DISCLAIMER: Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) is a private, nonprofit auxiliary organization at Cal Poly that does not endorse candidates, political parties, or ballot measures. This guide is provided solely as a resource to help students access factual information and official sources for their own research and decision-making. The inclusion of any topic, issue, or resource does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by ASI. 

 

Everything you need to know about what is on your ballot, how to vote, and where to find reliable election information.  

STUDENT VOICES MATTER. Elections affect issues students experience every day. This includes the cost of education, housing, transportation, public health, and environmental policy. Voting is one way to make sure our experiences are represented in decisions affecting our communities.  

 

OFFICIAL VOTING RESOURCES 

Register to Vote 

Students can register to vote or update their registration online through the California Online Voter Registration website: https://registertovote.ca.gov/ 

Check Your Registration 

Use the California My Voter Status website to confirm that you are registered, review where you are registered, and check your political party preference if applicable.

Find Your Polling Place 

Use the California Polling-Place Finder to find your voting center, early voting location, ballot drop-off, or polling place. Your location may depend on the address where you are registered.

Track Your Ballot 

If you vote by mail, sign up for “Where’s My Ballot?” to receive updates by text, email, or phone about when your ballot is received and counted. https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/ 

California Official Voter Information Guide 

The Official Voter Information Guide includes nonpartisan information about state candidates, ballot measures, voting deadlines, and voter rights.

 

VOTING BASICS 

The voting process is straightforward and can be done in a minimal amount of time.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE? The requirements to be an eligible to vote include: (California Secretary of State) 

• A United States Citizen  
• 18 years of age or older on election day 
  • If you will not be 18, you can’t vote BUT you can pre-register to vote using the same link. You must be at least 16 years old.
• Not currently serving a state or federal prison term for the conviction of a felony 
• Not currently found mentally incompetent to vote by a court  

SHOULD I VOTE IN MY COLLEGE CITY OR MY HOMETOWN? The registration process is fairly quick, and you can choose to register at either your college city or back at your home address city. Remembering to update your mailing is very important.  

WHAT IF I MISSED THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER? California allows voters to register early or same day registration as election day occurs.  

When voting, making sure you understand what is on your ballot along with the candidates is very important. Your vote includes more than just federal elections but can include local city council, school boards, housing measures, transit, judges, and state representatives, etc.  

HOW DO I GET AN ABSENTEE/MAIL-IN BALLOT? In California, active registered voters are mailed a ballot, but the option to still vote in person if you would prefer is available. 

Ensure when you are voting that you are following all ballot instructions and signing, filling in, or checking boxes in the correct areas.  

Remember: your vote matters, especially in local elections where decisions can directly affect college students and their communities. 

 

UNDERSTANDING YOUR BALLOT 

GOVERNMENT 101: Your ballot includes races and measures at the local, state, and federal levels. Each level of government has different responsibilities, but they often work together on issues that affect your daily life. Knowing who is responsible for what can help you understand which candidates and measures can address the issues you care about.  

Local Government: Cities, counties, and school districts make decisions closest to home. They often oversee: 

• Local roads, parks, and public transportation 
• Police, fire, and emergency services 
• Housing, zoning, and development 
• Public schools and community programs 

State Government: California’s state government makes decisions that affect people across the state, including: 

• CSU and other public higher-education systems 
• State highways and transportation funding 
• Financial aid, housing, health care, and environmental policy 
• State laws, the budget, and taxes 

Federal Government: The U.S. government handles issues that affect the country as a whole, including: 

• Federal financial aid and student loans 
• Immigration and civil rights 
• Social Security, national defense, and foreign policy 
• Federal funding for education, transportation, health care, and more 

WHAT DOES THIS OFFICE DO? 

In the following candidate lists, an asterisk (*) identifies the incumbent — the candidate who currently holds the office. 

Party labels reflect each candidate’s stated party preference and do not mean the candidate was officially nominated or endorsed by that party. 

Statewide Offices 

Governor 

Office description: 

• Leads California’s executive branch, including most state agencies and departments.  
• Can sign bills into law or reject them. 
• Proposes the state budget and helps decide how California spends public money.  
• Can appoint judges when court openings occur.  
• Leads the state’s response to emergencies, like wildfires or public-health crises. 

Xavier Becerra — Democratic  

Steve Hilton — Republican 

Why should students care: The Governor’s proposed budget effects how much funding California provides to public colleges, including support for financial aid, classes, housing, and other campus services. 

