questionable trips plague the authority\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Between 2024 and 2026, employees from four consulting firms working for Choudri’s agency billed the state for questionable trips to locations including gyms, a nightclub, an escape room, a tiki bar and a cigar lounge, according to last month’s probe by the inspector general’s office overseeing the rail agency.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many trips were poorly justified, yet the agency routinely reimbursed them without sufficient vetting, the inspector general said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One legal consultant traveled between Denver and Sacramento 30 times in a year, charging the state $86,500 in “travel time” payments and an additional $40,800 in reimbursements.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In a testy meeting earlier this month, the board accused them of using the agency as a “piggy bank.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On Wednesday\u003cstrong>,\u003c/strong> \u003ca href=\"https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-10-28-PPT-CEO-Report-A11Y.pdf\">authority staff reported\u003c/a> that the consulting firms have paid nearly $1.3 million in reimbursements to the agency.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>CalMatters filed a public records request last month seeking the questionable travel invoices from the inspector general’s office. The agency provided records only from one firm, Nossaman, arguing that the records for other consultants are related to audits or investigations and therefore are not required to be publicly disclosed under a \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260sb169\">recent law\u003c/a> signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The records that were released were heavily redacted by both the inspector general’s office and the rail agency, which argued much of the information is protected by attorney-client privilege.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This article was \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/california-high-speed-rail-ceo-resigns/\">originally published on CalMatters\u003c/a> and was republished under the \u003ca href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/\">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives\u003c/a> license.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "how-the-san-francisco-chinese-communitys-fight-for-belonging-shaped-bilingual-education",
"title": "How the San Francisco Chinese Community’s Fight for Belonging Shaped Bilingual Education",
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"headTitle": "How the San Francisco Chinese Community’s Fight for Belonging Shaped Bilingual Education | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Laureen Chew, 78, still remembers her first day of kindergarten at Washington Irving Elementary School in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a>. It was the day she began to question her cultural heritage. Growing up in the city’s North Beach and Chinatown neighborhoods, Chew only spoke Cantonese. Born and raised in the U.S., Chew was raised primarily by her Chinese immigrant mother, who couldn’t speak English, and her world — up until then — was a tight-knit community of other Cantonese speakers.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I remember going to school the first day being very excited because everybody said school was fun. All the kids there were Chinese Cantonese speakers; very few had English skills,” Chew said. “But then, the first thing that came out of the teacher’s mouth was English, and we were freaking out. And in fact, I didn’t wanna go back to school the next day.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chew said that by the time she was in the third grade, the language barriers evolved into a source of shame.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The teachers did a very good job of downgrading our native language at school,” she said, reflecting on recess time in the schoolyard. “We’d be playing and speaking in Cantonese to each other, and they’d ring the bell and say, ‘You’re in American school now, speak English!”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It wasn’t until Chew became a student activist during college in the 1960s that she began to reclaim her cultural identity. She also discovered how to best help her community: by teaching and advocating for multilingual Chinese students.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Bilingual ed is not only about language … It’s about identity so that you can feel that you’re worthy,” Chew said. “It’s about keeping a positive sense of who I am to help me express my voice in this country without feeling inferior.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-06-MC-KQED-18f00d22.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106630\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-06-MC-KQED-18f00d22.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-06-MC-KQED-18f00d22-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-06-MC-KQED-18f00d22-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Laureen Chew poses for a portrait in her home in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Chinese community has played an important role in advancing bilingual education in San Francisco and across the country. The foundations of that advocacy trace back to the 19th-century Exclusion era when early Chinese immigrants fought for the most basic of education rights, like access to public schools. As they did in other arenas, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12088125/as-america-turns-250-san-franciscos-role-in-defining-citizenship-endures\">birthright citizenship\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050233/how-a-chinese-laundryman-shaped-us-civil-rights-from-san-francisco\">due process and equal protection\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096279/chinese-immigrants-led-the-first-mass-resistance-to-americas-deportation-system\">the right to remain in the country\u003c/a>, Chinese immigrants leveraged the legal system and the resources afforded by a highly organized San Francisco Chinatown network to make their case for equal education. Their efforts have helped expand the protections available to immigrant families and their children.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, Chinese Americans and immigrants continue to grapple with questions of belonging, identity and equity in education. But as the Chinese population has changed over the generations, so too have the terms of their activism. The education debates within the community have become increasingly complex — and sometimes \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11954612/u-s-supreme-court-strikes-down-affirmative-action-barring-california-private-universities-from-considering-race-in-admissions\">deeply divisive\u003c/a> — yet a throughline persists: a continuing negotiation over what meaningful inclusion looks like, and who gets to define it. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Education organizing remains an important way for Chinese community members to assert their place in American society, and to claim a stake in its future. And people like Chew say it’s especially critical now as the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies are impacting things like \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096573/under-proposed-trump-rule-head-start-would-be-english-only\">language rights\u003c/a> for student English learners. She said by fighting for bilingual education, she can help to protect and nurture a multiracial democracy.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Before bilingual education, the fight for a seat in the classroom\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chinese immigrants in San Francisco began fighting in the 1850s for access to education. The concept of public education — universally available, state-funded and free — gained traction in the 1830s, and one of its stated goals was to prepare young people to be capable voters who could safeguard American democracy. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That principle helps explain why public education has remained a contentious issue when it comes to immigrants, said Hiroshi Motomura, a professor and immigration law scholar at UCLA.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Children become the source of a great hope and the source of a great threat,” Motomura said. “As a threat, I think it’s realizing that if you let kids become citizens or get educated, [there’s] the sense that they’re going to displace you … Education is the key to immigrant integration.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1338\" height=\"1099\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261027-Fight-For-Education-and-Belonging-02-KQED-45e99778.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106752\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261027-Fight-For-Education-and-Belonging-02-KQED-45e99778.jpg 1338w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261027-Fight-For-Education-and-Belonging-02-KQED-45e99778-160x131.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1338px) 100vw, 1338px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A portrait of Chinese Primary School students in 1890. As noted in historian Mae Ngai’s book “The Lucky Ones,” Mamie Tape is the girl sitting in the center of the second row. (Courtesy of The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 19th-century San Francisco, access to public education was largely reserved for white children. Although California law eventually required public schools to admit all children, Black, Asian and American Indian students were segregated from their white peers. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1871, as animosity and violence against the Chinese community \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/10429550/boomtown-history-2b\">intensified in San Francisco\u003c/a>, Chinese children were banned from even segregated public schools. Throughout the next decade, both the San Francisco school board and the state legislature ignored petitions by thousands of Chinese residents for admission to public schools. That is until one Chinese family in particular spoke up: the Tape family.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By the 1880s, an estimated 1,000 Chinese school-age children were living in the city, and most of them were American-born, including 8-year-old Mamie Tape. Her parents, Joseph and Mary Tape, were atypical Chinese immigrants: they were Americanized, spoke excellent English, adopted Western-style manners and clothing and lived outside of Chinatown in a white, middle-class neighborhood.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1884, Mamie’s parents attempted to enroll her at the all-white Spring Valley School. But when they arrived, the school’s principal, Jennie Hurley, refused to let her in, citing the district’s policy against admitting Chinese children. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In response, Mamie’s father Joseph waged a legal battle that garnered widespread attention, captivating white and Chinese people alike. There was a lot at stake: would the privileges and benefits of U.S. citizenship be afforded to the American-born children of the much-reviled Chinese immigrant population? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Eventually, the Tapes won their case in San Francisco’s Superior Court, a decision that was upheld in the California Supreme Court in 1885’s historic case \u003ca href=\"https://law.justia.com/cases/california/supreme-court/1885/66-cal-473.html\">\u003cem>Tape v. Hurley\u003c/em>\u003c/a>. The court affirmed that Chinese children born in the U.S. were entitled to public education under the Constitution. However, the school board rushed an act through the state legislature, authorizing segregated schools for Chinese students; Mamie could attend a public school, but only a segregated one for Chinese children. In response, Mamie’s mother Mary wrote a long fiery letter to the school board in a local newspaper.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Dear sirs, Will you please to tell me! Is it a disgrace to be Born a Chinese? … My children don’t dress like the other Chinese … It seems no matter how a Chinese may live and dress so long as you know they Chinese. Then they are hated as one. There is not any right or justice for them.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mary declared that Mamie would not attend any Chinese-only schools, but eventually she and her brother Frank were among the first students to enroll in the Chinese Primary School when it opened. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mae Ngai, a professor of history at Columbia University and author of \u003cem>The Lucky Ones\u003c/em>, a book about the Tape family, called the ruling a “partial victory.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“\u003cem>Tape v. Hurley\u003c/em> was an exclusion case, not a segregation case,” she said. “In fact, the Chinese were so excluded that they got promoted to being segregated … they were not even on par with Black people and Native Americans in 19th-century California,” she said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ngai believes that the Tape’s argument, that Mamie should be admitted because the family identified with the white population, shouldn’t be seen as an aspirational strategy for the Chinese community today: “I don’t think it’s healthy for us to say people of color are only worthy when they deny their own cultures and languages and heritages,” Ngai said. “[The case] is maybe cautionary … if your idea is to convince the mainstream that you’re just going to be like white people.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nevertheless, \u003cem>Tape v. Hurley\u003c/em> was a fundamental case for the country’s earliest immigrants, Ngai said. “Education is a central issue of settlement. ‘We’re here, we’re not citizens, but our children are born here, they are citizens, and we are here to stay.’ That is the message.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How the Civil Rights era reshaped San Francisco’s classrooms — and the fight for equity\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That tension — between gaining access to American institutions and submitting to cultural erasure — would become more explicit in the decades that followed, especially as the Chinese community fought for bilingual education. There were a series of historical milestones that set the stage for that fight, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional in \u003ca href=\"https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/brown-v-board-of-education\">\u003cem>Brown v. Board of Education\u003c/em>\u003c/a>. Meanwhile, arrivals to the U.S. dramatically shifted with the 1965 \u003ca href=\"https://history.house.gov/Historical-Highlights/1951-2000/Immigration-and-Nationality-Act-of-1965/\">Immigration and Nationality Act\u003c/a>, which eliminated decades-long immigration restrictions from Asian and African countries. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">San Francisco’s Chinese immigrant population surged, and with it, the school district’s Chinese student population. But while school segregation was legally unconstitutional, de facto segregation — driven primarily by redlining and discriminatory housing policies — meant that schools in areas like Chinatown reflected the segregation of the surrounding neighborhoods. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"alignleft size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"480\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/1495678.750x-f09c70aa.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106969\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/1495678.750x-f09c70aa.png 750w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/1495678.750x-f09c70aa-160x102.png 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Police arrest Black Student Union member John Cleveland during the student strike at San Francisco State College 1968-69, which resulted in the creation of a College of Ethnic Studies. (Courtesy of San Francisco State University Photographic Timeline Project)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By the late 1960s and early 1970s, a new generation of immigrant and Chinese-speaking youth emerged, which increased the need for different resources, including language services at schools. Being placed in English-only classrooms meant many Chinese students were effectively excluded from participating in class, and that their academic progress — if any — was significantly slower than their peers’.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A 1974 California Law Review article describing those challenges said that Chinese students in these learning conditions were “doomed to poor achievement, illiteracy, and disproportionately high dropout rates” and that the isolating environment created psychological harm, making students feel inferior.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite the social problems in Chinatown, a new political consciousness was growing. Chew was part of a generation of young Chinese Americans who were returning to the neighborhood after monumental social upheavals.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a student at San Francisco State, she participated in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11830384/how-the-longest-student-strike-in-u-s-history-created-ethnic-studies\">1968-69 Third World Liberation Front (TWLF) Strikes\u003c/a>, the longest student strike in U.S. history, where a coalition of student groups at SF State and UC Berkeley worked in solidarity to achieve their goals, including academic reforms and non-Eurocentric curricula. The term “Asian American” was formed at that time to create a political and organizing pan-ethnic identity, and the strike resulted in the formation of the nation’s first ethnic studies programs.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Up until then, Chew’s educational experience had left her feeling angry and invisible, but she said that joining the historic student movement was pivotal and “opened up a whole new world for me.” Working alongside Black, Chicano, Filipino, Native American and other student organizers, and questioning institutional power together, she learned to not only reembrace her community — she became motivated to fight for it. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1478\" height=\"986\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-03-MC-KQED-1ce735ce.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106629\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-03-MC-KQED-1ce735ce.jpg 1478w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-03-MC-KQED-1ce735ce-160x107.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1478px) 100vw, 1478px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Laureen Chew taught second graders at Commodore Stockton during the 1970s. She said her roots in San Francisco Chinatown inspired her advocacy for Chinese English learner students. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I was so entrenched in the strike, but the strike wasn’t just about the strike,” Chew said. “That involvement made me think about [getting involved] in my community, in my context of being a Chinese American.” She wanted to help Chinese immigrant students embrace their language and cultural identity — an experience that she didn’t have growing up. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After graduating in 1972 and enlisting in the National Teacher Corps, Chew began teaching at Commodore Stockton Elementary. The building, which was once the segregated school for Chinese students that Mamie Tape attended, was now the site of San Francisco’s first Cantonese bilingual program, made possible by the Bilingual Education Act of 1968.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chew said it was a unique time to join the school because, in addition to the pilot bilingual program, the district had just implemented \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfusd.edu/facing-our-past-changing-our-future-part-ii-five-decades-desegregation-sfusd-1971-today\">busing\u003c/a> to integrate the city’s elementary schools following \u003ca href=\"https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/339/1315/1460757/\">\u003cem>Johnson v. SFUSD\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, in which Black families sued the district over school segregation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-01-MC_qed-2456ef2f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106877\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-01-MC_qed-2456ef2f.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-01-MC_qed-2456ef2f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-01-MC_qed-2456ef2f-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Laureen Chew holds a film slide showing a teaching event she attended in the past, in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chinese immigrant parents largely opposed the court-ordered school busing program. One of their chief concerns was that it would scatter their children away from critical language resources at their neighborhood schools, like Commodore Stockton.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Chew, who spent six years teaching second graders at Commodore, the overlap of bilingual teaching and the busing effort proved to be challenging yet exciting. While there were racial frictions between the kids from Chinatown and the Black students bussed in from Bayview-Hunter’s Point, she saw the benefits of bilingual education beyond language itself. As students learned English and Chinese together, it bridged the differences between them. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I came from a different frame because of the [TWLF] strikes,” she said. “I was able to try a lot of different things during that time in terms of building humanity in a classroom and then more importantly, building community.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The case for bilingual education: a new kind of grassroots movement in Chinatown\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even as the pilot bilingual program at Commodore Stockton took shape, there still weren’t adequate linguistic resources for all Chinese students in San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1970, a group of Chinese American students filed a class-action lawsuit against SFUSD arguing an estimated 1,800 Chinese-speaking students were unable to meaningfully participate in their education because they were in English-only classrooms without any language support.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most of the families in the case were low-income Chinese immigrant families who lived in Chinatown single room occupancy buildings. The lead plaintiff was Kinney Kinmon Lau, a Chinese American first grader attending Jean Parker Elementary School. The case was filed with the Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA), one of the progressive Asian American civil rights and social services organizations that emerged in the late ’60s and early ’70s.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1613\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261027-Fight-For-Education-and-Belonging-03-KQED-9a45685c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106762\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261027-Fight-For-Education-and-Belonging-03-KQED-9a45685c.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261027-Fight-For-Education-and-Belonging-03-KQED-9a45685c-160x129.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261027-Fight-For-Education-and-Belonging-03-KQED-9a45685c-1536x1239.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Students watching a Chinese New Year program at Jean Parker Elementary School in 1970. The San Francisco school was at the center of the 1974 U.S. Supreme Court case, Lau v. Nichols. (Courtesy of San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Political power was starting to shift in Chinatown. Since the 1800s, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050233/how-a-chinese-laundryman-shaped-us-civil-rights-from-san-francisco\">Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association\u003c/a>, or the Chinese Six Companies — a group of family associations — had been the major player behind the fight for Chinese immigrant rights. The case for bilingual education demonstrated a new kind of grassroots resistance, one that was younger, multiracial, intersectional and based in self-determination. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“They’re younger activists who are able to connect what they’re seeing in Chinatown to the broader civil rights movement,” CAA’s current co-Executive Director Vincent Pan said. “That’s the difference. And they’re marrying that with parents who do have a very important interest in seeing their kids get a better education.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trish Morita-Mullaney, author of the book \u003cem>Lau v. Nichols and Chinese American Language Rights,\u003c/em> called the \u003cem>\u003c/em>case an “emergency response” to what was happening in the community and indicative of the growing language rights movement across the country.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“There was precedent set within the Latino community … [and here], the thinking around language rights is that ‘I really want my kid to have access to the instruction and because my kids are not proficient, we need differentiation of instruction, and Cantonese should be one of those options.’” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The District Court ruled in favor of SFUSD, stating that there was no constitutional responsibility to provide special language programs, a decision later upheld by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The plaintiffs brought the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that SFUSD’s “English-only” policy denied them equal protection. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1974, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Chinese plaintiffs, deciding that not providing non-English-speaking students with supplemental language courses was a violation of several legal precedents, namely the \u003ca href=\"https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/civil-rights-act\">Civil Rights Act of 1964\u003c/a>, delivering a victory for bilingual instruction. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u003cem>Lau\u003c/em> decision set a national precedent that education needed to be responsive to the different language needs and identities of students, Morita-Mullaney said. While the Court didn’t specify the steps school districts needed to take, it mandated supplemental instruction for English language learners. SFUSD took the bilingual education route, entering into a federal legal agreement, called the Lau Consent Decree, which legally bound the district to provide specialized language instruction and equal educational access to all non-English-speaking students.