Hello!
School started this week and my kids are already complaining about homework. As adults, we may think this doesn’t apply to us anymore, but I’m here to tell you that Election Day is right around the corner (November 6th). Our “adult homework” is two-fold: become informed and then vote! It’s easy. It’s free. And voting is what keeps our future bright.
Soon you will begin to see political ads and hear conversations around town about the various campaigns that are underway. This year, American Canyon voters will have many opportunities to participate at the ballot box. Locally, there are five candidates running for two City Council seats. There will also be two opportunities (Measure H & Measure I) to decide to increase the “hotel tax” on Napa Valley visitors to help pay for new workforce housing options. In addition, the State has eleven propositions on the ballot – including Proposition 6 (which if approved, will eliminate certain funding for road maintenance).
With all of the measures and the statewide office elections, trying to be informed about every issue or candidate can be overwhelming. Instead of giving up and not participating at all, I recommend becoming informed about the few issues or candidates that matter to you most. Unlike tests at school, you won’t be marked down for only filling out part of the ballot, and this way, you will make sure your voice is heard for the issues you care about.
But you can’t vote if you aren’t registered. As we learned from California Secretary of State Alex Padilla last Spring when he
spoke to students at ACHS, registering to vote is now easier than ever. If you or a member of your family haven’t registered yet, you can do so online at
registertovote.ca.gov.
Voting is easy too. In early October, all 10,700 voters in American Canyon will receive their ballot in the mail (along with an official voter information booklet.) Once you are done voting, you can return your ballot by either:
· Mailing it back (stamp will be provided), or
· Dropping it off in front of City Hall, the American Canyon Library, or the Fairfield Inn & Suites.
It doesn’t matter to me how you vote or who you vote for, but I urge you to make your voice heard. Last time, only 3,480 voters (32.56%) participated in the June primary. That’s not a passing grade at any school and I know American Canyon can do better – we are a force to be reckoned with so please register, become informed and vote!
