With the 2024 Primary Election is less than three weeks away, students are encouraged to hit the voting booths this March to make a difference in their communities. Here is what to expect on this year’s ballot:
The people of Bakersfield will be able to elect the most qualified candidate for its mayoral position. Candidates Mayor Karen Goh and Pastor Gregory Tatum have been selected as the forerunners this year. Incumbent Goh is seeking reelection for a third term.
California’s 22nd Congressional District faces a highly contested race this year with incumbent Valadao facing off against Melissa Hurtado & Rudy Salas.
Dr. Jasmeet Bains is seeking reelection to California’s 35th State Assembly. Fresh off her announcement that she intends to bring a University of California Medical School to Kern County, she is running against experienced businessman Robert Rosas of Bakersfield.
One of the most important propositions being introduced in this election is Proposition 1. Proposition 1 authorizes $6.38 billion (about $20 per person in the US) to the State of California to combat alcoholism, drug addiction, mental health challenges, & homelessness. $1 billion (about $3 per person in the US) of funding is also being sidelined & prioritized for homeless Veterans. Opponents of the bill are those in favor of California’s existing Mental Health Service Act (MHSA) that claimed that Proposition 1 shifts the fund from the County to funding to the State Government. Nearly 1/3 of existing funding would be pulled from the MHSA & redirected towards Proposition 1 in the event of its passage.