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pan sees the \u003cem>Lau victory\u003c/em> as part of the struggle for Chinese Americans and immigrants to participate fully in American society that \u003cem>Tape v. Hurley\u003c/em> began nearly 90 years earlier. While \u003cem>Tape\u003c/em> was a fight for the Chinese people to be “seen as humans,” Pan said \u003cem>Lau\u003c/em> took it a step further “to get at the issue of ‘you’re human even if you don’t speak English well.’” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does fair and equitable public education mean now?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On a recent evening at the Southeast Community Center in Bayview-Hunters Point, six candidates running for San Francisco’s District 10 supervisor’s seat addressed a room full of students and families. CAA was co-hosting the event, and managing director of policy Annie Lee posed questions to the candidates. One by one, they each weighed in on a wide range of community issues, including Flock cameras and mental health services inside schools. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the district is a historically Black community, \u003ca href=\"https://censusreporter.org/profiles/79500US0607507-san-francisco-county-south-central-bayview-hunters-point-puma-ca/\">nearly half\u003c/a> of its population is Asian, and more than 60% of the residents speak a language that isn’t English at home. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/chinese-americans-san-francisco-neighborhoods-22458761.php\">Recent reporting\u003c/a> from \u003cem>The San Francisco Chronicle\u003c/em> shows that the Chinese population grew by nearly two-thirds between 2010 and 2024. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-07-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102814\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-07-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-07-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-07-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">District 10 Supervisor candidate J.R. Eppler speaks during a youth-led candidate forum at Southeast Community Center in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2026. The 3rd Street Youth Center and Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) partnered to host the forum for local residents. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among the crowd that evening were a few Chinese parents who wore headsets, as interpreters on the sidelines translated the conversation into Cantonese.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of them was 43-year-old Christina Ouyang, a single mother with a 13-year-old daughter who works part-time doing community outreach with CAA.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>“I came here to learn more about the programming and opportunities available to children in the school district,” Ouyang said in Cantonese, sharing that she was most concerned about the safety and well-being of her daughter, who had faced bullying at her school.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the D10 candidates didn’t address that specific issue, the attendance of Chinese parents at events like these demonstrates that despite the language barriers, education remains a central way that they engage in the larger community. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12106818\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-ChineseEducation-JY-16-KQED-76919386.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106818\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-ChineseEducation-JY-16-KQED-76919386.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-ChineseEducation-JY-16-KQED-76919386-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-ChineseEducation-JY-16-KQED-76919386-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Christina Ouyang attends a youth-led candidate forum for District 10 supervisor at Southeast Community Center in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2026. Ouyang is a parent in the district and attended the forum to gather more information that might help her child. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12102818\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-13-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102818\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-13-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-13-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-13-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Interpreter Gladys Chiu holds a script while translating English into Chinese during a youth-led candidate forum for District 10 Supervisor at Southeast Community Center in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2026. 3rd Street Youth Center and Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) partnered to host the forum for local residents. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It’s the kind of work that CAA remains dedicated to today, and Pan sees it as a continuation of the \u003cem>Lau\u003c/em> case’s legacy. In the past, they’ve helped immigrant parents have a say in their children’s education, including with efforts like helping \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11680868/voter-registration-for-non-citizens-begins-in-s-f-school-board-election\">noncitizens vote in school board elections\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Who doesn’t want parents to be involved? … It’ll make the schools better for everyone, but because of all the rhetoric against immigrants, you can see that’s being demonized right now,” Pan said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Education — often positioned as a gateway to American society — has become a contentious, hot-button issue for the Asian American community, especially around the recent \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11954612/u-s-supreme-court-strikes-down-affirmative-action-barring-california-private-universities-from-considering-race-in-admissions\">U.S. Supreme Court ban on affirmative action\u003c/a>, and the threats to ethnic studies. CAA often finds itself confronting divisions within the community, Pan said. Many Asian Americans were vocal and proactive in helping dismantle affirmative action, while others have called for the end of ethnic studies curriculum, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12091955/lowell-high-school-group-sues-sfusd-over-newly-adopted-ethnic-studies-curriculum\">including recently at Lowell High School in San Francisco\u003c/a>. He notes these friction points reflect generational and class shifts: while some Chinese families advocate for strict meritocracy as the surest route to advancement, others see those moves as chipping away at the multiracial coalitions that secured rights for vulnerable learners in the first place.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He notes these friction points reflect generational and class shifts: while some Chinese families advocate for strict meritocracy as the surest route to advancement, others see those moves as chipping away at the multiracial coalitions that secured rights for vulnerable learners in the first place. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-11-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102817\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-11-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-11-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-11-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ivy Zhou listens to a Chinese interpretation through an earpiece as Laura Quan translates behind her during a youth-led candidate forum for District 10 Supervisor at Southeast Community Center in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2026. The 3rd Street Youth Center and Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) partnered to host the forum for local residents. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Unfortunately, when the stakes are high, people can get emotional. What we really also need to do is to be able to think clear-headed about what the effective public policies might be,” Pan said. “The more viable common sense practical path is to actually expand opportunity as opposed to fight for limited seats in a system that makes high quality education very scarce.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the second-term Trump administration has done the opposite of expanding opportunities for English learners. In addition to weakening federal civil rights oversight of language access and terminating grants and support for English-learner programs, President Trump signed \u003ca href=\"https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/designating-english-as-the-official-language-of-the-united-states/\">an executive order\u003c/a> last year, declaring English as the nation’s only official language. The order states: “Speaking English not only opens doors economically, but it helps newcomers engage in their communities, participate in national traditions, and give back to our society.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It’s a sentiment that flies in the face of everything Laureen Chew feels about the power of bilingual education to help “newcomers” engage in their broader communities.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, she’s working with the CAA and The Association of Chinese Teachers (another advocacy organization founded in the 1960s) to reactivate the bilingual teacher training track at SF State, to ensure there are teachers to help replace the generation of Cantonese bilingual teachers who are retiring. While there have been some heritage language preservation efforts in the city, like “\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11953666/city-college-of-san-francisco-withdraws-previously-approved-cantonese-program\">Save Cantonese\u003c/a>,” Chew said there’s still a need to provide bilingual language resources to the city’s most vulnerable Chinese students.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bilingual education is also under pressure as districts like SFUSD face low enrollment numbers, less state funding and an emphasis on test scores.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2019 — 45 years after the \u003cem>Lau\u003c/em> decision — SFUSD \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfusd.edu/about-sfusd/sfusd-news/press-releases/2019-07-01-lau-consent-decree-sunsets-sfusd\">sunsetted\u003c/a> the Lau Consent Decree, relieving the district of the federal mandate to provide services for English language learners. Officials declared that the district remained committed to supporting students, even without the oversight. But Morita-Mullaney said many have expressed concerns. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-13-MC-KQED-f516ded8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106633\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-13-MC-KQED-f516ded8.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-13-MC-KQED-f516ded8-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-13-MC-KQED-f516ded8-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Laureen Chew poses for a portrait in her home in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“There’s a lot of people I’ve talked to in Chinatown that are not happy about that because it was done very quietly.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She explained that as more Chinese Americans become English-dominant, some teachers may adopt the same expectations and norms that prioritize English proficiency, weakening support for accountability measures that were designed to protect English learners. That’s why remembering the legacy of fights like Lau v. Nichols helps place bilingual education’s importance into context, Morita-Mullaney said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“What Lau does for us is it says go back to the people. We are talking about the humanity of language learners, and what is their rightful case for language access. And so it is about the curriculum, it is about progress … but the beneficiaries are the students, and you don’t see that foregrounded in policy in the same way.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Chew, the attacks on immigrants can be disheartening. But as she approaches 80, she remains committed to the work, drawing on the lessons of a life spent challenging who gets to belong: from her childhood as a Chinese student taught to reject her native language to her work as one of San Francisco’s first Cantonese bilingual teachers. Each step has shaped her conviction that education should make room for everyone. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I embrace this country for what it aspires to be … No matter how strange everything is nowadays, I still believe in [its] foundation, even though [the founders] were all flawed. Isn’t that interesting?” she said, with a laugh. “And yet, they had this idealistic version of what a country can be, and we’re all still trying to live by it.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Laureen Chew, 78, still remembers her first day of kindergarten at Washington Irving Elementary School in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a>. It was the day she began to question her cultural heritage. Growing up in the city’s North Beach and Chinatown neighborhoods, Chew only spoke Cantonese. Born and raised in the U.S., Chew was raised primarily by her Chinese immigrant mother, who couldn’t speak English, and her world — up until then — was a tight-knit community of other Cantonese speakers.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Laureen Chew, 78, still remembers her first day of kindergarten at Washington Irving Elementary School in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a>. It was the day she began to question her cultural heritage. Growing up in the city’s North Beach and Chinatown neighborhoods, Chew only spoke Cantonese. Born and raised in the U.S., Chew was raised primarily by her Chinese immigrant mother, who couldn’t speak English, and her world — up until then — was a tight-knit community of other Cantonese speakers.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I remember going to school the first day being very excited because everybody said school was fun. All the kids there were Chinese Cantonese speakers; very few had English skills,” Chew said. “But then, the first thing that came out of the teacher’s mouth was English, and we were freaking out. And in fact, I didn’t wanna go back to school the next day.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I remember going to school the first day being very excited because everybody said school was fun. All the kids there were Chinese Cantonese speakers; very few had English skills,” Chew said. “But then, the first thing that came out of the teacher’s mouth was English, and we were freaking out. And in fact, I didn’t wanna go back to school the next day.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Chew said that by the time she was in the third grade, the language barriers evolved into a source of shame.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Chew said that by the time she was in the third grade, the language barriers evolved into a source of shame.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The teachers did a very good job of downgrading our native language at school,” she said, reflecting on recess time in the schoolyard. “We’d be playing and speaking in Cantonese to each other, and they’d ring the bell and say, ‘You’re in American school now, speak English!”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“The teachers did a very good job of downgrading our native language at school,” she said, reflecting on recess time in the schoolyard. “We’d be playing and speaking in Cantonese to each other, and they’d ring the bell and say, ‘You’re in American school now, speak English!”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It wasn’t until Chew became a student activist during college in the 1960s that she began to reclaim her cultural identity. She also discovered how to best help her community: by teaching and advocating for multilingual Chinese students.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>It wasn’t until Chew became a student activist during college in the 1960s that she began to reclaim her cultural identity. She also discovered how to best help her community: by teaching and advocating for multilingual Chinese students.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Bilingual ed is not only about language … It’s about identity so that you can feel that you’re worthy,” Chew said. “It’s about keeping a positive sense of who I am to help me express my voice in this country without feeling inferior.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Bilingual ed is not only about language … It’s about identity so that you can feel that you’re worthy,” Chew said. “It’s about keeping a positive sense of who I am to help me express my voice in this country without feeling inferior.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-06-MC-KQED-18f00d22.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106630\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-06-MC-KQED-18f00d22.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-06-MC-KQED-18f00d22-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-06-MC-KQED-18f00d22-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Laureen Chew poses for a portrait in her home in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-06-MC-KQED-18f00d22.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106630\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Laureen Chew poses for a portrait in her home in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Chinese community has played an important role in advancing bilingual education in San Francisco and across the country. The foundations of that advocacy trace back to the 19th-century Exclusion era when early Chinese immigrants fought for the most basic of education rights, like access to public schools. As they did in other arenas, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12088125/as-america-turns-250-san-franciscos-role-in-defining-citizenship-endures\">birthright citizenship\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050233/how-a-chinese-laundryman-shaped-us-civil-rights-from-san-francisco\">due process and equal protection\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096279/chinese-immigrants-led-the-first-mass-resistance-to-americas-deportation-system\">the right to remain in the country\u003c/a>, Chinese immigrants leveraged the legal system and the resources afforded by a highly organized San Francisco Chinatown network to make their case for equal education. Their efforts have helped expand the protections available to immigrant families and their children.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The Chinese community has played an important role in advancing bilingual education in San Francisco and across the country. The foundations of that advocacy trace back to the 19th-century Exclusion era when early Chinese immigrants fought for the most basic of education rights, like access to public schools. As they did in other arenas, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12088125/as-america-turns-250-san-franciscos-role-in-defining-citizenship-endures\">birthright citizenship\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050233/how-a-chinese-laundryman-shaped-us-civil-rights-from-san-francisco\">due process and equal protection\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096279/chinese-immigrants-led-the-first-mass-resistance-to-americas-deportation-system\">the right to remain in the country\u003c/a>, Chinese immigrants leveraged the legal system and the resources afforded by a highly organized San Francisco Chinatown network to make their case for equal education. Their efforts have helped expand the protections available to immigrant families and their children.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Today, Chinese Americans and immigrants continue to grapple with questions of belonging, identity and equity in education. But as the Chinese population has changed over the generations, so too have the terms of their activism. The education debates within the community have become increasingly complex — and sometimes \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11954612/u-s-supreme-court-strikes-down-affirmative-action-barring-california-private-universities-from-considering-race-in-admissions\">deeply divisive\u003c/a> — yet a throughline persists: a continuing negotiation over what meaningful inclusion looks like, and who gets to define it. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Today, Chinese Americans and immigrants continue to grapple with questions of belonging, identity and equity in education. But as the Chinese population has changed over the generations, so too have the terms of their activism. The education debates within the community have become increasingly complex — and sometimes \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11954612/u-s-supreme-court-strikes-down-affirmative-action-barring-california-private-universities-from-considering-race-in-admissions\">deeply divisive\u003c/a> — yet a throughline persists: a continuing negotiation over what meaningful inclusion looks like, and who gets to define it. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Education organizing remains an important way for Chinese community members to assert their place in American society, and to claim a stake in its future. And people like Chew say it’s especially critical now as the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies are impacting things like \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096573/under-proposed-trump-rule-head-start-would-be-english-only\">language rights\u003c/a> for student English learners. She said by fighting for bilingual education, she can help to protect and nurture a multiracial democracy.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Education organizing remains an important way for Chinese community members to assert their place in American society, and to claim a stake in its future. And people like Chew say it’s especially critical now as the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies are impacting things like \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096573/under-proposed-trump-rule-head-start-would-be-english-only\">language rights\u003c/a> for student English learners. She said by fighting for bilingual education, she can help to protect and nurture a multiracial democracy.\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "Before bilingual education, the fight for a seat in the classroom",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Before bilingual education, the fight for a seat in the classroom\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Chinese immigrants in San Francisco began fighting in the 1850s for access to education. The concept of public education — universally available, state-funded and free — gained traction in the 1830s, and one of its stated goals was to prepare young people to be capable voters who could safeguard American democracy. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Chinese immigrants in San Francisco began fighting in the 1850s for access to education. The concept of public education — universally available, state-funded and free — gained traction in the 1830s, and one of its stated goals was to prepare young people to be capable voters who could safeguard American democracy. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>That principle helps explain why public education has remained a contentious issue when it comes to immigrants, said Hiroshi Motomura, a professor and immigration law scholar at UCLA.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>That principle helps explain why public education has remained a contentious issue when it comes to immigrants, said Hiroshi Motomura, a professor and immigration law scholar at UCLA.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Children become the source of a great hope and the source of a great threat,” Motomura said. “As a threat, I think it’s realizing that if you let kids become citizens or get educated, [there’s] the sense that they’re going to displace you … Education is the key to immigrant integration.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Children become the source of a great hope and the source of a great threat,” Motomura said. “As a threat, I think it’s realizing that if you let kids become citizens or get educated, [there’s] the sense that they’re going to displace you … Education is the key to immigrant integration.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261027-Fight-For-Education-and-Belonging-02-KQED-45e99778.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106752\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261027-Fight-For-Education-and-Belonging-02-KQED-45e99778.jpg 1338w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261027-Fight-For-Education-and-Belonging-02-KQED-45e99778-160x131.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A portrait of Chinese Primary School students in 1890. As noted in historian Mae Ngai’s book “The Lucky Ones,” Mamie Tape is the girl sitting in the center of the second row. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261027-Fight-For-Education-and-Belonging-02-KQED-45e99778.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106752\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A portrait of Chinese Primary School students in 1890. As noted in historian Mae Ngai’s book “The Lucky Ones,” Mamie Tape is the girl sitting in the center of the second row. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In 19th-century San Francisco, access to public education was largely reserved for white children. Although California law eventually required public schools to admit all children, Black, Asian and American Indian students were segregated from their white peers. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In 19th-century San Francisco, access to public education was largely reserved for white children. Although California law eventually required public schools to admit all children, Black, Asian and American Indian students were segregated from their white peers. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In 1871, as animosity and violence against the Chinese community \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/10429550/boomtown-history-2b\">intensified in San Francisco\u003c/a>, Chinese children were banned from even segregated public schools. Throughout the next decade, both the San Francisco school board and the state legislature ignored petitions by thousands of Chinese residents for admission to public schools. That is until one Chinese family in particular spoke up: the Tape family.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In 1871, as animosity and violence against the Chinese community \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/10429550/boomtown-history-2b\">intensified in San Francisco\u003c/a>, Chinese children were banned from even segregated public schools. Throughout the next decade, both the San Francisco school board and the state legislature ignored petitions by thousands of Chinese residents for admission to public schools. That is until one Chinese family in particular spoke up: the Tape family.