By Anna Mathai
Many Oakland groups and communities invite us back every election for our nonpartisan presentation on the pros and cons of the state propositions and local ballot measures. Leading up to the general election this year, we made over 50 presentations in person or on zoom to almost 1400 attendees. The recording of our October 5 presentation at City Hall received over 2,300 views on YouTube.
Some of the takeaways from our presenters are:
One of the many reasons I enjoy presenting is that I visit and meet groups in Oakland I wouldn’t typically meet, and I hear a wide range of perspectives.
Many people thanked me for pointing out the difference between the state ballot propositions put on the ballot by the legislature vs initiatives that made their way to the ballot through signature gathering.
Budgets were definitely a concern for many living in affordable / supportive housing, with more support for state propositions that would be paid out of the general budget vs local measures to be paid by an increase in property taxes.
A potential new voter asked me why she should vote and being so deep in the weeds of the ballot measures, I was totally taken aback.
Someone admitted to voting for the same candidate five times on an RCV ballot and was chagrined to learn that it didn’t help anymore than voting once for that candidate.
My favorite venues are ones with citizens who are marginalized. After we are done, they offer their perspectives as aging seniors, former prisoners and unsheltered people. It is moving to hear their stories.
We presented at AYPAL, Building API Community, at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center
to students in an ongoing civics class. None of the students were old enough to vote. In spite of this, their teacher encouraged them to listen and go home and help their parents to vote. Throughout our talk they were attentive and asked thoughtful questions. One student wanted to understand how bonds work and wasn’t satisfied with the explanation we had given. I was moved by their curiosity and attention.