Learn more: Official CA State Voter Guide 

  

Lieutenant Governor 

Office description: 

• Takes over as Governor if the Governor cannot serve.   
• Serves as president of the State Senate and has a tie-breaking vote. 
• Serves on boards that make decisions about state lands, the environment, and California’s public university systems.

Fiona Ma — Democratic  

Gloria Romero — Republican 

Why should students care: The Lt. Governor votes on the CSU Board of Trustees. That means they have a say in big CSU decisions, like tuition, campus leadership, and policies that affect students across the system. 

Learn more: Official CA State Voter Guide 

 

Secretary of State 

Office description: 

• Oversees California elections and voter registration.   
• Shares information about campaign donations and lobbying.   
• Handles some business records, trademarks, and notary public licenses.   
• Helps preserve and share California’s historical records.

Donald P. (Don) Wagner — Republican  

Shirley N. Weber — Democratic 

Why should students care: The Secretary of State helps protect your ability to register, vote, and have your ballot counted. This is especially important for students who move between home and campus or vote by mail. 

Learn more: Official CA State Voter Guide 

  

Controller 

Office description: 

• Keeps track of California’s public money.   
• Runs the state payroll system and helps return unclaimed money to Californians.   
• Audits state agencies to make sure public money is being used properly.   
• Serves on state boards and commissions, including the Board of Equalization.

Malia M. Cohen — Democratic  

Herb W Morgan — Republican 

Why should students care: The Controller helps make sure California uses public money responsibly. This office provides an important check on how state agencies spend taxpayer dollars. 

Learn more: Official CA State Voter Guide 

 

Treasurer 

Office description: 

• Manages the state’s money and investments.   
• Helps California borrow money for major projects through bonds. 
• Pays out state funds after the Controller and state agencies approve spending. 

Jennifer Hawks — Republican  

Eleni Kounalakis — Democratic 

Why should students care: The Treasurer manages California’s money and helps fund large projects, like housing, schools, and infrastructure. Their decisions can affect the cost of living and the quality of public services students rely on. 

Learn more: Official CA State Voter Guide 

  

Attorney General 

Office description: 

• Acts as California’s top lawyer.   
• Enforces state laws and investigates fraud and other illegal activity.   
• Leads the California Department of Justice and represents the state in court.   
• Works with law enforcement agencies across California. 

Rob Bonta — Democratic  

Michael E. Gates — Republican 

Why should students care: The Attorney General enforces state laws and decides which issues the state will focus on. Their work can affect students’ rights, housing, consumer protection, privacy, and public safety. 

Learn more: Official CA State Voter Guide 

  

Insurance Commissioner 

Office description: 

• Leads the California Department of Insurance.   
• Makes sure insurance companies follow California law.   
• Licenses, regulates, and examines insurance companies. 
• Helps Californians with questions and complaints about insurance. 

Ben Allen — Democratic  

Jane Kim — Democratic 

Why should students care: The Insurance Commissioner regulates insurance companies and helps people when they have problems with their coverage. This can affect the cost and quality of car, renters, and health insurance that students may use. 

Learn more: Official CA State Voter Guide 

  

Board of Equalization (the state’s elected tax commission) 

Office description: 

• Oversees property tax practices across California.   
• Makes sure county assessors use fair and consistent property values for taxes.   
• Handles certain taxes on railroads, utilities, alcohol, and insurance companies. 

SOLANO: District 1 

• Nelson Esparza — Democratic  
• Shannon Grove — Republican 

San Luis Obispo: District 2 

• Sally J. Lieber — Democratic  
• John Pimentel — Democratic 

Why should students care: The Board of Equalization’s decisions can affect property taxes and funding for local services, such as schools, libraries, and emergency services. 

Learn more: Official CA State Voter Guide 

 

Superintendent of Public Instruction 

Office description: 

• Serves as California’s elected voice for public education.   
• Works with the Governor and Legislature on education issues.   
• Votes on boards that help govern California’s public education systems, from transitional kindergarten through college. 

Richard Barrera   

Sonja Shaw 

Why should students care: The Superintendent has a vote on the CSU Board of Trustees and helps shape California’s public education system. Their decisions can affect both current college students and the students who will come after them. 

Learn more: Official CA State Voter Guide 

 

Federal Offices 

U.S. House of Representatives 

Office Description:  

• Represents their district in the U.S. House of Representatives (part of the federal government’s legislative branch) 
• Helps write, debate, and vote on federal laws.   
• Works with the U.S. Senate and President on issues that affect the whole country. 