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>By the 1880s, an estimated 1,000 Chinese school-age children were living in the city, and most of them were American-born, including 8-year-old Mamie Tape. Her parents, Joseph and Mary Tape, were atypical Chinese immigrants: they were Americanized, spoke excellent English, adopted Western-style manners and clothing and lived outside of Chinatown in a white, middle-class neighborhood.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>By the 1880s, an estimated 1,000 Chinese school-age children were living in the city, and most of them were American-born, including 8-year-old Mamie Tape. Her parents, Joseph and Mary Tape, were atypical Chinese immigrants: they were Americanized, spoke excellent English, adopted Western-style manners and clothing and lived outside of Chinatown in a white, middle-class neighborhood.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In 1884, Mamie’s parents attempted to enroll her at the all-white Spring Valley School. But when they arrived, the school’s principal, Jennie Hurley, refused to let her in, citing the district’s policy against admitting Chinese children. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In 1884, Mamie’s parents attempted to enroll her at the all-white Spring Valley School. But when they arrived, the school’s principal, Jennie Hurley, refused to let her in, citing the district’s policy against admitting Chinese children. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In response, Mamie’s father Joseph waged a legal battle that garnered widespread attention, captivating white and Chinese people alike. There was a lot at stake: would the privileges and benefits of U.S. citizenship be afforded to the American-born children of the much-reviled Chinese immigrant population? \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In response, Mamie’s father Joseph waged a legal battle that garnered widespread attention, captivating white and Chinese people alike. There was a lot at stake: would the privileges and benefits of U.S. citizenship be afforded to the American-born children of the much-reviled Chinese immigrant population? \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Eventually, the Tapes won their case in San Francisco’s Superior Court, a decision that was upheld in the California Supreme Court in 1885’s historic case \u003ca href=\"https://law.justia.com/cases/california/supreme-court/1885/66-cal-473.html\">\u003cem>Tape v. Hurley\u003c/em>\u003c/a>. The court affirmed that Chinese children born in the U.S. were entitled to public education under the Constitution. However, the school board rushed an act through the state legislature, authorizing segregated schools for Chinese students; Mamie could attend a public school, but only a segregated one for Chinese children. In response, Mamie’s mother Mary wrote a long fiery letter to the school board in a local newspaper.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Eventually, the Tapes won their case in San Francisco’s Superior Court, a decision that was upheld in the California Supreme Court in 1885’s historic case \u003ca href=\"https://law.justia.com/cases/california/supreme-court/1885/66-cal-473.html\">\u003cem>Tape v. Hurley\u003c/em>\u003c/a>. The court affirmed that Chinese children born in the U.S. were entitled to public education under the Constitution. However, the school board rushed an act through the state legislature, authorizing segregated schools for Chinese students; Mamie could attend a public school, but only a segregated one for Chinese children. In response, Mamie’s mother Mary wrote a long fiery letter to the school board in a local newspaper.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Dear sirs, Will you please to tell me! Is it a disgrace to be Born a Chinese? … My children don’t dress like the other Chinese … It seems no matter how a Chinese may live and dress so long as you know they Chinese. Then they are hated as one. There is not any right or justice for them.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Dear sirs, Will you please to tell me! Is it a disgrace to be Born a Chinese? … My children don’t dress like the other Chinese … It seems no matter how a Chinese may live and dress so long as you know they Chinese. Then they are hated as one. There is not any right or justice for them.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Mary declared that Mamie would not attend any Chinese-only schools, but eventually she and her brother Frank were among the first students to enroll in the Chinese Primary School when it opened. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Mary declared that Mamie would not attend any Chinese-only schools, but eventually she and her brother Frank were among the first students to enroll in the Chinese Primary School when it opened. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Mae Ngai, a professor of history at Columbia University and author of \u003cem>The Lucky Ones\u003c/em>, a book about the Tape family, called the ruling a “partial victory.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Mae Ngai, a professor of history at Columbia University and author of \u003cem>The Lucky Ones\u003c/em>, a book about the Tape family, called the ruling a “partial victory.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“\u003cem>Tape v. Hurley\u003c/em> was an exclusion case, not a segregation case,” she said. “In fact, the Chinese were so excluded that they got promoted to being segregated … they were not even on par with Black people and Native Americans in 19th-century California,” she said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“\u003cem>Tape v. Hurley\u003c/em> was an exclusion case, not a segregation case,” she said. “In fact, the Chinese were so excluded that they got promoted to being segregated … they were not even on par with Black people and Native Americans in 19th-century California,” she said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Ngai believes that the Tape’s argument, that Mamie should be admitted because the family identified with the white population, shouldn’t be seen as an aspirational strategy for the Chinese community today: “I don’t think it’s healthy for us to say people of color are only worthy when they deny their own cultures and languages and heritages,” Ngai said. “[The case] is maybe cautionary … if your idea is to convince the mainstream that you’re just going to be like white people.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Ngai believes that the Tape’s argument, that Mamie should be admitted because the family identified with the white population, shouldn’t be seen as an aspirational strategy for the Chinese community today: “I don’t think it’s healthy for us to say people of color are only worthy when they deny their own cultures and languages and heritages,” Ngai said. “[The case] is maybe cautionary … if your idea is to convince the mainstream that you’re just going to be like white people.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Nevertheless, \u003cem>Tape v. Hurley\u003c/em> was a fundamental case for the country’s earliest immigrants, Ngai said. “Education is a central issue of settlement. ‘We’re here, we’re not citizens, but our children are born here, they are citizens, and we are here to stay.’ That is the message.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Nevertheless, \u003cem>Tape v. Hurley\u003c/em> was a fundamental case for the country’s earliest immigrants, Ngai said. “Education is a central issue of settlement. ‘We’re here, we’re not citizens, but our children are born here, they are citizens, and we are here to stay.’ That is the message.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "How the Civil Rights era reshaped San Francisco’s classrooms — and the fight for equity",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How the Civil Rights era reshaped San Francisco’s classrooms — and the fight for equity\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>That tension — between gaining access to American institutions and submitting to cultural erasure — would become more explicit in the decades that followed, especially as the Chinese community fought for bilingual education. There were a series of historical milestones that set the stage for that fight, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>That tension — between gaining access to American institutions and submitting to cultural erasure — would become more explicit in the decades that followed, especially as the Chinese community fought for bilingual education. There were a series of historical milestones that set the stage for that fight, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional in \u003ca href=\"https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/brown-v-board-of-education\">\u003cem>Brown v. Board of Education\u003c/em>\u003c/a>. Meanwhile, arrivals to the U.S. dramatically shifted with the 1965 \u003ca href=\"https://history.house.gov/Historical-Highlights/1951-2000/Immigration-and-Nationality-Act-of-1965/\">Immigration and Nationality Act\u003c/a>, which eliminated decades-long immigration restrictions from Asian and African countries. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional in \u003ca href=\"https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/brown-v-board-of-education\">\u003cem>Brown v. Board of Education\u003c/em>\u003c/a>. Meanwhile, arrivals to the U.S. dramatically shifted with the 1965 \u003ca href=\"https://history.house.gov/Historical-Highlights/1951-2000/Immigration-and-Nationality-Act-of-1965/\">Immigration and Nationality Act\u003c/a>, which eliminated decades-long immigration restrictions from Asian and African countries. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>San Francisco’s Chinese immigrant population surged, and with it, the school district’s Chinese student population. But while school segregation was legally unconstitutional, de facto segregation — driven primarily by redlining and discriminatory housing policies — meant that schools in areas like Chinatown reflected the segregation of the surrounding neighborhoods. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>San Francisco’s Chinese immigrant population surged, and with it, the school district’s Chinese student population. But while school segregation was legally unconstitutional, de facto segregation — driven primarily by redlining and discriminatory housing policies — meant that schools in areas like Chinatown reflected the segregation of the surrounding neighborhoods. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/1495678.750x-f09c70aa.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106969\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/1495678.750x-f09c70aa.png 750w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/1495678.750x-f09c70aa-160x102.png 160w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Police arrest Black Student Union member John Cleveland during the student strike at San Francisco State College 1968-69, which resulted in the creation of a College of Ethnic Studies.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of San Francisco State University Photographic Timeline Project)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/1495678.750x-f09c70aa.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106969\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Police arrest Black Student Union member John Cleveland during the student strike at San Francisco State College 1968-69, which resulted in the creation of a College of Ethnic Studies.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of San Francisco State University Photographic Timeline Project)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>By the late 1960s and early 1970s, a new generation of immigrant and Chinese-speaking youth emerged, which increased the need for different resources, including language services at schools. Being placed in English-only classrooms meant many Chinese students were effectively excluded from participating in class, and that their academic progress — if any — was significantly slower than their peers’.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>By the late 1960s and early 1970s, a new generation of immigrant and Chinese-speaking youth emerged, which increased the need for different resources, including language services at schools. Being placed in English-only classrooms meant many Chinese students were effectively excluded from participating in class, and that their academic progress — if any — was significantly slower than their peers’.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A 1974 California Law Review article describing those challenges said that Chinese students in these learning conditions were “doomed to poor achievement, illiteracy, and disproportionately high dropout rates” and that the isolating environment created psychological harm, making students feel inferior.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>A 1974 California Law Review article describing those challenges said that Chinese students in these learning conditions were “doomed to poor achievement, illiteracy, and disproportionately high dropout rates” and that the isolating environment created psychological harm, making students feel inferior.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Despite the social problems in Chinatown, a new political consciousness was growing. Chew was part of a generation of young Chinese Americans who were returning to the neighborhood after monumental social upheavals.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Despite the social problems in Chinatown, a new political consciousness was growing. Chew was part of a generation of young Chinese Americans who were returning to the neighborhood after monumental social upheavals.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As a student at San Francisco State, she participated in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11830384/how-the-longest-student-strike-in-u-s-history-created-ethnic-studies\">1968-69 Third World Liberation Front (TWLF) Strikes\u003c/a>, the longest student strike in U.S. history, where a coalition of student groups at SF State and UC Berkeley worked in solidarity to achieve their goals, including academic reforms and non-Eurocentric curricula. The term “Asian American” was formed at that time to create a political and organizing pan-ethnic identity, and the strike resulted in the formation of the nation’s first ethnic studies programs.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>As a student at San Francisco State, she participated in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11830384/how-the-longest-student-strike-in-u-s-history-created-ethnic-studies\">1968-69 Third World Liberation Front (TWLF) Strikes\u003c/a>, the longest student strike in U.S. history, where a coalition of student groups at SF State and UC Berkeley worked in solidarity to achieve their goals, including academic reforms and non-Eurocentric curricula. The term “Asian American” was formed at that time to create a political and organizing pan-ethnic identity, and the strike resulted in the formation of the nation’s first ethnic studies programs.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Up until then, Chew’s educational experience had left her feeling angry and invisible, but she said that joining the historic student movement was pivotal and “opened up a whole new world for me.” Working alongside Black, Chicano, Filipino, Native American and other student organizers, and questioning institutional power together, she learned to not only reembrace her community — she became motivated to fight for it. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Up until then, Chew’s educational experience had left her feeling angry and invisible, but she said that joining the historic student movement was pivotal and “opened up a whole new world for me.” Working alongside Black, Chicano, Filipino, Native American and other student organizers, and questioning institutional power together, she learned to not only reembrace her community — she became motivated to fight for it. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-03-MC-KQED-1ce735ce.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106629\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-03-MC-KQED-1ce735ce.jpg 1478w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-03-MC-KQED-1ce735ce-160x107.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Laureen Chew taught second graders at Commodore Stockton during the 1970s. She said her roots in San Francisco Chinatown inspired her advocacy for Chinese English learner students.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-03-MC-KQED-1ce735ce.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106629\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Laureen Chew taught second graders at Commodore Stockton during the 1970s. She said her roots in San Francisco Chinatown inspired her advocacy for Chinese English learner students.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I was so entrenched in the strike, but the strike wasn’t just about the strike,” Chew said. “That involvement made me think about [getting involved] in my community, in my context of being a Chinese American.” She wanted to help Chinese immigrant students embrace their language and cultural identity — an experience that she didn’t have growing up. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I was so entrenched in the strike, but the strike wasn’t just about the strike,” Chew said. “That involvement made me think about [getting involved] in my community, in my context of being a Chinese American.” She wanted to help Chinese immigrant students embrace their language and cultural identity — an experience that she didn’t have growing up. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>After graduating in 1972 and enlisting in the National Teacher Corps, Chew began teaching at Commodore Stockton Elementary. The building, which was once the segregated school for Chinese students that Mamie Tape attended, was now the site of San Francisco’s first Cantonese bilingual program, made possible by the Bilingual Education Act of 1968.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>After graduating in 1972 and enlisting in the National Teacher Corps, Chew began teaching at Commodore Stockton Elementary. The building, which was once the segregated school for Chinese students that Mamie Tape attended, was now the site of San Francisco’s first Cantonese bilingual program, made possible by the Bilingual Education Act of 1968.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Chew said it was a unique time to join the school because, in addition to the pilot bilingual program, the district had just implemented \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfusd.edu/facing-our-past-changing-our-future-part-ii-five-decades-desegregation-sfusd-1971-today\">busing\u003c/a> to integrate the city’s elementary schools following \u003ca href=\"https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/339/1315/1460757/\">\u003cem>Johnson v. SFUSD\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, in which Black families sued the district over school segregation. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Chew said it was a unique time to join the school because, in addition to the pilot bilingual program, the district had just implemented \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfusd.edu/facing-our-past-changing-our-future-part-ii-five-decades-desegregation-sfusd-1971-today\">busing\u003c/a> to integrate the city’s elementary schools following \u003ca href=\"https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/339/1315/1460757/\">\u003cem>Johnson v. SFUSD\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, in which Black families sued the district over school segregation. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-01-MC_qed-2456ef2f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106877\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-01-MC_qed-2456ef2f.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-01-MC_qed-2456ef2f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-01-MC_qed-2456ef2f-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Laureen Chew holds a film slide showing a teaching event she attended in the past, in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-01-MC_qed-2456ef2f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106877\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Laureen Chew holds a film slide showing a teaching event she attended in the past, in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Chinese immigrant parents largely opposed the court-ordered school busing program. One of their chief concerns was that it would scatter their children away from critical language resources at their neighborhood schools, like Commodore Stockton.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Chinese immigrant parents largely opposed the court-ordered school busing program. One of their chief concerns was that it would scatter their children away from critical language resources at their neighborhood schools, like Commodore Stockton.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For Chew, who spent six years teaching second graders at Commodore, the overlap of bilingual teaching and the busing effort proved to be challenging yet exciting. While there were racial frictions between the kids from Chinatown and the Black students bussed in from Bayview-Hunter’s Point, she saw the benefits of bilingual education beyond language itself. As students learned English and Chinese together, it bridged the differences between them. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>For Chew, who spent six years teaching second graders at Commodore, the overlap of bilingual teaching and the busing effort proved to be challenging yet exciting. While there were racial frictions between the kids from Chinatown and the Black students bussed in from Bayview-Hunter’s Point, she saw the benefits of bilingual education beyond language itself. As students learned English and Chinese together, it bridged the differences between them. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I came from a different frame because of the [TWLF] strikes,” she said. “I was able to try a lot of different things during that time in terms of building humanity in a classroom and then more importantly, building community.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I came from a different frame because of the [TWLF] strikes,” she said. “I was able to try a lot of different things during that time in terms of building humanity in a classroom and then more importantly, building community.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "The case for bilingual education: a new kind of grassroots movement in Chinatown",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The case for bilingual education: a new kind of grassroots movement in Chinatown\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The case for bilingual education: a new kind of grassroots movement in Chinatown\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Even as the pilot bilingual program at Commodore Stockton took shape, there still weren’t adequate linguistic resources for all Chinese students in San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Even as the pilot bilingual program at Commodore Stockton took shape, there still weren’t adequate linguistic resources for all Chinese students in San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In 1970, a group of Chinese American students filed a class-action lawsuit against SFUSD arguing an estimated 1,800 Chinese-speaking students were unable to meaningfully participate in their education because they were in English-only classrooms without any language support.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In 1970, a group of Chinese American students filed a class-action lawsuit against SFUSD arguing an estimated 1,800 Chinese-speaking students were unable to meaningfully participate in their education because they were in English-only classrooms without any language support.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Most of the families in the case were low-income Chinese immigrant families who lived in Chinatown single room occupancy buildings. The lead plaintiff was Kinney Kinmon Lau, a Chinese American first grader attending Jean Parker Elementary School. The case was filed with the Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA), one of the progressive Asian American civil rights and social services organizations that emerged in the late ’60s and early ’70s.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Most of the families in the case were low-income Chinese immigrant families who lived in Chinatown single room occupancy buildings. The lead plaintiff was Kinney Kinmon Lau, a Chinese American first grader attending Jean Parker Elementary School. The case was filed with the Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA), one of the progressive Asian American civil rights and social services organizations that emerged in the late ’60s and early ’70s.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261027-Fight-For-Education-and-Belonging-03-KQED-9a45685c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106762\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261027-Fight-For-Education-and-Belonging-03-KQED-9a45685c.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261027-Fight-For-Education-and-Belonging-03-KQED-9a45685c-160x129.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261027-Fight-For-Education-and-Belonging-03-KQED-9a45685c-1536x1239.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Students watching a Chinese New Year program at Jean Parker Elementary School in 1970. The San Francisco school was at the center of the 1974 U.S. Supreme Court case, Lau v. Nichols.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261027-Fight-For-Education-and-Belonging-03-KQED-9a45685c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106762\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Students watching a Chinese New Year program at Jean Parker Elementary School in 1970. The San Francisco school was at the center of the 1974 U.S. Supreme Court case, Lau v. Nichols.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Political power was starting to shift in Chinatown. Since the 1800s, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050233/how-a-chinese-laundryman-shaped-us-civil-rights-from-san-francisco\">Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association\u003c/a>, or the Chinese Six Companies — a group of family associations — had been the major player behind the fight for Chinese immigrant rights. The case for bilingual education demonstrated a new kind of grassroots resistance, one that was younger, multiracial, intersectional and based in self-determination. