EVERY VOTE COUNTS — INCLUDING YOURS! The June 5, 2018, election is set to become one of historical importance for voters in Orange County. Two long seated members of the House of Representatives -- Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) and Darrell Issa (R-Vista) have made decisions not to seek re-election. This provides opportunities not seen in many years. For the first time in 25 and 17 years respectively the 39th Congressional and 49th Congressional district will not have incumbents on the ballot. This opportunity allows new candidates to come forward and offer fresh ideas to their respective Congressional districts. In 2014, the last primary election that did not feature a presidential race, California posted its lowest voter turnout record since 1918 – just 18 percent. The 2014 election included measures that affected affordable housing and the openness of local government, two issues that we are still addressing today. The 2010 adoption of Proposition 14, the open-primary rule, states that the two candidates with the highest number of votes, regardless of party delegation, move from the primary to the November general election. If California experiences low voter turnout for the June primary election, citizens could arrive to their polling place in November surprised that their party is not represented on the ballot. To help build an informed electorate, the North Orange County Chamber of Commerce (NOCC), in partnership with the U.S. Chamber, hosted a forum in late March for those seeking election representing the 39th Congressional District. This forum featured several candidates and included questions submitted by audience members. In addition to the hotly contested congressional races taking place, for the first time in eight years, incumbent Shawn Nelson has vacated the Fourth District Supervisor seat. This provides a unique opportunity to elect a county representative for the cities of Brea, Fullerton, La Habra, and Placentia, as well as portions of Anaheim and Buena Park. On the same ballot, State Senator Josh Newman (29th District) is facing recall with individuals vying to replace him. Rounding out the ballot are the primary races for U.S. Senator, California Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General Orange County District Attorney, O.C. Sheriff, and more. Furthermore, five statewide ballot measures will undoubtedly affect the way citizens conduct their daily lives. Among those, Proposition 69, if approved, would prohibit funds generated from SB 1, the excise gas tax, to be spent for services other than transportation. Today, citizens often complain of feeling disenfranchised, unconvinced that their vote holds any weight. The June primary allows voters a voice. If turnout continues to trend downward in nonpresidential election years, it is almost certain, however, that a limited number of voters could decide the future for all.
NOCChamber.com
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