Why should students care: Your U.S. Representative votes on federal laws and funding that can affect financial aid, student loans, health care, housing, jobs, immigration, and civil rights. 

San Luis Obispo: District CA-24 

• Bob Smith — Republican 
• Salud Carbajal* — Democratic 

Learn more: Official San Luis Obispo County Voter Guide 

 

Solano: District CA-8 

• John Garamendi*— Democratic 
• Rudy Recile — Republican 

Learn more: Official Solano County Voter Guide 

  

State Assembly 

Office Description:  

• Introduce, review, and vote on bills covering public policy, healthcare, education, and the environment. 
• Work with the State Senate and the Governor to approve and manage state spending and taxes. 
• Vote to uphold or override vetoes made by the Governor. 
• Help local residents navigate state agencies and secure funding for community projects. 

Why should students care: They represent local concerns in Sacramento, help shape state laws, and can connect students with state resources. 

  

San Luis Obispo: CA Assembly District 30 

• Shannon Kessler — Republican 
• Dawn Addis* — Democratic 

 Learn more: Official San Luis Obispo County Voter Guide 

 

Solano: CA Assembly District 11 

• Lori Wilson* — Democratic 
• Jenny Callison — No party preference 

Learn more: Official Solano County Voter Guide 

 

County Measures 

Solano Measures 

• Measure E- Unincorporated Business License Tax 
• Increase business license tax on commercial and stored energy facilities in Unincorporated Solano Campus to increase energy generation  
• Measure H- Unincorporated Transient Occupancy Tax  
• Increase current Transient Occupancy Tax by seven points to be used for governmental purposes.  

Learn more: Official Solano County Voter Guide 

 

San Luis Obispo 

• None 

 

City Elections 

Vallejo 

Vallejo City Unified School District — Trustee Area 1 

While this board does not govern Cal Poly Maritime Academy, its decisions shape the broader Vallejo community students live in. The trustee helps make decisions about local public-school funding, programs, staffing, facilities, and school closures. 

Learn more: Official Solano County Voter Guide 

 

San Luis Obispo 

Note about unincorporated zone — Cal Poly’s San Luis Obispo campus is in unincorporated San Luis Obispo County, not within the City of San Luis Obispo. If you are registered to vote with your on-campus address, City of San Luis Obispo offices will not appear on your ballot. Students who live off campus within city limits can vote in these races. 

Note about Citywide Single Vote — Starting in November 2026, City of San Luis Obispo voters will choose one City Council candidate instead of two. The two candidates with the most votes win. The Mayor’s race is unchanged with voters choosing one candidate. Learn more about Citywide Single vote. 

 

Mayor 

Office Description:  

• Serves as the official head of the City and leads City Council meetings.   
• Votes as an equal member of the five-person City Council.   
• Helps set the City’s priorities and represent the City at community and public events.   
• Works with the Council, City Manager, and community members on local issues. 

Erica A. Stewart* (uncontested) 

Why should students care: The Mayor helps shape City priorities that can affect student life, including housing, public safety, transportation, sustainability, and the relationship between Cal Poly and the surrounding community. 

Learn more: Official San Luis Obispo Municipal Elections Guide 

 

City Council Member — vote for ONE candidate and the top two will be elected 

Office Description:  

• Introduces, discusses, and votes on local laws and policies. 
• Approves the City budget, contracts, and major City programs. 
• Appoints the City Manager and City Attorney. 
• Makes decisions about local services, including police and fire, parks, water, parking, transit, housing, and development. 

Emily Francis*  

Michelle Shoresman*  

Brett Cross 

Why should students care: City Council decisions can directly affect off-campus housing, rent and development, parking, biking and transit, public safety, and local businesses. The Council also sets local rules and enforcement priorities that can affect noise complaints, student gatherings, and event permits. 

Learn more: Official San Luis Obispo Municipal Elections Guide 

 

Statewide Ballot Measures

The following statewide ballot measures will appear on California’s November 3, 2026 ballot. This guide is intended to provide neutral, high-level information for student voters. For the complete ballot language, fiscal analysis, and official arguments for and against each measure, visit the California Secretary of State’s Official Voter Guide. 

 

Proposition 1 — Authorizes Bonds for Housing Affordability Programs 

What it does: Authorizes $11.25 billion in state bonds for affordable housing programs, including veterans’ housing, supportive housing, preservation of affordable housing, and down-payment assistance. 

Why students might care: Housing affordability and homelessness affect students, recent graduates, campus employees, and the surrounding community. The measure would also create long-term state bond repayment costs. 