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Political power was starting to shift in Chinatown. Since the 1800s, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050233/how-a-chinese-laundryman-shaped-us-civil-rights-from-san-francisco\">Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association\u003c/a>, or the Chinese Six Companies — a group of family associations — had been the major player behind the fight for Chinese immigrant rights. The case for bilingual education demonstrated a new kind of grassroots resistance, one that was younger, multiracial, intersectional and based in self-determination. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“They’re younger activists who are able to connect what they’re seeing in Chinatown to the broader civil rights movement,” CAA’s current co-Executive Director Vincent Pan said. “That’s the difference. And they’re marrying that with parents who do have a very important interest in seeing their kids get a better education.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“They’re younger activists who are able to connect what they’re seeing in Chinatown to the broader civil rights movement,” CAA’s current co-Executive Director Vincent Pan said. “That’s the difference. And they’re marrying that with parents who do have a very important interest in seeing their kids get a better education.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Trish Morita-Mullaney, author of the book \u003cem>Lau v. Nichols and Chinese American Language Rights,\u003c/em> called the \u003cem>\u003c/em>case an “emergency response” to what was happening in the community and indicative of the growing language rights movement across the country.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“There was precedent set within the Latino community … [and here], the thinking around language rights is that ‘I really want my kid to have access to the instruction and because my kids are not proficient, we need differentiation of instruction, and Cantonese should be one of those options.’” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“There was precedent set within the Latino community … [and here], the thinking around language rights is that ‘I really want my kid to have access to the instruction and because my kids are not proficient, we need differentiation of instruction, and Cantonese should be one of those options.’” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The District Court ruled in favor of SFUSD, stating that there was no constitutional responsibility to provide special language programs, a decision later upheld by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The plaintiffs brought the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that SFUSD’s “English-only” policy denied them equal protection. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The District Court ruled in favor of SFUSD, stating that there was no constitutional responsibility to provide special language programs, a decision later upheld by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The plaintiffs brought the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that SFUSD’s “English-only” policy denied them equal protection. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In 1974, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Chinese plaintiffs, deciding that not providing non-English-speaking students with supplemental language courses was a violation of several legal precedents, namely the \u003ca href=\"https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/civil-rights-act\">Civil Rights Act of 1964\u003c/a>, delivering a victory for bilingual instruction. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In 1974, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Chinese plaintiffs, deciding that not providing non-English-speaking students with supplemental language courses was a violation of several legal precedents, namely the \u003ca href=\"https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/civil-rights-act\">Civil Rights Act of 1964\u003c/a>, delivering a victory for bilingual instruction. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The \u003cem>Lau\u003c/em> decision set a national precedent that education needed to be responsive to the different language needs and identities of students, Morita-Mullaney said. While the Court didn’t specify the steps school districts needed to take, it mandated supplemental instruction for English language learners. SFUSD took the bilingual education route, entering into a federal legal agreement, called the Lau Consent Decree, which legally bound the district to provide specialized language instruction and equal educational access to all non-English-speaking students.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The \u003cem>Lau\u003c/em> decision set a national precedent that education needed to be responsive to the different language needs and identities of students, Morita-Mullaney said. While the Court didn’t specify the steps school districts needed to take, it mandated supplemental instruction for English language learners. SFUSD took the bilingual education route, entering into a federal legal agreement, called the Lau Consent Decree, which legally bound the district to provide specialized language instruction and equal educational access to all non-English-speaking students.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Pan sees the \u003cem>Lau victory\u003c/em> as part of the struggle for Chinese Americans and immigrants to participate fully in American society that \u003cem>Tape v. Hurley\u003c/em> began nearly 90 years earlier. While \u003cem>Tape\u003c/em> was a fight for the Chinese people to be “seen as humans,” Pan said \u003cem>Lau\u003c/em> took it a step further “to get at the issue of ‘you’re human even if you don’t speak English well.’” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Pan sees the \u003cem>Lau victory\u003c/em> as part of the struggle for Chinese Americans and immigrants to participate fully in American society that \u003cem>Tape v. Hurley\u003c/em> began nearly 90 years earlier. While \u003cem>Tape\u003c/em> was a fight for the Chinese people to be “seen as humans,” Pan said \u003cem>Lau\u003c/em> took it a step further “to get at the issue of ‘you’re human even if you don’t speak English well.’” \u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "What does fair and equitable public education mean now?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does fair and equitable public education mean now?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>On a recent evening at the Southeast Community Center in Bayview-Hunters Point, six candidates running for San Francisco’s District 10 supervisor’s seat addressed a room full of students and families. CAA was co-hosting the event, and managing director of policy Annie Lee posed questions to the candidates. One by one, they each weighed in on a wide range of community issues, including Flock cameras and mental health services inside schools. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>On a recent evening at the Southeast Community Center in Bayview-Hunters Point, six candidates running for San Francisco’s District 10 supervisor’s seat addressed a room full of students and families. CAA was co-hosting the event, and managing director of policy Annie Lee posed questions to the candidates. One by one, they each weighed in on a wide range of community issues, including Flock cameras and mental health services inside schools. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While the district is a historically Black community, \u003ca href=\"https://censusreporter.org/profiles/79500US0607507-san-francisco-county-south-central-bayview-hunters-point-puma-ca/\">nearly half\u003c/a> of its population is Asian, and more than 60% of the residents speak a language that isn’t English at home. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/chinese-americans-san-francisco-neighborhoods-22458761.php\">Recent reporting\u003c/a> from \u003cem>The San Francisco Chronicle\u003c/em> shows that the Chinese population grew by nearly two-thirds between 2010 and 2024. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>While the district is a historically Black community, \u003ca href=\"https://censusreporter.org/profiles/79500US0607507-san-francisco-county-south-central-bayview-hunters-point-puma-ca/\">nearly half\u003c/a> of its population is Asian, and more than 60% of the residents speak a language that isn’t English at home. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/chinese-americans-san-francisco-neighborhoods-22458761.php\">Recent reporting\u003c/a> from \u003cem>The San Francisco Chronicle\u003c/em> shows that the Chinese population grew by nearly two-thirds between 2010 and 2024. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-07-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102814\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-07-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-07-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-07-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">District 10 Supervisor candidate J.R. Eppler speaks during a youth-led candidate forum at Southeast Community Center in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2026. The 3rd Street Youth Center and Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) partnered to host the forum for local residents.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-07-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102814\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">District 10 Supervisor candidate J.R. Eppler speaks during a youth-led candidate forum at Southeast Community Center in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2026. The 3rd Street Youth Center and Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) partnered to host the forum for local residents.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Among the crowd that evening were a few Chinese parents who wore headsets, as interpreters on the sidelines translated the conversation into Cantonese.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>One of them was 43-year-old Christina Ouyang, a single mother with a 13-year-old daughter who works part-time doing community outreach with CAA.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>“I came here to learn more about the programming and opportunities available to children in the school district,” Ouyang said in Cantonese, sharing that she was most concerned about the safety and well-being of her daughter, who had faced bullying at her school.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>One of them was 43-year-old Christina Ouyang, a single mother with a 13-year-old daughter who works part-time doing community outreach with CAA.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>“I came here to learn more about the programming and opportunities available to children in the school district,” Ouyang said in Cantonese, sharing that she was most concerned about the safety and well-being of her daughter, who had faced bullying at her school.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While the D10 candidates didn’t address that specific issue, the attendance of Chinese parents at events like these demonstrates that despite the language barriers, education remains a central way that they engage in the larger community. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>While the D10 candidates didn’t address that specific issue, the attendance of Chinese parents at events like these demonstrates that despite the language barriers, education remains a central way that they engage in the larger community. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-ChineseEducation-JY-16-KQED-76919386.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106818\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Christina Ouyang attends a youth-led candidate forum for District 10 supervisor at Southeast Community Center in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2026. Ouyang is a parent in the district and attended the forum to gather more information that might help her child.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-13-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102818\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Interpreter Gladys Chiu holds a script while translating English into Chinese during a youth-led candidate forum for District 10 Supervisor at Southeast Community Center in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2026. 3rd Street Youth Center and Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) partnered to host the forum for local residents.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-13-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102818\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Interpreter Gladys Chiu holds a script while translating English into Chinese during a youth-led candidate forum for District 10 Supervisor at Southeast Community Center in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2026. 3rd Street Youth Center and Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) partnered to host the forum for local residents.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s the kind of work that CAA remains dedicated to today, and Pan sees it as a continuation of the \u003cem>Lau\u003c/em> case’s legacy. In the past, they’ve helped immigrant parents have a say in their children’s education, including with efforts like helping \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11680868/voter-registration-for-non-citizens-begins-in-s-f-school-board-election\">noncitizens vote in school board elections\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>It’s the kind of work that CAA remains dedicated to today, and Pan sees it as a continuation of the \u003cem>Lau\u003c/em> case’s legacy. In the past, they’ve helped immigrant parents have a say in their children’s education, including with efforts like helping \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11680868/voter-registration-for-non-citizens-begins-in-s-f-school-board-election\">noncitizens vote in school board elections\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Who doesn’t want parents to be involved? … It’ll make the schools better for everyone, but because of all the rhetoric against immigrants, you can see that’s being demonized right now,” Pan said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Who doesn’t want parents to be involved? … It’ll make the schools better for everyone, but because of all the rhetoric against immigrants, you can see that’s being demonized right now,” Pan said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Education — often positioned as a gateway to American society — has become a contentious, hot-button issue for the Asian American community, especially around the recent \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11954612/u-s-supreme-court-strikes-down-affirmative-action-barring-california-private-universities-from-considering-race-in-admissions\">U.S. Supreme Court ban on affirmative action\u003c/a>, and the threats to ethnic studies. CAA often finds itself confronting divisions within the community, Pan said. Many Asian Americans were vocal and proactive in helping dismantle affirmative action, while others have called for the end of ethnic studies curriculum, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12091955/lowell-high-school-group-sues-sfusd-over-newly-adopted-ethnic-studies-curriculum\">including recently at Lowell High School in San Francisco\u003c/a>. He notes these friction points reflect generational and class shifts: while some Chinese families advocate for strict meritocracy as the surest route to advancement, others see those moves as chipping away at the multiracial coalitions that secured rights for vulnerable learners in the first place.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Education — often positioned as a gateway to American society — has become a contentious, hot-button issue for the Asian American community, especially around the recent \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11954612/u-s-supreme-court-strikes-down-affirmative-action-barring-california-private-universities-from-considering-race-in-admissions\">U.S. Supreme Court ban on affirmative action\u003c/a>, and the threats to ethnic studies. CAA often finds itself confronting divisions within the community, Pan said. Many Asian Americans were vocal and proactive in helping dismantle affirmative action, while others have called for the end of ethnic studies curriculum, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12091955/lowell-high-school-group-sues-sfusd-over-newly-adopted-ethnic-studies-curriculum\">including recently at Lowell High School in San Francisco\u003c/a>. He notes these friction points reflect generational and class shifts: while some Chinese families advocate for strict meritocracy as the surest route to advancement, others see those moves as chipping away at the multiracial coalitions that secured rights for vulnerable learners in the first place.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-11-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102817\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-11-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-11-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-11-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ivy Zhou listens to a Chinese interpretation through an earpiece as Laura Quan translates behind her during a youth-led candidate forum for District 10 Supervisor at Southeast Community Center in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2026. The 3rd Street Youth Center and Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) partnered to host the forum for local residents.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-11-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102817\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ivy Zhou listens to a Chinese interpretation through an earpiece as Laura Quan translates behind her during a youth-led candidate forum for District 10 Supervisor at Southeast Community Center in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2026. The 3rd Street Youth Center and Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) partnered to host the forum for local residents.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Unfortunately, when the stakes are high, people can get emotional. What we really also need to do is to be able to think clear-headed about what the effective public policies might be,” Pan said. “The more viable common sense practical path is to actually expand opportunity as opposed to fight for limited seats in a system that makes high quality education very scarce.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Unfortunately, when the stakes are high, people can get emotional. What we really also need to do is to be able to think clear-headed about what the effective public policies might be,” Pan said. “The more viable common sense practical path is to actually expand opportunity as opposed to fight for limited seats in a system that makes high quality education very scarce.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But the second-term Trump administration has done the opposite of expanding opportunities for English learners. In addition to weakening federal civil rights oversight of language access and terminating grants and support for English-learner programs, President Trump signed \u003ca href=\"https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/designating-english-as-the-official-language-of-the-united-states/\">an executive order\u003c/a> last year, declaring English as the nation’s only official language. The order states: “Speaking English not only opens doors economically, but it helps newcomers engage in their communities, participate in national traditions, and give back to our society.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But the second-term Trump administration has done the opposite of expanding opportunities for English learners. In addition to weakening federal civil rights oversight of language access and terminating grants and support for English-learner programs, President Trump signed \u003ca href=\"https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/designating-english-as-the-official-language-of-the-united-states/\">an executive order\u003c/a> last year, declaring English as the nation’s only official language. The order states: “Speaking English not only opens doors economically, but it helps newcomers engage in their communities, participate in national traditions, and give back to our society.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s a sentiment that flies in the face of everything Laureen Chew feels about the power of bilingual education to help “newcomers” engage in their broader communities.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>It’s a sentiment that flies in the face of everything Laureen Chew feels about the power of bilingual education to help “newcomers” engage in their broader communities.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Today, she’s working with the CAA and The Association of Chinese Teachers (another advocacy organization founded in the 1960s) to reactivate the bilingual teacher training track at SF State, to ensure there are teachers to help replace the generation of Cantonese bilingual teachers who are retiring. While there have been some heritage language preservation efforts in the city, like “\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11953666/city-college-of-san-francisco-withdraws-previously-approved-cantonese-program\">Save Cantonese\u003c/a>,” Chew said there’s still a need to provide bilingual language resources to the city’s most vulnerable Chinese students.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Today, she’s working with the CAA and The Association of Chinese Teachers (another advocacy organization founded in the 1960s) to reactivate the bilingual teacher training track at SF State, to ensure there are teachers to help replace the generation of Cantonese bilingual teachers who are retiring. While there have been some heritage language preservation efforts in the city, like “\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11953666/city-college-of-san-francisco-withdraws-previously-approved-cantonese-program\">Save Cantonese\u003c/a>,” Chew said there’s still a need to provide bilingual language resources to the city’s most vulnerable Chinese students.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Bilingual education is also under pressure as districts like SFUSD face low enrollment numbers, less state funding and an emphasis on test scores.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Bilingual education is also under pressure as districts like SFUSD face low enrollment numbers, less state funding and an emphasis on test scores.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In 2019 — 45 years after the \u003cem>Lau\u003c/em> decision — SFUSD \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfusd.edu/about-sfusd/sfusd-news/press-releases/2019-07-01-lau-consent-decree-sunsets-sfusd\">sunsetted\u003c/a> the Lau Consent Decree, relieving the district of the federal mandate to provide services for English language learners. Officials declared that the district remained committed to supporting students, even without the oversight. But Morita-Mullaney said many have expressed concerns. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In 2019 — 45 years after the \u003cem>Lau\u003c/em> decision — SFUSD \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfusd.edu/about-sfusd/sfusd-news/press-releases/2019-07-01-lau-consent-decree-sunsets-sfusd\">sunsetted\u003c/a> the Lau Consent Decree, relieving the district of the federal mandate to provide services for English language learners. Officials declared that the district remained committed to supporting students, even without the oversight. But Morita-Mullaney said many have expressed concerns. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-13-MC-KQED-f516ded8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106633\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-13-MC-KQED-f516ded8.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-13-MC-KQED-f516ded8-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-13-MC-KQED-f516ded8-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Laureen Chew poses for a portrait in her home in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-13-MC-KQED-f516ded8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106633\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Laureen Chew poses for a portrait in her home in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“There’s a lot of people I’ve talked to in Chinatown that are not happy about that because it was done very quietly.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“There’s a lot of people I’ve talked to in Chinatown that are not happy about that because it was done very quietly.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>She explained that as more Chinese Americans become English-dominant, some teachers may adopt the same expectations and norms that prioritize English proficiency, weakening support for accountability measures that were designed to protect English learners. That’s why remembering the legacy of fights like Lau v. Nichols helps place bilingual education’s importance into context, Morita-Mullaney said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>She explained that as more Chinese Americans become English-dominant, some teachers may adopt the same expectations and norms that prioritize English proficiency, weakening support for accountability measures that were designed to protect English learners. That’s why remembering the legacy of fights like Lau v. Nichols helps place bilingual education’s importance into context, Morita-Mullaney said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“What Lau does for us is it says go back to the people. We are talking about the humanity of language learners, and what is their rightful case for language access. And so it is about the curriculum, it is about progress … but the beneficiaries are the students, and you don’t see that foregrounded in policy in the same way.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“What Lau does for us is it says go back to the people. We are talking about the humanity of language learners, and what is their rightful case for language access. And so it is about the curriculum, it is about progress … but the beneficiaries are the students, and you don’t see that foregrounded in policy in the same way.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For Chew, the attacks on immigrants can be disheartening. But as she approaches 80, she remains committed to the work, drawing on the lessons of a life spent challenging who gets to belong: from her childhood as a Chinese student taught to reject her native language to her work as one of San Francisco’s first Cantonese bilingual teachers. Each step has shaped her conviction that education should make room for everyone. