News Releases

For Immediate Release:  Thursday, May 14, 2009
Contact:  Kim Alexander
916-441-2494, kimalex at calvoter.org

California Voter Foundation Helps Voters Prepare for May 19th Special Election

Sacramento, CA – Voters looking for reliable, nonpartisan help with the six propositions on the ballot will find it online at the California Voter Foundation’s web site, www.calvoter.org. 

“The California Online Voter Guide provides a “one-stop shop” where voters can easily access reliable election information about the propositions,” said Kim Alexander, California Voter Foundation (CVF) president and founder.  “Given how complex this ballot is, many voters are struggling to make informed decisions.  Our online guide tells voters who the top donors are for and against each measure, which is a helpful shortcut for voters who are confused by this ballot,” Alexander noted.

CVF’s online guide also features news stories about the propositions, highlights from the official state voter guide, and even a “Proposition Poem” to help voters understand why the election is being held in the first place.  “Nuts and bolts” information about the election, such as questions and answers about absentee voting, voter registration, voting equipment and contact information for county election offices is also provided.

While public opinion polls show most of the measures trailing among likely voters, it is hard to predict what the actual outcome will be.  “For most voters, these six propositions are the only things on the ballot,” Alexander said.  “It’s unclear whether those voters who are opposed to the measures are motivated to get out and vote at all if there’s nothing else to draw them out.”

Although fundraising on the six propositions is not likely to break any California records, the amount of money raised to date is noteworthy, particularly in light of the economic downturn.  CVF’s online guide shows that several individuals and interest groups have made significant contributions to support or oppose the measures. 

The top donors supporting Propositions 1A -1F are the California Teachers Association, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the National Education Association, and A. Jerrold Perenchio of Los Angeles.   On the “No” side, the top contributors against Proposition 1A (which would alter the state budget process and extend recent taxes) are the California State Council of Service Employees and the California Faculty Association.  Top donors against propositions 1D (which affects funds raised through a tobacco tax initiative) and 1E (which affects funds raised through a mental health initiative) are the California Council of Community Mental Health Agencies and Rob Reiner of Beverly Hills.  As of the May 7 filing deadline, no contributions had been reported in opposition to propositions 1B (school funding), 1C (state lottery) and 1F (lawmakers’ salaries).

The May 19th Statewide Special Election online voter guide is the 18th edition of this nonpartisan resource published by CVF, which produced its first online voter guide back in 1994.  “Voters are busy and don’t have a lot of time to track down information and verify whether it is reliable,” Alexander noted.  “CVF takes the guesswork out of this process by creating a reliable resource to help voters make informed choices.”

The California Voter Foundation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization.  Support for CVF’s 2009 voter education programs is provided by the Wallace Alexander Gerbode Foundation

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