Pros & Cons for Alameda Voters
Pros & Cons offers a nonpartisan, well-researched explanation of state propositions, county measures and local measures, with supporting and opposing arguments. The arguments come from many sources and are not limited to those presented in the Official Voter Information Guide. The League does not judge the merits of the arguments or guarantee their validity.
League of Women Voter Pros & Cons address the following when assessing a ballot proposition or measure: the question before voters, the status quo, the fiscal effect if passed, what a ‘yes’ vote means, what a ‘no’ vote means, what supporters say, what opponents say, who are the formal supporters and opponents, and percentage of ‘yes’ votes required to pass.
Our Pros & Cons archive contains information from all levels of the League in the state of California: LWV of California, LWV of the Bay Area, and local Leagues from past elections:
Make sure that you visit Voter's Edge to see everything on your ballot, find your polling place, and get unbiased information on all your voting choices.
How to Evaluate Propositions & Measures
Examine what the measure seeks to accomplish. Do you agree with those goals?
Is the measure consistent with your ideas about government? Do you think the proposed changes will make things better?
Who are the real sponsors and opponents of the measure? Check where the money is coming from on Voter's Edge.
Is the measure written well? Will it create conflicts in law that may require court resolution or interpretation? Is it "good government," or will it cause more problems than it will resolve?
Does the measure create its own revenue source? Does it earmark, restrict, or obligate government revenues? If so, weigh the benefit of securing funding for this measure against the cost of reducing overall flexibility in the budget.
Does the measure mandate a government program or service without addressing how it will be funded?
Does the measure deal with one issue that can be easily decided by a 'yes' or 'no' vote? Or, is it a complex issue that should be thoroughly examined in the legislative arena?
If the measure amends the (state) Constitution, consider whether it really belongs in the Constitution. Would a statue accomplish the same purpose? All constitutional amendments require voter approval; what we put into the Constitution would have to come back to the ballot to be changed. (The same advice applies to modifying the City of Alameda Charter.)
Be wary of distortion tactics and commercials that rely on image but tell nothing of substance about the measure. Beware of half-truths.
-- From the League of Women Voters of California