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>For Chew, the attacks on immigrants can be disheartening. But as she approaches 80, she remains committed to the work, drawing on the lessons of a life spent challenging who gets to belong: from her childhood as a Chinese student taught to reject her native language to her work as one of San Francisco’s first Cantonese bilingual teachers. Each step has shaped her conviction that education should make room for everyone. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I embrace this country for what it aspires to be … No matter how strange everything is nowadays, I still believe in [its] foundation, even though [the founders] were all flawed. Isn’t that interesting?” she said, with a laugh. “And yet, they had this idealistic version of what a country can be, and we’re all still trying to live by it.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I embrace this country for what it aspires to be … No matter how strange everything is nowadays, I still believe in [its] foundation, even though [the founders] were all flawed. Isn’t that interesting?” she said, with a laugh. “And yet, they had this idealistic version of what a country can be, and we’re all still trying to live by it.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "For generations, Chinese immigrants and their children have pursued educational equity. Their fights helped redefine what it means to belong in America.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Laureen Chew, 78, still remembers her first day of kindergarten at Washington Irving Elementary School in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a>. It was the day she began to question her cultural heritage. Growing up in the city’s North Beach and Chinatown neighborhoods, Chew only spoke Cantonese. Born and raised in the U.S., Chew was raised primarily by her Chinese immigrant mother, who couldn’t speak English, and her world — up until then — was a tight-knit community of other Cantonese speakers.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I remember going to school the first day being very excited because everybody said school was fun. All the kids there were Chinese Cantonese speakers; very few had English skills,” Chew said. “But then, the first thing that came out of the teacher’s mouth was English, and we were freaking out. And in fact, I didn’t wanna go back to school the next day.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chew said that by the time she was in the third grade, the language barriers evolved into a source of shame.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The teachers did a very good job of downgrading our native language at school,” she said, reflecting on recess time in the schoolyard. “We’d be playing and speaking in Cantonese to each other, and they’d ring the bell and say, ‘You’re in American school now, speak English!”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It wasn’t until Chew became a student activist during college in the 1960s that she began to reclaim her cultural identity. She also discovered how to best help her community: by teaching and advocating for multilingual Chinese students.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Bilingual ed is not only about language … It’s about identity so that you can feel that you’re worthy,” Chew said. “It’s about keeping a positive sense of who I am to help me express my voice in this country without feeling inferior.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-06-MC-KQED-18f00d22.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106630\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-06-MC-KQED-18f00d22.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-06-MC-KQED-18f00d22-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-06-MC-KQED-18f00d22-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Laureen Chew poses for a portrait in her home in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Chinese community has played an important role in advancing bilingual education in San Francisco and across the country. The foundations of that advocacy trace back to the 19th-century Exclusion era when early Chinese immigrants fought for the most basic of education rights, like access to public schools. As they did in other arenas, including \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12088125/as-america-turns-250-san-franciscos-role-in-defining-citizenship-endures\">birthright citizenship\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050233/how-a-chinese-laundryman-shaped-us-civil-rights-from-san-francisco\">due process and equal protection\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096279/chinese-immigrants-led-the-first-mass-resistance-to-americas-deportation-system\">the right to remain in the country\u003c/a>, Chinese immigrants leveraged the legal system and the resources afforded by a highly organized San Francisco Chinatown network to make their case for equal education. Their efforts have helped expand the protections available to immigrant families and their children.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, Chinese Americans and immigrants continue to grapple with questions of belonging, identity and equity in education. But as the Chinese population has changed over the generations, so too have the terms of their activism. The education debates within the community have become increasingly complex — and sometimes \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11954612/u-s-supreme-court-strikes-down-affirmative-action-barring-california-private-universities-from-considering-race-in-admissions\">deeply divisive\u003c/a> — yet a throughline persists: a continuing negotiation over what meaningful inclusion looks like, and who gets to define it. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Education organizing remains an important way for Chinese community members to assert their place in American society, and to claim a stake in its future. And people like Chew say it’s especially critical now as the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies are impacting things like \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096573/under-proposed-trump-rule-head-start-would-be-english-only\">language rights\u003c/a> for student English learners. She said by fighting for bilingual education, she can help to protect and nurture a multiracial democracy.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Before bilingual education, the fight for a seat in the classroom\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chinese immigrants in San Francisco began fighting in the 1850s for access to education. The concept of public education — universally available, state-funded and free — gained traction in the 1830s, and one of its stated goals was to prepare young people to be capable voters who could safeguard American democracy. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That principle helps explain why public education has remained a contentious issue when it comes to immigrants, said Hiroshi Motomura, a professor and immigration law scholar at UCLA.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Children become the source of a great hope and the source of a great threat,” Motomura said. “As a threat, I think it’s realizing that if you let kids become citizens or get educated, [there’s] the sense that they’re going to displace you … Education is the key to immigrant integration.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1338\" height=\"1099\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261027-Fight-For-Education-and-Belonging-02-KQED-45e99778.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106752\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261027-Fight-For-Education-and-Belonging-02-KQED-45e99778.jpg 1338w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261027-Fight-For-Education-and-Belonging-02-KQED-45e99778-160x131.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1338px) 100vw, 1338px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A portrait of Chinese Primary School students in 1890. As noted in historian Mae Ngai’s book “The Lucky Ones,” Mamie Tape is the girl sitting in the center of the second row. (Courtesy of The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 19th-century San Francisco, access to public education was largely reserved for white children. Although California law eventually required public schools to admit all children, Black, Asian and American Indian students were segregated from their white peers. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1871, as animosity and violence against the Chinese community \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/10429550/boomtown-history-2b\">intensified in San Francisco\u003c/a>, Chinese children were banned from even segregated public schools. Throughout the next decade, both the San Francisco school board and the state legislature ignored petitions by thousands of Chinese residents for admission to public schools. That is until one Chinese family in particular spoke up: the Tape family.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By the 1880s, an estimated 1,000 Chinese school-age children were living in the city, and most of them were American-born, including 8-year-old Mamie Tape. Her parents, Joseph and Mary Tape, were atypical Chinese immigrants: they were Americanized, spoke excellent English, adopted Western-style manners and clothing and lived outside of Chinatown in a white, middle-class neighborhood.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1884, Mamie’s parents attempted to enroll her at the all-white Spring Valley School. But when they arrived, the school’s principal, Jennie Hurley, refused to let her in, citing the district’s policy against admitting Chinese children. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In response, Mamie’s father Joseph waged a legal battle that garnered widespread attention, captivating white and Chinese people alike. There was a lot at stake: would the privileges and benefits of U.S. citizenship be afforded to the American-born children of the much-reviled Chinese immigrant population? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Eventually, the Tapes won their case in San Francisco’s Superior Court, a decision that was upheld in the California Supreme Court in 1885’s historic case \u003ca href=\"https://law.justia.com/cases/california/supreme-court/1885/66-cal-473.html\">\u003cem>Tape v. Hurley\u003c/em>\u003c/a>. The court affirmed that Chinese children born in the U.S. were entitled to public education under the Constitution. However, the school board rushed an act through the state legislature, authorizing segregated schools for Chinese students; Mamie could attend a public school, but only a segregated one for Chinese children. In response, Mamie’s mother Mary wrote a long fiery letter to the school board in a local newspaper.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Dear sirs, Will you please to tell me! Is it a disgrace to be Born a Chinese? … My children don’t dress like the other Chinese … It seems no matter how a Chinese may live and dress so long as you know they Chinese. Then they are hated as one. There is not any right or justice for them.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mary declared that Mamie would not attend any Chinese-only schools, but eventually she and her brother Frank were among the first students to enroll in the Chinese Primary School when it opened. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mae Ngai, a professor of history at Columbia University and author of \u003cem>The Lucky Ones\u003c/em>, a book about the Tape family, called the ruling a “partial victory.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“\u003cem>Tape v. Hurley\u003c/em> was an exclusion case, not a segregation case,” she said. “In fact, the Chinese were so excluded that they got promoted to being segregated … they were not even on par with Black people and Native Americans in 19th-century California,” she said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ngai believes that the Tape’s argument, that Mamie should be admitted because the family identified with the white population, shouldn’t be seen as an aspirational strategy for the Chinese community today: “I don’t think it’s healthy for us to say people of color are only worthy when they deny their own cultures and languages and heritages,” Ngai said. “[The case] is maybe cautionary … if your idea is to convince the mainstream that you’re just going to be like white people.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nevertheless, \u003cem>Tape v. Hurley\u003c/em> was a fundamental case for the country’s earliest immigrants, Ngai said. “Education is a central issue of settlement. ‘We’re here, we’re not citizens, but our children are born here, they are citizens, and we are here to stay.’ That is the message.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How the Civil Rights era reshaped San Francisco’s classrooms — and the fight for equity\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That tension — between gaining access to American institutions and submitting to cultural erasure — would become more explicit in the decades that followed, especially as the Chinese community fought for bilingual education. There were a series of historical milestones that set the stage for that fight, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional in \u003ca href=\"https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/brown-v-board-of-education\">\u003cem>Brown v. Board of Education\u003c/em>\u003c/a>. Meanwhile, arrivals to the U.S. dramatically shifted with the 1965 \u003ca href=\"https://history.house.gov/Historical-Highlights/1951-2000/Immigration-and-Nationality-Act-of-1965/\">Immigration and Nationality Act\u003c/a>, which eliminated decades-long immigration restrictions from Asian and African countries. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">San Francisco’s Chinese immigrant population surged, and with it, the school district’s Chinese student population. But while school segregation was legally unconstitutional, de facto segregation — driven primarily by redlining and discriminatory housing policies — meant that schools in areas like Chinatown reflected the segregation of the surrounding neighborhoods. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"alignleft size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"480\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/1495678.750x-f09c70aa.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106969\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/1495678.750x-f09c70aa.png 750w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/1495678.750x-f09c70aa-160x102.png 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Police arrest Black Student Union member John Cleveland during the student strike at San Francisco State College 1968-69, which resulted in the creation of a College of Ethnic Studies. (Courtesy of San Francisco State University Photographic Timeline Project)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By the late 1960s and early 1970s, a new generation of immigrant and Chinese-speaking youth emerged, which increased the need for different resources, including language services at schools. Being placed in English-only classrooms meant many Chinese students were effectively excluded from participating in class, and that their academic progress — if any — was significantly slower than their peers’.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A 1974 California Law Review article describing those challenges said that Chinese students in these learning conditions were “doomed to poor achievement, illiteracy, and disproportionately high dropout rates” and that the isolating environment created psychological harm, making students feel inferior.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite the social problems in Chinatown, a new political consciousness was growing. Chew was part of a generation of young Chinese Americans who were returning to the neighborhood after monumental social upheavals.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a student at San Francisco State, she participated in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11830384/how-the-longest-student-strike-in-u-s-history-created-ethnic-studies\">1968-69 Third World Liberation Front (TWLF) Strikes\u003c/a>, the longest student strike in U.S. history, where a coalition of student groups at SF State and UC Berkeley worked in solidarity to achieve their goals, including academic reforms and non-Eurocentric curricula. The term “Asian American” was formed at that time to create a political and organizing pan-ethnic identity, and the strike resulted in the formation of the nation’s first ethnic studies programs.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Up until then, Chew’s educational experience had left her feeling angry and invisible, but she said that joining the historic student movement was pivotal and “opened up a whole new world for me.” Working alongside Black, Chicano, Filipino, Native American and other student organizers, and questioning institutional power together, she learned to not only reembrace her community — she became motivated to fight for it. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1478\" height=\"986\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-03-MC-KQED-1ce735ce.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106629\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-03-MC-KQED-1ce735ce.jpg 1478w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-03-MC-KQED-1ce735ce-160x107.jpg 160w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1478px) 100vw, 1478px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Laureen Chew taught second graders at Commodore Stockton during the 1970s. She said her roots in San Francisco Chinatown inspired her advocacy for Chinese English learner students. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I was so entrenched in the strike, but the strike wasn’t just about the strike,” Chew said. “That involvement made me think about [getting involved] in my community, in my context of being a Chinese American.” She wanted to help Chinese immigrant students embrace their language and cultural identity — an experience that she didn’t have growing up. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After graduating in 1972 and enlisting in the National Teacher Corps, Chew began teaching at Commodore Stockton Elementary. The building, which was once the segregated school for Chinese students that Mamie Tape attended, was now the site of San Francisco’s first Cantonese bilingual program, made possible by the Bilingual Education Act of 1968.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chew said it was a unique time to join the school because, in addition to the pilot bilingual program, the district had just implemented \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfusd.edu/facing-our-past-changing-our-future-part-ii-five-decades-desegregation-sfusd-1971-today\">busing\u003c/a> to integrate the city’s elementary schools following \u003ca href=\"https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp/339/1315/1460757/\">\u003cem>Johnson v. SFUSD\u003c/em>\u003c/a>, in which Black families sued the district over school segregation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-01-MC_qed-2456ef2f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106877\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-01-MC_qed-2456ef2f.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-01-MC_qed-2456ef2f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-01-MC_qed-2456ef2f-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Laureen Chew holds a film slide showing a teaching event she attended in the past, in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chinese immigrant parents largely opposed the court-ordered school busing program. One of their chief concerns was that it would scatter their children away from critical language resources at their neighborhood schools, like Commodore Stockton.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Chew, who spent six years teaching second graders at Commodore, the overlap of bilingual teaching and the busing effort proved to be challenging yet exciting. While there were racial frictions between the kids from Chinatown and the Black students bussed in from Bayview-Hunter’s Point, she saw the benefits of bilingual education beyond language itself. As students learned English and Chinese together, it bridged the differences between them. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I came from a different frame because of the [TWLF] strikes,” she said. “I was able to try a lot of different things during that time in terms of building humanity in a classroom and then more importantly, building community.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The case for bilingual education: a new kind of grassroots movement in Chinatown\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even as the pilot bilingual program at Commodore Stockton took shape, there still weren’t adequate linguistic resources for all Chinese students in San Francisco.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1970, a group of Chinese American students filed a class-action lawsuit against SFUSD arguing an estimated 1,800 Chinese-speaking students were unable to meaningfully participate in their education because they were in English-only classrooms without any language support.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most of the families in the case were low-income Chinese immigrant families who lived in Chinatown single room occupancy buildings. The lead plaintiff was Kinney Kinmon Lau, a Chinese American first grader attending Jean Parker Elementary School. The case was filed with the Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA), one of the progressive Asian American civil rights and social services organizations that emerged in the late ’60s and early ’70s.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1613\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261027-Fight-For-Education-and-Belonging-03-KQED-9a45685c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106762\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261027-Fight-For-Education-and-Belonging-03-KQED-9a45685c.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261027-Fight-For-Education-and-Belonging-03-KQED-9a45685c-160x129.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261027-Fight-For-Education-and-Belonging-03-KQED-9a45685c-1536x1239.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Students watching a Chinese New Year program at Jean Parker Elementary School in 1970. The San Francisco school was at the center of the 1974 U.S. Supreme Court case, Lau v. Nichols. (Courtesy of San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Political power was starting to shift in Chinatown. Since the 1800s, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050233/how-a-chinese-laundryman-shaped-us-civil-rights-from-san-francisco\">Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association\u003c/a>, or the Chinese Six Companies — a group of family associations — had been the major player behind the fight for Chinese immigrant rights. The case for bilingual education demonstrated a new kind of grassroots resistance, one that was younger, multiracial, intersectional and based in self-determination. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“They’re younger activists who are able to connect what they’re seeing in Chinatown to the broader civil rights movement,” CAA’s current co-Executive Director Vincent Pan said. “That’s the difference. And they’re marrying that with parents who do have a very important interest in seeing their kids get a better education.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trish Morita-Mullaney, author of the book \u003cem>Lau v. Nichols and Chinese American Language Rights,\u003c/em> called the \u003cem>\u003c/em>case an “emergency response” to what was happening in the community and indicative of the growing language rights movement across the country.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“There was precedent set within the Latino community … [and here], the thinking around language rights is that ‘I really want my kid to have access to the instruction and because my kids are not proficient, we need differentiation of instruction, and Cantonese should be one of those options.’” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The District Court ruled in favor of SFUSD, stating that there was no constitutional responsibility to provide special language programs, a decision later upheld by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The plaintiffs brought the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that SFUSD’s “English-only” policy denied them equal protection. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 1974, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Chinese plaintiffs, deciding that not providing non-English-speaking students with supplemental language courses was a violation of several legal precedents, namely the \u003ca href=\"https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/civil-rights-act\">Civil Rights Act of 1964\u003c/a>, delivering a victory for bilingual instruction. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u003cem>Lau\u003c/em> decision set a national precedent that education needed to be responsive to the different language needs and identities of students, Morita-Mullaney said. While the Court didn’t specify the steps school districts needed to take, it mandated supplemental instruction for English language learners. SFUSD took the bilingual education route, entering into a federal legal agreement, called the Lau Consent Decree, which legally bound the district to provide specialized language instruction and equal educational access to all non-English-speaking students.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pan sees the \u003cem>Lau victory\u003c/em> as part of the struggle for Chinese Americans and immigrants to participate fully in American society that \u003cem>Tape v. Hurley\u003c/em> began nearly 90 years earlier. While \u003cem>Tape\u003c/em> was a fight for the Chinese people to be “seen as humans,” Pan said \u003cem>Lau\u003c/em> took it a step further “to get at the issue of ‘you’re human even if you don’t speak English well.’” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does fair and equitable public education mean now?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On a recent evening at the Southeast Community Center in Bayview-Hunters Point, six candidates running for San Francisco’s District 10 supervisor’s seat addressed a room full of students and families. CAA was co-hosting the event, and managing director of policy Annie Lee posed questions to the candidates. One by one, they each weighed in on a wide range of community issues, including Flock cameras and mental health services inside schools. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the district is a historically Black community, \u003ca href=\"https://censusreporter.org/profiles/79500US0607507-san-francisco-county-south-central-bayview-hunters-point-puma-ca/\">nearly half\u003c/a> of its population is Asian, and more than 60% of the residents speak a language that isn’t English at home. \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/chinese-americans-san-francisco-neighborhoods-22458761.php\">Recent reporting\u003c/a> from \u003cem>The San Francisco Chronicle\u003c/em> shows that the Chinese population grew by nearly two-thirds between 2010 and 2024. