Direct Democracy in Action

As more citizens begin to cast their ballots, this serves as a comprehensive guide to the five ballot measures in the 2020 election in the city of San Diego

Tyler Pugmire / News Editor

San Diego is preparing for a historic election season, highlighted by five ballot measures. Discussing everything from height limits in the Midway district to establishing an independent review board of the police, this election has five separate ballot measures, A through E, that will determine changes in San Diego for years to come. 

First on the ballot is Measure A, which would allow the city to collect up to $900 million dollars by issuing general obligation bonds. This money would go toward acquiring and improving the conditions of housing for vulnerable populations such as persons experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, or individuals with low income. If Measure A passes, it would secure the potential sale of up to $900 million dollars worth of bonds backed by increased property taxes. 

Those in favor of Measure A argue that the city needs more permanent housing for those in need. By providing infrastructure for vulnerable populations to live, it would increase productivity for those families who are able to live in these houses. They also argue that Measure A would create thousands of construction jobs and help those struggling from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Opponents of Measure A argue that there would now be an increased property tax of $500 for the average homeowner for the next five years. They also argue that during a pandemic, any increases in property taxes are unjustified.

The second measure on the ballot is Measure B, which would dissolve the Community Review Board on Police Practices and replace it with the Commission on Police Practices. This main change would remove the current status quo of the community bringing their complaints of the police to a grand jury. Instead, there would be an independent review commission made up of individuals appointed by the city council.

Proponents of this measure argue that the city needs an independent process in order to investigate complaints regarding police misconduct. They argue that if we are to hold more police officers accountable, it will help increase communal faith and trust. They also say that this could potentially lower the money spent on misconduct from law enforcement through lawsuits.

Opponents of Measure B say that this would prove to be costly to the taxpayer and that the current system is effective at curbing violence in the city. They argue that the current commission is cost effective and more money spent during a pandemic is not necessary.

Measure C would change the process of electing members to the San Diego Unified School District. Currently, candidates are nominated in individual sub-districts in the primary election but advance to the general election representing the entire school district. A yes vote would change this to remain in the sub-district throughout the general election as well. 

Those voting yes on Measure C argue that this would allow for a more level playing field for candidates, and that the current process disproportionately harms candidates of color. 

The people on the opposing side of Measure C say that this process being changed would decrease community participation, and argue that because there are issues that affect the whole school district, the whole school district should vote on who is appointed.

Measure D also discusses San Diego Unified School District, and would amend the charter of the San Diego Unified School District to include school board members under city laws that address removal of office for cause. 

Those voting yes on Measure D claim that there needs to be a way to remove school board members from office. Currently, if a school board member were to be convicted of a crime, there is no way to remove them from office until the next election cycle. They say this will protect the public from politicians who would refuse to resign. 

A no vote on Measure D would continue the status quo and allow for job safety of those on the school board.

Measure E deals with the new construction that is expected to come to the Midway district, down the street from USD. If Measure E passes, the current requirement for all buildings in the area to be lower than thirty feet in the air would be lifted, allowing for potential development of a new sports arena and entertainment district. 

Proponents of this measure argue that in order for any major development to come to this area of San Diego, it is necessary to remove this restriction. The inclusion of a modern sports arena, public parks, and affordable housing would all become possible due to the passing of Measure E, says those in support of the ballot initiative.

Opponents of Measure E argue that the removal of the coastal height limit would over congest the streets and parking spaces of the surrounding area, in a place that is already riddled with traffic during rush hour. They believe that this public land should be instead used for parks, rather than for a minor league sports team. 

As citizens cast their ballots, it seems as though there will be a different city after this election. With the potential of changing precedents in many different ways, these ballot measures will prove to be critical changes to the status quo for the near future.