Learn more: Official Proposition 1 information 

 

Proposition 2 — Increases State’s Rainy Day Fund 

What it does: Changes state reserve and debt-payment rules to increase California’s rainy-day fund. 

Why students might care: State reserves can help maintain funding for education, health care, and public safety during economic downturns. 

Learn more: Official Proposition 2 information 

 

Proposition 3 — Provides Permanent Funding for Schools and Health Care by Extending Existing Tax on High Incomes 

What it does: Makes existing higher income-tax rates on high-income earners permanent instead of allowing them to expire in 2031. 

Why students might care: The measure could affect long-term funding for public education and health care while making a tax policy permanent for certain high-income taxpayers. 

Learn more: Official Proposition 3 information 

 

Proposition 4 — Repeals Prohibition Against Public Funding of Election Campaigns 

What it does: Allows state and local governments to create public financing programs for candidate campaigns, subject to certain limits. 

Why students might care: Students may consider whether public funds should be used to support candidate campaigns and whether public financing could change candidates’ reliance on private fundraising. 

Learn more: Official Proposition 4 information 

 

Proposition 5 — Changes Recall Election Process for Statewide Officers 

What it does: Removes the replacement-candidate question from recall ballots for statewide officers. Vacancies would instead be filled through a later special election or appointment, depending on the office and timing. 

Why students might care: This measure would change how California fills vacancies if a statewide elected official is recalled. 

Learn more: Official Proposition 5 information 

 

Proposition 37 — Creates Loan Program for Middle-Income Buyers of Qualified New Homes 

What it does: Creates a state-backed loan program to assist eligible middle-income Californians buying qualifying newly constructed homes. 

Why students might care: The measure could affect access to homeownership for graduates and families, as well as demand for new housing statewide. 

Learn more: Official Proposition 37 information 

 

Proposition 38 — Authorizes Bonds for Immunology Medical Research 

What it does: Authorizes $8.4 billion in state bonds for immunology and immunotherapy research. 

Why students might care: Students may care about medical research, health outcomes, research opportunities, and the cost of repaying state bonds. 

Learn more: Official Proposition 38 information 

 

Proposition 39 — Requires Government-Issued Identification to Vote 

What it does: Requires additional government-issued identification information for voting in person and by mail. 

Why students might care: This could directly affect the materials students need when voting, particularly students voting away from their permanent home address. 

Learn more: Official Proposition 39 information 

 

Proposition 40 — Imposes One-Time Tax on Certain Taxpayers 

What it does: Imposes a one-time 5% tax on certain taxpayers with assets over $1 billion. Revenue would primarily support health care. 

Why students might care: The measure concerns health-care funding, state tax policy, and whether a one-time tax on very wealthy residents should fund public programs. 

Learn more: Official Proposition 40 information 

 

Proposition 41 — Restricts Certain New State Taxes and Requires Audits 

What it does: Restricts certain new state taxes from being excluded from the state spending limit and requires audits of programs funded by new special taxes. 

Why students might care: Students may care about government transparency, oversight of public programs, and how state tax revenue may be spent. 

Learn more: Official Proposition 41 information 

 

Proposition 42 — Prohibits New State Personal Property Taxes and Certain Retroactive Taxes 

What it does: Prohibits new state taxes on personal property and certain retroactive state taxes. 

Why students might care: The measure could limit future tax-policy options and affect how California raises revenue for public services and programs. 

Learn more: Official Proposition 42 information 

 

Proposition 43 — Changes Vote Requirement for Certain Local Taxes 

What it does: Requires a two-thirds vote for certain voter-proposed local special taxes instead of a simple majority. 

Why students might care: Local taxes can fund services students use, including transportation, roads, public safety, housing-related programs, and community services. 

Learn more: Official Proposition 43 information 

 

Proposition 44 — Requires Certain Community Health Clinics to Spend 90% of Revenue on Program Services 

What it does: Requires certain nonprofit community health clinics to spend at least 90% of their revenue on program services. 

Why students might care: Community clinics can be an important source of affordable primary and preventive care for students and local residents. 

Learn more: Official Proposition 44 information 

 

Proposition 45 — Modifies Environmental Review for Certain Projects 

What it does: Creates faster environmental-review and court-review procedures for certain housing, transportation, water, health, and other projects. 

Why students might care: The measure could affect the pace of housing and infrastructure construction, as well as opportunities for environmental and public review of projects. 

Learn more: Official Proposition 45 information