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-07-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102814\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-07-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-07-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-07-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">District 10 Supervisor candidate J.R. Eppler speaks during a youth-led candidate forum at Southeast Community Center in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2026. The 3rd Street Youth Center and Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) partnered to host the forum for local residents. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among the crowd that evening were a few Chinese parents who wore headsets, as interpreters on the sidelines translated the conversation into Cantonese.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of them was 43-year-old Christina Ouyang, a single mother with a 13-year-old daughter who works part-time doing community outreach with CAA.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>“I came here to learn more about the programming and opportunities available to children in the school district,” Ouyang said in Cantonese, sharing that she was most concerned about the safety and well-being of her daughter, who had faced bullying at her school.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the D10 candidates didn’t address that specific issue, the attendance of Chinese parents at events like these demonstrates that despite the language barriers, education remains a central way that they engage in the larger community. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12106818\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-ChineseEducation-JY-16-KQED-76919386.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106818\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-ChineseEducation-JY-16-KQED-76919386.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-ChineseEducation-JY-16-KQED-76919386-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-ChineseEducation-JY-16-KQED-76919386-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Christina Ouyang attends a youth-led candidate forum for District 10 supervisor at Southeast Community Center in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2026. Ouyang is a parent in the district and attended the forum to gather more information that might help her child. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12102818\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-13-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102818\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-13-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-13-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-13-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Interpreter Gladys Chiu holds a script while translating English into Chinese during a youth-led candidate forum for District 10 Supervisor at Southeast Community Center in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2026. 3rd Street Youth Center and Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) partnered to host the forum for local residents. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It’s the kind of work that CAA remains dedicated to today, and Pan sees it as a continuation of the \u003cem>Lau\u003c/em> case’s legacy. In the past, they’ve helped immigrant parents have a say in their children’s education, including with efforts like helping \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11680868/voter-registration-for-non-citizens-begins-in-s-f-school-board-election\">noncitizens vote in school board elections\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Who doesn’t want parents to be involved? … It’ll make the schools better for everyone, but because of all the rhetoric against immigrants, you can see that’s being demonized right now,” Pan said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Education — often positioned as a gateway to American society — has become a contentious, hot-button issue for the Asian American community, especially around the recent \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11954612/u-s-supreme-court-strikes-down-affirmative-action-barring-california-private-universities-from-considering-race-in-admissions\">U.S. Supreme Court ban on affirmative action\u003c/a>, and the threats to ethnic studies. CAA often finds itself confronting divisions within the community, Pan said. Many Asian Americans were vocal and proactive in helping dismantle affirmative action, while others have called for the end of ethnic studies curriculum, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12091955/lowell-high-school-group-sues-sfusd-over-newly-adopted-ethnic-studies-curriculum\">including recently at Lowell High School in San Francisco\u003c/a>. He notes these friction points reflect generational and class shifts: while some Chinese families advocate for strict meritocracy as the surest route to advancement, others see those moves as chipping away at the multiracial coalitions that secured rights for vulnerable learners in the first place.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He notes these friction points reflect generational and class shifts: while some Chinese families advocate for strict meritocracy as the surest route to advancement, others see those moves as chipping away at the multiracial coalitions that secured rights for vulnerable learners in the first place. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-11-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102817\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-11-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-11-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260930-CHINESEEDUCATION-JY-11-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ivy Zhou listens to a Chinese interpretation through an earpiece as Laura Quan translates behind her during a youth-led candidate forum for District 10 Supervisor at Southeast Community Center in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2026. The 3rd Street Youth Center and Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) partnered to host the forum for local residents. (Juliana Yamada/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Unfortunately, when the stakes are high, people can get emotional. What we really also need to do is to be able to think clear-headed about what the effective public policies might be,” Pan said. “The more viable common sense practical path is to actually expand opportunity as opposed to fight for limited seats in a system that makes high quality education very scarce.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the second-term Trump administration has done the opposite of expanding opportunities for English learners. In addition to weakening federal civil rights oversight of language access and terminating grants and support for English-learner programs, President Trump signed \u003ca href=\"https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/designating-english-as-the-official-language-of-the-united-states/\">an executive order\u003c/a> last year, declaring English as the nation’s only official language. The order states: “Speaking English not only opens doors economically, but it helps newcomers engage in their communities, participate in national traditions, and give back to our society.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It’s a sentiment that flies in the face of everything Laureen Chew feels about the power of bilingual education to help “newcomers” engage in their broader communities.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, she’s working with the CAA and The Association of Chinese Teachers (another advocacy organization founded in the 1960s) to reactivate the bilingual teacher training track at SF State, to ensure there are teachers to help replace the generation of Cantonese bilingual teachers who are retiring. While there have been some heritage language preservation efforts in the city, like “\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11953666/city-college-of-san-francisco-withdraws-previously-approved-cantonese-program\">Save Cantonese\u003c/a>,” Chew said there’s still a need to provide bilingual language resources to the city’s most vulnerable Chinese students.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bilingual education is also under pressure as districts like SFUSD face low enrollment numbers, less state funding and an emphasis on test scores.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2019 — 45 years after the \u003cem>Lau\u003c/em> decision — SFUSD \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfusd.edu/about-sfusd/sfusd-news/press-releases/2019-07-01-lau-consent-decree-sunsets-sfusd\">sunsetted\u003c/a> the Lau Consent Decree, relieving the district of the federal mandate to provide services for English language learners. Officials declared that the district remained committed to supporting students, even without the oversight. But Morita-Mullaney said many have expressed concerns. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-13-MC-KQED-f516ded8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12106633\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-13-MC-KQED-f516ded8.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-13-MC-KQED-f516ded8-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101926-TheFightForEducationandBelonging-13-MC-KQED-f516ded8-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Laureen Chew poses for a portrait in her home in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“There’s a lot of people I’ve talked to in Chinatown that are not happy about that because it was done very quietly.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She explained that as more Chinese Americans become English-dominant, some teachers may adopt the same expectations and norms that prioritize English proficiency, weakening support for accountability measures that were designed to protect English learners. That’s why remembering the legacy of fights like Lau v. Nichols helps place bilingual education’s importance into context, Morita-Mullaney said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“What Lau does for us is it says go back to the people. We are talking about the humanity of language learners, and what is their rightful case for language access. And so it is about the curriculum, it is about progress … but the beneficiaries are the students, and you don’t see that foregrounded in policy in the same way.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Chew, the attacks on immigrants can be disheartening. But as she approaches 80, she remains committed to the work, drawing on the lessons of a life spent challenging who gets to belong: from her childhood as a Chinese student taught to reject her native language to her work as one of San Francisco’s first Cantonese bilingual teachers. Each step has shaped her conviction that education should make room for everyone. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I embrace this country for what it aspires to be … No matter how strange everything is nowadays, I still believe in [its] foundation, even though [the founders] were all flawed. Isn’t that interesting?” she said, with a laugh. “And yet, they had this idealistic version of what a country can be, and we’re all still trying to live by it.”\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "is-californias-proposed-billionaire-tax-in-trouble-new-polls-find-bad-news",
"title": "Is California’s Proposed Billionaire Tax in Trouble? New Polls Find Bad News",
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"headTitle": "Is California’s Proposed Billionaire Tax in Trouble? New Polls Find Bad News | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A proposal to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106033/the-political-calculus-behind-newsoms-opposition-to-californias-billionaire-tax\">tax California’s billionaires\u003c/a> to fund healthcare is trailing in two public, nonpartisan polls released this week, surveys that also found strong opposition to a separate ballot measure that would require voters to show identification at the polls. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-40\">Proposition 40\u003c/a>, which would impose a one-time, 5% tax on the overall wealth of the state’s billionaires, was tracking below the majority needed to pass in polls from both UC Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies and the Public Policy Institute of California. With days left to vote in the Nov. 3 midterm election, IGS found just 8% of likely voters still undecided on the measure, which \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104645/sf-billionaire-chris-larsen-on-ai-this-is-an-incredibly-dangerous-moment\">billionaires\u003c/a> have spent more than $300 million to defeat. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-39\">Proposition 39\u003c/a>, the voter ID initiative, was also trailing by 20 points in the IGS poll, with just 37% of likely voters saying they were voting yes and 5% undecided. PPIC’s poll found slightly stronger support for the measure, but still had it losing.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Support for Proposition 40 appears to be slipping heading into Election Day. Last month’s PPIC poll had a slim majority in favor before the slide this month.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But in the IGS poll released this week, half of likely voters said they will vote no on Proposition 40, while 42% said they are voting yes. That’s a shift from last month, when the IGS poll found 42% of voters against the measure and 45% backing it.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/CaliforniaBillionairesTaxGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12093728\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/CaliforniaBillionairesTaxGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/CaliforniaBillionairesTaxGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/CaliforniaBillionairesTaxGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A T-shirt with a campaign message is seen before the start of a rally led by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, an Independent from Vermont, during the campaign kickoff for the California Billionaire Tax Act at The Wiltern in Los Angeles, on Feb. 18, 2026. Sanders is seeking the support of California voters for a November ballot initiative of an emergency tax on billionaires to help the state’s healthcare system. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mark DiCamillo, director of the IGS Poll, said the No on Proposition 40 side is clearly benefiting from the huge amounts of money being poured into defeating the wealth tax. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“A well-funded no side campaign usually has the advantage over yes campaigns, just because all they have to do is raise doubts,” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The poll found Proposition 40 backed by strong majorities of Democrats and voters under 40, and opposed by Republicans and voters over 50. Independents are split.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DiCamillo said the disparity between how younger and older voters view the proposed tax is indicative of a growing split that did not used to exist among the California electorate.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The generational divide is growing over time, just because the younger set is having a hard time. They can’t afford a house, they can’t reach the American dream,” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Those are the segments that are now migrating to the Democratic socialists…. They really don’t like the disparity in wealth.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fate of the proposed wealth tax will not swing solely on Proposition 40. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both polls also showed close contests in Propositions 41 and 42, measures put on the ballot by billionaires with language that would nullify the tax if they pass with more votes than Proposition 40. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-41\">Proposition 41\u003c/a> would require ongoing audits of state programs that are funded by “special” taxes — those earmarked for a specific purpose. It also would make any new special taxes subject to the state’s existing spending limit. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-42\">Proposition 42\u003c/a> would prohibit new taxes on financial assets — such as stocks — and other personal property, and also prohibit most retroactive taxes. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While IGS’s survey showed Propositions 41 and 42 slightly ahead, DiCamillo noted they also found double-digit percentages of likely voters still undecided — and those who have moved since IGS’s September survey have largely turned against the billionaire-backed measures.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The no side has gained 11 [points] while the yes side is static,” DiCamillo said of Proposition 42.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Proposition 39, the voter ID measure placed on the ballot by Republican lawmakers, has also lost ground since IGS’s poll last month, with the no side gaining 7 percentage points. The survey found Republicans are the only group backing the measure. Likely voters who list no party preference are against it by a 15-point margin in the IGS poll, and majorities of voters in nearly all subgroups — age, race and gender — are opposed.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/Prop39-voterID-scaled-e1791403746790.jpg\" alt=\"People in suits present at a podium surrounded by signs that read "Require Voter ID."\" class=\"wp-image-12101931\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sen. Tony Strickland speaks at the Riverside County Registrar of Voters on Monday, March 2, 2026, for a press conference highlighting voter signatures in favor of placing a voter ID measure on the November ballot. (Anjali Sharif-Paul/MediaNews Group/The Sun via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PPIC found similar opposition: That survey has Proposition 39 down by 17 points, with 58% of likely voters saying they will vote no.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DiCamillo said voters appear to be linking the voter ID measure to President Donald Trump’s push for changes to election laws, which are unpopular with Democrats and independents.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I think Trump is a factor,” he said. “That really is the winning argument: You go after Trump.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PPIC also polled on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-45\">Proposition 45\u003c/a>, the ballot measure written by the California Chamber of Commerce to speed up environmental reviews of construction projects. The survey found likely voters split on the changes to the California Environmental Quality Act, with 46% saying they are voting yes and 50% voting no. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The IGS poll was conducted online in English and Spanish from Oct. 19-25, and included 2,787 registered voters. The PPIC poll was conducted online in English and Spanish from Oct. 16-22 and included 1,728 California adult residents.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both polls have a sampling error of plus or minus 3%.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A proposal to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106033/the-political-calculus-behind-newsoms-opposition-to-californias-billionaire-tax\">tax California’s billionaires\u003c/a> to fund healthcare is trailing in two public, nonpartisan polls released this week, surveys that also found strong opposition to a separate ballot measure that would require voters to show identification at the polls. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>A proposal to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106033/the-political-calculus-behind-newsoms-opposition-to-californias-billionaire-tax\">tax California’s billionaires\u003c/a> to fund healthcare is trailing in two public, nonpartisan polls released this week, surveys that also found strong opposition to a separate ballot measure that would require voters to show identification at the polls. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-40\">Proposition 40\u003c/a>, which would impose a one-time, 5% tax on the overall wealth of the state’s billionaires, was tracking below the majority needed to pass in polls from both UC Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies and the Public Policy Institute of California. With days left to vote in the Nov. 3 midterm election, IGS found just 8% of likely voters still undecided on the measure, which \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104645/sf-billionaire-chris-larsen-on-ai-this-is-an-incredibly-dangerous-moment\">billionaires\u003c/a> have spent more than $300 million to defeat. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-40\">Proposition 40\u003c/a>, which would impose a one-time, 5% tax on the overall wealth of the state’s billionaires, was tracking below the majority needed to pass in polls from both UC Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies and the Public Policy Institute of California. With days left to vote in the Nov. 3 midterm election, IGS found just 8% of likely voters still undecided on the measure, which \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104645/sf-billionaire-chris-larsen-on-ai-this-is-an-incredibly-dangerous-moment\">billionaires\u003c/a> have spent more than $300 million to defeat. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-39\">Proposition 39\u003c/a>, the voter ID initiative, was also trailing by 20 points in the IGS poll, with just 37% of likely voters saying they were voting yes and 5% undecided. PPIC’s poll found slightly stronger support for the measure, but still had it losing.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-39\">Proposition 39\u003c/a>, the voter ID initiative, was also trailing by 20 points in the IGS poll, with just 37% of likely voters saying they were voting yes and 5% undecided. PPIC’s poll found slightly stronger support for the measure, but still had it losing.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Support for Proposition 40 appears to be slipping heading into Election Day. Last month’s PPIC poll had a slim majority in favor before the slide this month.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Support for Proposition 40 appears to be slipping heading into Election Day. Last month’s PPIC poll had a slim majority in favor before the slide this month.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But in the IGS poll released this week, half of likely voters said they will vote no on Proposition 40, while 42% said they are voting yes. That’s a shift from last month, when the IGS poll found 42% of voters against the measure and 45% backing it.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But in the IGS poll released this week, half of likely voters said they will vote no on Proposition 40, while 42% said they are voting yes. That’s a shift from last month, when the IGS poll found 42% of voters against the measure and 45% backing it.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/CaliforniaBillionairesTaxGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12093728\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/CaliforniaBillionairesTaxGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/CaliforniaBillionairesTaxGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/CaliforniaBillionairesTaxGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A T-shirt with a campaign message is seen before the start of a rally led by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, an Independent from Vermont, during the campaign kickoff for the California Billionaire Tax Act at The Wiltern in Los Angeles, on Feb. 18, 2026. Sanders is seeking the support of California voters for a November ballot initiative of an emergency tax on billionaires to help the state’s healthcare system.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/CaliforniaBillionairesTaxGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12093728\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A T-shirt with a campaign message is seen before the start of a rally led by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, an Independent from Vermont, during the campaign kickoff for the California Billionaire Tax Act at The Wiltern in Los Angeles, on Feb. 18, 2026. Sanders is seeking the support of California voters for a November ballot initiative of an emergency tax on billionaires to help the state’s healthcare system.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Mark DiCamillo, director of the IGS Poll, said the No on Proposition 40 side is clearly benefiting from the huge amounts of money being poured into defeating the wealth tax. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Mark DiCamillo, director of the IGS Poll, said the No on Proposition 40 side is clearly benefiting from the huge amounts of money being poured into defeating the wealth tax. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“A well-funded no side campaign usually has the advantage over yes campaigns, just because all they have to do is raise doubts,” he said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“A well-funded no side campaign usually has the advantage over yes campaigns, just because all they have to do is raise doubts,” he said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The poll found Proposition 40 backed by strong majorities of Democrats and voters under 40, and opposed by Republicans and voters over 50. Independents are split.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>DiCamillo said the disparity between how younger and older voters view the proposed tax is indicative of a growing split that did not used to exist among the California electorate.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The generational divide is growing over time, just because the younger set is having a hard time. They can’t afford a house, they can’t reach the American dream,” he said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“The generational divide is growing over time, just because the younger set is having a hard time. They can’t afford a house, they can’t reach the American dream,” he said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Those are the segments that are now migrating to the Democratic socialists…. They really don’t like the disparity in wealth.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The fate of the proposed wealth tax will not swing solely on Proposition 40. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Both polls also showed close contests in Propositions 41 and 42, measures put on the ballot by billionaires with language that would nullify the tax if they pass with more votes than Proposition 40. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Both polls also showed close contests in Propositions 41 and 42, measures put on the ballot by billionaires with language that would nullify the tax if they pass with more votes than Proposition 40. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-41\">Proposition 41\u003c/a> would require ongoing audits of state programs that are funded by “special” taxes — those earmarked for a specific purpose. It also would make any new special taxes subject to the state’s existing spending limit. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-42\">Proposition 42\u003c/a> would prohibit new taxes on financial assets — such as stocks — and other personal property, and also prohibit most retroactive taxes. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-41\">Proposition 41\u003c/a> would require ongoing audits of state programs that are funded by “special” taxes — those earmarked for a specific purpose. It also would make any new special taxes subject to the state’s existing spending limit. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-42\">Proposition 42\u003c/a> would prohibit new taxes on financial assets — such as stocks — and other personal property, and also prohibit most retroactive taxes. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While IGS’s survey showed Propositions 41 and 42 slightly ahead, DiCamillo noted they also found double-digit percentages of likely voters still undecided — and those who have moved since IGS’s September survey have largely turned against the billionaire-backed measures.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>While IGS’s survey showed Propositions 41 and 42 slightly ahead, DiCamillo noted they also found double-digit percentages of likely voters still undecided — and those who have moved since IGS’s September survey have largely turned against the billionaire-backed measures.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The no side has gained 11 [points] while the yes side is static,” DiCamillo said of Proposition 42.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Proposition 39, the voter ID measure placed on the ballot by Republican lawmakers, has also lost ground since IGS’s poll last month, with the no side gaining 7 percentage points. The survey found Republicans are the only group backing the measure. Likely voters who list no party preference are against it by a 15-point margin in the IGS poll, and majorities of voters in nearly all subgroups — age, race and gender — are opposed.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Proposition 39, the voter ID measure placed on the ballot by Republican lawmakers, has also lost ground since IGS’s poll last month, with the no side gaining 7 percentage points. The survey found Republicans are the only group backing the measure. Likely voters who list no party preference are against it by a 15-point margin in the IGS poll, and majorities of voters in nearly all subgroups — age, race and gender — are opposed.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/Prop39-voterID-scaled-e1791403746790.jpg\" alt=\"People in suits present at a podium surrounded by signs that read "Require Voter ID."\" class=\"wp-image-12101931\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sen. Tony Strickland speaks at the Riverside County Registrar of Voters on Monday, March 2, 2026, for a press conference highlighting voter signatures in favor of placing a voter ID measure on the November ballot.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Anjali Sharif-Paul/MediaNews Group/The Sun via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/Prop39-voterID-scaled-e1791403746790.jpg\" alt=\"People in suits present at a podium surrounded by signs that read "Require Voter ID."\" class=\"wp-image-12101931\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sen. Tony Strickland speaks at the Riverside County Registrar of Voters on Monday, March 2, 2026, for a press conference highlighting voter signatures in favor of placing a voter ID measure on the November ballot.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Anjali Sharif-Paul/MediaNews Group/The Sun via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>PPIC found similar opposition: That survey has Proposition 39 down by 17 points, with 58% of likely voters saying they will vote no.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>PPIC found similar opposition: That survey has Proposition 39 down by 17 points, with 58% of likely voters saying they will vote no.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>DiCamillo said voters appear to be linking the voter ID measure to President Donald Trump’s push for changes to election laws, which are unpopular with Democrats and independents.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I think Trump is a factor,” he said. “That really is the winning argument: You go after Trump.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>PPIC also polled on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-45\">Proposition 45\u003c/a>, the ballot measure written by the California Chamber of Commerce to speed up environmental reviews of construction projects. The survey found likely voters split on the changes to the California Environmental Quality Act, with 46% saying they are voting yes and 50% voting no. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>PPIC also polled on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-45\">Proposition 45\u003c/a>, the ballot measure written by the California Chamber of Commerce to speed up environmental reviews of construction projects. The survey found likely voters split on the changes to the California Environmental Quality Act, with 46% saying they are voting yes and 50% voting no. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The IGS poll was conducted online in English and Spanish from Oct. 19-25, and included 2,787 registered voters. The PPIC poll was conducted online in English and Spanish from Oct. 16-22 and included 1,728 California adult residents.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The IGS poll was conducted online in English and Spanish from Oct. 19-25, and included 2,787 registered voters. The PPIC poll was conducted online in English and Spanish from Oct. 16-22 and included 1,728 California adult residents.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Both polls have a sampling error of plus or minus 3%.\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Two public nonpartisan surveys show Proposition 40 trailing in the final days of voting. Meanwhile, an initiative to require voter ID in California is losing by double digits.",
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"title": "Is California’s Proposed Billionaire Tax in Trouble? New Polls Find Bad News | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A proposal to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106033/the-political-calculus-behind-newsoms-opposition-to-californias-billionaire-tax\">tax California’s billionaires\u003c/a> to fund healthcare is trailing in two public, nonpartisan polls released this week, surveys that also found strong opposition to a separate ballot measure that would require voters to show identification at the polls. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-40\">Proposition 40\u003c/a>, which would impose a one-time, 5% tax on the overall wealth of the state’s billionaires, was tracking below the majority needed to pass in polls from both UC Berkeley’s Institute of Governmental Studies and the Public Policy Institute of California. With days left to vote in the Nov. 3 midterm election, IGS found just 8% of likely voters still undecided on the measure, which \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104645/sf-billionaire-chris-larsen-on-ai-this-is-an-incredibly-dangerous-moment\">billionaires\u003c/a> have spent more than $300 million to defeat. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-39\">Proposition 39\u003c/a>, the voter ID initiative, was also trailing by 20 points in the IGS poll, with just 37% of likely voters saying they were voting yes and 5% undecided. PPIC’s poll found slightly stronger support for the measure, but still had it losing.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Support for Proposition 40 appears to be slipping heading into Election Day. Last month’s PPIC poll had a slim majority in favor before the slide this month.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But in the IGS poll released this week, half of likely voters said they will vote no on Proposition 40, while 42% said they are voting yes. That’s a shift from last month, when the IGS poll found 42% of voters against the measure and 45% backing it.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/CaliforniaBillionairesTaxGetty.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12093728\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/CaliforniaBillionairesTaxGetty.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/CaliforniaBillionairesTaxGetty-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/CaliforniaBillionairesTaxGetty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A T-shirt with a campaign message is seen before the start of a rally led by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, an Independent from Vermont, during the campaign kickoff for the California Billionaire Tax Act at The Wiltern in Los Angeles, on Feb. 18, 2026. Sanders is seeking the support of California voters for a November ballot initiative of an emergency tax on billionaires to help the state’s healthcare system. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mark DiCamillo, director of the IGS Poll, said the No on Proposition 40 side is clearly benefiting from the huge amounts of money being poured into defeating the wealth tax. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“A well-funded no side campaign usually has the advantage over yes campaigns, just because all they have to do is raise doubts,” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The poll found Proposition 40 backed by strong majorities of Democrats and voters under 40, and opposed by Republicans and voters over 50. Independents are split.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DiCamillo said the disparity between how younger and older voters view the proposed tax is indicative of a growing split that did not used to exist among the California electorate.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The generational divide is growing over time, just because the younger set is having a hard time. They can’t afford a house, they can’t reach the American dream,” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Those are the segments that are now migrating to the Democratic socialists…. They really don’t like the disparity in wealth.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fate of the proposed wealth tax will not swing solely on Proposition 40. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both polls also showed close contests in Propositions 41 and 42, measures put on the ballot by billionaires with language that would nullify the tax if they pass with more votes than Proposition 40. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-41\">Proposition 41\u003c/a> would require ongoing audits of state programs that are funded by “special” taxes — those earmarked for a specific purpose. It also would make any new special taxes subject to the state’s existing spending limit. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-42\">Proposition 42\u003c/a> would prohibit new taxes on financial assets — such as stocks — and other personal property, and also prohibit most retroactive taxes. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While IGS’s survey showed Propositions 41 and 42 slightly ahead, DiCamillo noted they also found double-digit percentages of likely voters still undecided — and those who have moved since IGS’s September survey have largely turned against the billionaire-backed measures.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The no side has gained 11 [points] while the yes side is static,” DiCamillo said of Proposition 42.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Proposition 39, the voter ID measure placed on the ballot by Republican lawmakers, has also lost ground since IGS’s poll last month, with the no side gaining 7 percentage points. The survey found Republicans are the only group backing the measure. Likely voters who list no party preference are against it by a 15-point margin in the IGS poll, and majorities of voters in nearly all subgroups — age, race and gender — are opposed.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/Prop39-voterID-scaled-e1791403746790.jpg\" alt=\"People in suits present at a podium surrounded by signs that read "Require Voter ID."\" class=\"wp-image-12101931\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sen. Tony Strickland speaks at the Riverside County Registrar of Voters on Monday, March 2, 2026, for a press conference highlighting voter signatures in favor of placing a voter ID measure on the November ballot. (Anjali Sharif-Paul/MediaNews Group/The Sun via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PPIC found similar opposition: That survey has Proposition 39 down by 17 points, with 58% of likely voters saying they will vote no.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DiCamillo said voters appear to be linking the voter ID measure to President Donald Trump’s push for changes to election laws, which are unpopular with Democrats and independents.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I think Trump is a factor,” he said. “That really is the winning argument: You go after Trump.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PPIC also polled on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/proposition-45\">Proposition 45\u003c/a>, the ballot measure written by the California Chamber of Commerce to speed up environmental reviews of construction projects. The survey found likely voters split on the changes to the California Environmental Quality Act, with 46% saying they are voting yes and 50% voting no. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The IGS poll was conducted online in English and Spanish from Oct. 19-25, and included 2,787 registered voters. The PPIC poll was conducted online in English and Spanish from Oct. 16-22 and included 1,728 California adult residents.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both polls have a sampling error of plus or minus 3%.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "judge-rejects-trump-administration-bid-to-set-aside-20000-california-ballots",
"title": "Judge Rejects Trump Administration Bid to Set Aside 20,000 California Ballots",
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"headTitle": "Judge Rejects Trump Administration Bid to Set Aside 20,000 California Ballots | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>This story was originally published by \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/\">CalMatters\u003c/a>. \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/subscribe-to-calmatters/\">Sign up\u003c/a> for their newsletters.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Saying the Trump administration had embarked on “a broad, ongoing pattern of attempted election interference,” a federal judge on Wednesday refused to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106835/judge-says-trump-could-disenfranchise-voters-in-purge-of-noncitizens-from-election-rolls\">order California election officials to set aside 20,000 ballots\u003c/a> over claims those voters might not be citizens.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Never before in American history has the federal government, on the eve of an election, sought to coerce a state and local government to abandon their own Constitutional elections procedures and bend to the will of the Executive Branch,” wrote U.S. District Judge David O. Carter, an appointee of President Bill Clinton.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“This request violates longstanding constitutional principles mandating that states have control over their elections,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28856709-carter-order/\">the judge wrote\u003c/a>, saying if he granted the Trump administration’s last-minute request “either party could create chaos for their own political purposes to disrupt the election process. Over 20,000 registered Californians would potentially lose the right that generations of Americans have fought to preserve.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ruling is the latest legal defeat for the Trump administration as it has sought to find evidence that would validate President Donald Trump’s longstanding claims that Democrats win because of rigged elections.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>Carter said he declined to be a party to a process that could disenfranchise voters.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Eroded trust in our democracy is irreparable,” he wrote. “Once a vote is segregated, lasting harm has occurred. If the executive (branch) can discount votes and threaten an ongoing election due to unproven allegations, then our democracy is in danger.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Carter also slammed the federal government for not providing a clear accounting of its methodology in creating the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106418/santa-clara-county-rejects-trump-administration-voter-probe\">list of 20,000 possible noncitizens\u003c/a>, saying prosecutors provided vague explanations “and raised multiple questions regarding reliability.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Federal officials insist their list is mostly accurate and came from investigators correlating public voter files, government data and commercial databases, but prosecutors have acknowledged that some of the people on the list are likely citizens.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">State and county officials and civil rights groups have \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/trump-voting-claims-counties/\">said that the list\u003c/a> appears to be riddled with inaccuracies and it often omits key data such as Social Security and driver’s license numbers that would allow county officials to confirm who the people are.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a briefing with reporters Wednesday before Carter’s ruling, California Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta said the federal government’s case was little more than an “amateur hour” political stunt to validate Trump’s conspiracy theory that elections are rigged for Democrats.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>“It’s a joke. It’s embarrassing, but it is dangerous,” Bonta said. “They are trying to attack the fundamental right to vote with trash data.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a Fox News interview on Wednesday before the ruling, Bill Essayli, the first assistant U.S. attorney in Los Angeles, said the administration would appeal to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and possibly to the U.S. Supreme Court.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>“We’re moving at a lightning pace because the way California does elections, everyone already has a ballot,” Essayli said. “Hundreds of thousands of ballots have already been returned, and the counties already started processing those ballots. … That’s why we need an order now to separate and segregate these ballots — not to cancel any vote — just to sequester them so we can figure this out.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Higher court declined to intervene\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A 9th Circuit panel already rejected one attempt by Essayli’s office to get an emergency order. A three-judge panel ruled 2-1 Monday to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106418/santa-clara-county-rejects-trump-administration-voter-probe\">reject an urgent appeal\u003c/a> to bypass Carter’s courtroom. The federal government claimed the district judge didn’t schedule a hearing fast enough.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meanwhile on Wednesday, a group of civil rights organizations, including California’s chapters of the American Civil Liberties Union, sued the Trump administration and urged a federal court to block the administration’s “Unlawful Voter Initiative.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The groups claim the initiative has been targeting and intimidating naturalized U.S. citizens, former green card holders who have gone through the citizenship process. The initiative directed immigration officials to generate target lists of possible noncitizen voters and to coordinate with ICE field offices to interrogate individuals it identified.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The civil rights groups contend the federal government is using illegal tactics and faulty data to harass innocent legal voters. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“These allegations are putting eligible voters — including naturalized U.S. citizens — at risk of disenfranchisement,” Theresa Lee, an attorney with the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project, said in a statement. “The administration can’t keep creating political stunts to sow distrust in our elections and lay the groundwork to question results they don’t like.”\u003cbr>\u003cbr>Carter noted in Wednesday’s ruling that those most at risk of being disenfranchised are naturalized citizens.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>“Individuals that the federal government recently identified as noncitizens on voter rolls in different states have repeatedly turned out to be naturalized citizens,” Carter wrote.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>The ACLU’s and other groups’ suit came a week after a federal judge in California issued an order blocking the Department of Homeland Security from doing in-person interrogations of people investigators suspect may be noncitizens. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The judge in that case, Araceli Martínez-Olguín, who was appointed by President Joe Biden, \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/10/22/nx-s1-6012682/judge-dhs-noncitizen-voting-operations\">ruled\u003c/a> that the federal government was relying on “faulty data sources that sweep in U.S. citizens” and was likely violating the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits voter intimidation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Martínez-Olguín’s order is in effect through Election Day. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>This article was \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/trump-ballot-claims-california-ruling/\">originally published on CalMatters\u003c/a> and was republished under the \u003ca href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/\">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives\u003c/a> license.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story was originally published by \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/\">CalMatters\u003c/a>. \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/subscribe-to-calmatters/\">Sign up\u003c/a> for their newsletters.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Saying the Trump administration had embarked on “a broad, ongoing pattern of attempted election interference,” a federal judge on Wednesday refused to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106835/judge-says-trump-could-disenfranchise-voters-in-purge-of-noncitizens-from-election-rolls\">order California election officials to set aside 20,000 ballots\u003c/a> over claims those voters might not be citizens.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Saying the Trump administration had embarked on “a broad, ongoing pattern of attempted election interference,” a federal judge on Wednesday refused to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106835/judge-says-trump-could-disenfranchise-voters-in-purge-of-noncitizens-from-election-rolls\">order California election officials to set aside 20,000 ballots\u003c/a> over claims those voters might not be citizens.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Never before in American history has the federal government, on the eve of an election, sought to coerce a state and local government to abandon their own Constitutional elections procedures and bend to the will of the Executive Branch,” wrote U.S. District Judge David O. Carter, an appointee of President Bill Clinton.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Never before in American history has the federal government, on the eve of an election, sought to coerce a state and local government to abandon their own Constitutional elections procedures and bend to the will of the Executive Branch,” wrote U.S. District Judge David O. Carter, an appointee of President Bill Clinton.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“This request violates longstanding constitutional principles mandating that states have control over their elections,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28856709-carter-order/\">the judge wrote\u003c/a>, saying if he granted the Trump administration’s last-minute request “either party could create chaos for their own political purposes to disrupt the election process. Over 20,000 registered Californians would potentially lose the right that generations of Americans have fought to preserve.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“This request violates longstanding constitutional principles mandating that states have control over their elections,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28856709-carter-order/\">the judge wrote\u003c/a>, saying if he granted the Trump administration’s last-minute request “either party could create chaos for their own political purposes to disrupt the election process. Over 20,000 registered Californians would potentially lose the right that generations of Americans have fought to preserve.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The ruling is the latest legal defeat for the Trump administration as it has sought to find evidence that would validate President Donald Trump’s longstanding claims that Democrats win because of rigged elections.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>Carter said he declined to be a party to a process that could disenfranchise voters.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The ruling is the latest legal defeat for the Trump administration as it has sought to find evidence that would validate President Donald Trump’s longstanding claims that Democrats win because of rigged elections.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>Carter said he declined to be a party to a process that could disenfranchise voters.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Eroded trust in our democracy is irreparable,” he wrote. “Once a vote is segregated, lasting harm has occurred. If the executive (branch) can discount votes and threaten an ongoing election due to unproven allegations, then our democracy is in danger.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Eroded trust in our democracy is irreparable,” he wrote. “Once a vote is segregated, lasting harm has occurred. If the executive (branch) can discount votes and threaten an ongoing election due to unproven allegations, then our democracy is in danger.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Carter also slammed the federal government for not providing a clear accounting of its methodology in creating the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106418/santa-clara-county-rejects-trump-administration-voter-probe\">list of 20,000 possible noncitizens\u003c/a>, saying prosecutors provided vague explanations “and raised multiple questions regarding reliability.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Carter also slammed the federal government for not providing a clear accounting of its methodology in creating the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106418/santa-clara-county-rejects-trump-administration-voter-probe\">list of 20,000 possible noncitizens\u003c/a>, saying prosecutors provided vague explanations “and raised multiple questions regarding reliability.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Federal officials insist their list is mostly accurate and came from investigators correlating public voter files, government data and commercial databases, but prosecutors have acknowledged that some of the people on the list are likely citizens.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Federal officials insist their list is mostly accurate and came from investigators correlating public voter files, government data and commercial databases, but prosecutors have acknowledged that some of the people on the list are likely citizens.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>State and county officials and civil rights groups have \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/trump-voting-claims-counties/\">said that the list\u003c/a> appears to be riddled with inaccuracies and it often omits key data such as Social Security and driver’s license numbers that would allow county officials to confirm who the people are.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>State and county officials and civil rights groups have \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/trump-voting-claims-counties/\">said that the list\u003c/a> appears to be riddled with inaccuracies and it often omits key data such as Social Security and driver’s license numbers that would allow county officials to confirm who the people are.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In a briefing with reporters Wednesday before Carter’s ruling, California Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta said the federal government’s case was little more than an “amateur hour” political stunt to validate Trump’s conspiracy theory that elections are rigged for Democrats.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>“It’s a joke. It’s embarrassing, but it is dangerous,” Bonta said. “They are trying to attack the fundamental right to vote with trash data.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In a briefing with reporters Wednesday before Carter’s ruling, California Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta said the federal government’s case was little more than an “amateur hour” political stunt to validate Trump’s conspiracy theory that elections are rigged for Democrats.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>“It’s a joke. It’s embarrassing, but it is dangerous,” Bonta said. “They are trying to attack the fundamental right to vote with trash data.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In a Fox News interview on Wednesday before the ruling, Bill Essayli, the first assistant U.S. attorney in Los Angeles, said the administration would appeal to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and possibly to the U.S. Supreme Court.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>“We’re moving at a lightning pace because the way California does elections, everyone already has a ballot,” Essayli said. “Hundreds of thousands of ballots have already been returned, and the counties already started processing those ballots. … That’s why we need an order now to separate and segregate these ballots — not to cancel any vote — just to sequester them so we can figure this out.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In a Fox News interview on Wednesday before the ruling, Bill Essayli, the first assistant U.S. attorney in Los Angeles, said the administration would appeal to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and possibly to the U.S. Supreme Court.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>“We’re moving at a lightning pace because the way California does elections, everyone already has a ballot,” Essayli said. “Hundreds of thousands of ballots have already been returned, and the counties already started processing those ballots. … That’s why we need an order now to separate and segregate these ballots — not to cancel any vote — just to sequester them so we can figure this out.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Higher court declined to intervene\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A 9th Circuit panel already rejected one attempt by Essayli’s office to get an emergency order. A three-judge panel ruled 2-1 Monday to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106418/santa-clara-county-rejects-trump-administration-voter-probe\">reject an urgent appeal\u003c/a> to bypass Carter’s courtroom. The federal government claimed the district judge didn’t schedule a hearing fast enough.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>A 9th Circuit panel already rejected one attempt by Essayli’s office to get an emergency order. A three-judge panel ruled 2-1 Monday to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106418/santa-clara-county-rejects-trump-administration-voter-probe\">reject an urgent appeal\u003c/a> to bypass Carter’s courtroom. The federal government claimed the district judge didn’t schedule a hearing fast enough.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Meanwhile on Wednesday, a group of civil rights organizations, including California’s chapters of the American Civil Liberties Union, sued the Trump administration and urged a federal court to block the administration’s “Unlawful Voter Initiative.” \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Meanwhile on Wednesday, a group of civil rights organizations, including California’s chapters of the American Civil Liberties Union, sued the Trump administration and urged a federal court to block the administration’s “Unlawful Voter Initiative.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The groups claim the initiative has been targeting and intimidating naturalized U.S. citizens, former green card holders who have gone through the citizenship process. The initiative directed immigration officials to generate target lists of possible noncitizen voters and to coordinate with ICE field offices to interrogate individuals it identified.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The groups claim the initiative has been targeting and intimidating naturalized U.S. citizens, former green card holders who have gone through the citizenship process. The initiative directed immigration officials to generate target lists of possible noncitizen voters and to coordinate with ICE field offices to interrogate individuals it identified.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The civil rights groups contend the federal government is using illegal tactics and faulty data to harass innocent legal voters. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“These allegations are putting eligible voters — including naturalized U.S. citizens — at risk of disenfranchisement,” Theresa Lee, an attorney with the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project, said in a statement. “The administration can’t keep creating political stunts to sow distrust in our elections and lay the groundwork to question results they don’t like.”\u003cbr>\u003cbr>Carter noted in Wednesday’s ruling that those most at risk of being disenfranchised are naturalized citizens.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>“Individuals that the federal government recently identified as noncitizens on voter rolls in different states have repeatedly turned out to be naturalized citizens,” Carter wrote.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>The ACLU’s and other groups’ suit came a week after a federal judge in California issued an order blocking the Department of Homeland Security from doing in-person interrogations of people investigators suspect may be noncitizens. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“These allegations are putting eligible voters — including naturalized U.S. citizens — at risk of disenfranchisement,” Theresa Lee, an attorney with the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project, said in a statement. “The administration can’t keep creating political stunts to sow distrust in our elections and lay the groundwork to question results they don’t like.”\u003cbr>\u003cbr>Carter noted in Wednesday’s ruling that those most at risk of being disenfranchised are naturalized citizens.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>“Individuals that the federal government recently identified as noncitizens on voter rolls in different states have repeatedly turned out to be naturalized citizens,” Carter wrote.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>The ACLU’s and other groups’ suit came a week after a federal judge in California issued an order blocking the Department of Homeland Security from doing in-person interrogations of people investigators suspect may be noncitizens. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The judge in that case, Araceli Martínez-Olguín, who was appointed by President Joe Biden, \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/10/22/nx-s1-6012682/judge-dhs-noncitizen-voting-operations\">ruled\u003c/a> that the federal government was relying on “faulty data sources that sweep in U.S. citizens” and was likely violating the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits voter intimidation. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The judge in that case, Araceli Martínez-Olguín, who was appointed by President Joe Biden, \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/10/22/nx-s1-6012682/judge-dhs-noncitizen-voting-operations\">ruled\u003c/a> that the federal government was relying on “faulty data sources that sweep in U.S. citizens” and was likely violating the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits voter intimidation. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Martínez-Olguín’s order is in effect through Election Day. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Martínez-Olguín’s order is in effect through Election Day. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This article was \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/trump-ballot-claims-california-ruling/\">originally published on CalMatters\u003c/a> and was republished under the \u003ca href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/\">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives\u003c/a> license.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This article was \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/trump-ballot-claims-california-ruling/\">originally published on CalMatters\u003c/a> and was republished under the \u003ca href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/\">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives\u003c/a> license.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "A federal judge refused to order California to set aside 20,000 ballots, citing a ‘pattern of attempted election interference’ by the Trump administration.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>This story was originally published by \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/\">CalMatters\u003c/a>. \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/subscribe-to-calmatters/\">Sign up\u003c/a> for their newsletters.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Saying the Trump administration had embarked on “a broad, ongoing pattern of attempted election interference,” a federal judge on Wednesday refused to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106835/judge-says-trump-could-disenfranchise-voters-in-purge-of-noncitizens-from-election-rolls\">order California election officials to set aside 20,000 ballots\u003c/a> over claims those voters might not be citizens.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Never before in American history has the federal government, on the eve of an election, sought to coerce a state and local government to abandon their own Constitutional elections procedures and bend to the will of the Executive Branch,” wrote U.S. District Judge David O. Carter, an appointee of President Bill Clinton.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“This request violates longstanding constitutional principles mandating that states have control over their elections,” \u003ca href=\"https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28856709-carter-order/\">the judge wrote\u003c/a>, saying if he granted the Trump administration’s last-minute request “either party could create chaos for their own political purposes to disrupt the election process. Over 20,000 registered Californians would potentially lose the right that generations of Americans have fought to preserve.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ruling is the latest legal defeat for the Trump administration as it has sought to find evidence that would validate President Donald Trump’s longstanding claims that Democrats win because of rigged elections.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>Carter said he declined to be a party to a process that could disenfranchise voters.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Eroded trust in our democracy is irreparable,” he wrote. “Once a vote is segregated, lasting harm has occurred. If the executive (branch) can discount votes and threaten an ongoing election due to unproven allegations, then our democracy is in danger.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Carter also slammed the federal government for not providing a clear accounting of its methodology in creating the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106418/santa-clara-county-rejects-trump-administration-voter-probe\">list of 20,000 possible noncitizens\u003c/a>, saying prosecutors provided vague explanations “and raised multiple questions regarding reliability.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Federal officials insist their list is mostly accurate and came from investigators correlating public voter files, government data and commercial databases, but prosecutors have acknowledged that some of the people on the list are likely citizens.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">State and county officials and civil rights groups have \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/trump-voting-claims-counties/\">said that the list\u003c/a> appears to be riddled with inaccuracies and it often omits key data such as Social Security and driver’s license numbers that would allow county officials to confirm who the people are.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a briefing with reporters Wednesday before Carter’s ruling, California Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta said the federal government’s case was little more than an “amateur hour” political stunt to validate Trump’s conspiracy theory that elections are rigged for Democrats.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>“It’s a joke. It’s embarrassing, but it is dangerous,” Bonta said. “They are trying to attack the fundamental right to vote with trash data.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a Fox News interview on Wednesday before the ruling, Bill Essayli, the first assistant U.S. attorney in Los Angeles, said the administration would appeal to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and possibly to the U.S. Supreme Court.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>“We’re moving at a lightning pace because the way California does elections, everyone already has a ballot,” Essayli said. “Hundreds of thousands of ballots have already been returned, and the counties already started processing those ballots. … That’s why we need an order now to separate and segregate these ballots — not to cancel any vote — just to sequester them so we can figure this out.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Higher court declined to intervene\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A 9th Circuit panel already rejected one attempt by Essayli’s office to get an emergency order. A three-judge panel ruled 2-1 Monday to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12106418/santa-clara-county-rejects-trump-administration-voter-probe\">reject an urgent appeal\u003c/a> to bypass Carter’s courtroom. The federal government claimed the district judge didn’t schedule a hearing fast enough.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meanwhile on Wednesday, a group of civil rights organizations, including California’s chapters of the American Civil Liberties Union, sued the Trump administration and urged a federal court to block the administration’s “Unlawful Voter Initiative.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The groups claim the initiative has been targeting and intimidating naturalized U.S. citizens, former green card holders who have gone through the citizenship process. The initiative directed immigration officials to generate target lists of possible noncitizen voters and to coordinate with ICE field offices to interrogate individuals it identified.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The civil rights groups contend the federal government is using illegal tactics and faulty data to harass innocent legal voters. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“These allegations are putting eligible voters — including naturalized U.S. citizens — at risk of disenfranchisement,” Theresa Lee, an attorney with the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project, said in a statement. “The administration can’t keep creating political stunts to sow distrust in our elections and lay the groundwork to question results they don’t like.”\u003cbr>\u003cbr>Carter noted in Wednesday’s ruling that those most at risk of being disenfranchised are naturalized citizens.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>“Individuals that the federal government recently identified as noncitizens on voter rolls in different states have repeatedly turned out to be naturalized citizens,” Carter wrote.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>The ACLU’s and other groups’ suit came a week after a federal judge in California issued an order blocking the Department of Homeland Security from doing in-person interrogations of people investigators suspect may be noncitizens. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The judge in that case, Araceli Martínez-Olguín, who was appointed by President Joe Biden, \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/10/22/nx-s1-6012682/judge-dhs-noncitizen-voting-operations\">ruled\u003c/a> that the federal government was relying on “faulty data sources that sweep in U.S. citizens” and was likely violating the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits voter intimidation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Martínez-Olguín’s order is in effect through Election Day. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>This article was \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/trump-ballot-claims-california-ruling/\">originally published on CalMatters\u003c/a> and was republished under the \u003ca href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/\">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives\u003c/a> license.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"info": "What kind of no sabo word is Hyphenación? For us, it’s about living within a hyphenation. Like being a third-gen Mexican-American from the Texas border now living that Bay Area Chicano life. Like Xorje! Each week we bring together a couple of hyphenated Latinos to talk all about personal life choices: family, careers, relationships, belonging … everything is on the table. ",
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"info": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown brings listeners the wisdom of the former Governor, Mayor, and presidential candidate. Scott Shafer interviewed Brown for more than 40 hours, covering the former governor's life and half-century in the political game – and Brown has some lessons he'd like to share. ",
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"info": "Our flagship program, helmed by Kai Ryssdal, examines what the day in money delivered, through stories, conversations, newsworthy numbers and more. Updated Monday through Friday at about 3:30 p.m. PT.",
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"mindshift": {
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"info": "The MindShift podcast explores the innovations in education that are shaping how kids learn. Hosts Ki Sung and Katrina Schwartz introduce listeners to educators, researchers, parents and students who are developing effective ways to improve how kids learn. We cover topics like how fed-up administrators are developing surprising tactics to deal with classroom disruptions; how listening to podcasts are helping kids develop reading skills; the consequences of overparenting; and why interdisciplinary learning can engage students on all ends of the traditional achievement spectrum. This podcast is part of the MindShift education site, a division of KQED News. KQED is an NPR/PBS member station based in San Francisco. You can also visit the MindShift website for episodes and supplemental blog posts or tweet us \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/MindShiftKQED\">@MindShiftKQED\u003c/a> or visit us at \u003ca href=\"/mindshift\">MindShift.KQED.org\u003c/a>",
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"order": 12
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"info": "\u003cem>Morning Edition\u003c/em> takes listeners around the country and the world with multi-faceted stories and commentaries every weekday. Hosts Steve Inskeep, David Greene and Rachel Martin bring you the latest breaking news and features to prepare you for the day.",
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"onourwatch": {
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"info": "For decades, the process for how police police themselves has been inconsistent – if not opaque. In some states, like California, these proceedings were completely hidden. After a new police transparency law unsealed scores of internal affairs files, our reporters set out to examine these cases and the shadow world of police discipline. On Our Watch brings listeners into the rooms where officers are questioned and witnesses are interrogated to find out who this system is really protecting. Is it the officers, or the public they've sworn to serve?",
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"title": "Political Breakdown",
"tagline": "Politics from a personal perspective",
"info": "Political Breakdown is a new series that explores the political intersection of California and the nation. Each week hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos are joined with a new special guest to unpack politics -- with personality — and offer an insider’s glimpse at how politics happens.",
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"possible": {
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"title": "Possible",
"info": "Possible is hosted by entrepreneur Reid Hoffman and writer Aria Finger. Together in Possible, Hoffman and Finger lead enlightening discussions about building a brighter collective future. The show features interviews with visionary guests like Trevor Noah, Sam Altman and Janette Sadik-Khan. Possible paints an optimistic portrait of the world we can create through science, policy, business, art and our shared humanity. It asks: What if everything goes right for once? How can we get there? Each episode also includes a short fiction story generated by advanced AI GPT-4, serving as a thought-provoking springboard to speculate how humanity could leverage technology for good.",
"airtime": "SUN 2pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Possible-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
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},
"pri-the-world": {
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"title": "PRI's The World: Latest Edition",
"info": "Each weekday, host Marco Werman and his team of producers bring you the world's most interesting stories in an hour of radio that reminds us just how small our planet really is.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 2pm-3pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-World-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
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},
"radiolab": {
"id": "radiolab",
"title": "Radiolab",
"info": "A two-time Peabody Award-winner, Radiolab is an investigation told through sounds and stories, and centered around one big idea. In the Radiolab world, information sounds like music and science and culture collide. Hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, the show is designed for listeners who demand skepticism, but appreciate wonder. WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Death, Sex & Money, On the Media and many more.",
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},
"reveal": {
"id": "reveal",
"title": "Reveal",
"info": "Created by The Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX, Reveal is public radios first one-hour weekly radio show and podcast dedicated to investigative reporting. Credible, fact based and without a partisan agenda, Reveal combines the power and artistry of driveway moment storytelling with data-rich reporting on critically important issues. The result is stories that inform and inspire, arming our listeners with information to right injustices, hold the powerful accountable and improve lives.Reveal is hosted by Al Letson and showcases the award-winning work of CIR and newsrooms large and small across the nation. In a radio and podcast market crowded with choices, Reveal focuses on important and often surprising stories that illuminate the world for our listeners.",
"airtime": "SAT 4pm-5pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/reveal300px.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.revealnews.org/episodes/",
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"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/reveal",
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"rss": "http://feeds.revealradio.org/revealpodcast"
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},
"rightnowish": {
"id": "rightnowish",
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