Editor’s note: This is one of seven issue-focused voter’s guides based on data from the City College Community Agenda. Check back often for the rest of the guides and the latest City Times Media election-related news and information.
Genesis Martinez, a City College student studying marketing and business, finds herself worrying less about the classroom and more about her friends in the LGBTQ community.
“It’s just so I can make sure my friends are safe when they’re just walking around,” Martinez said to City Times in September. “Because nowadays, since we’re all college students. They like to go out and just walk around the city or the town.”
Civil rights and inequalities are one of the top concerns of City College students, faculty, staff and community members, according to the City College Agenda. A staggering 45 percent of people who filled out the survey said this topic was crucial to hear about from candidates.
The City College Community Agenda compiles the responses to a survey completed by students, faculty, staff and community members. It is designed to identify issues and elicit questions that City Times Media reporters use to engage political candidates and focus their election reporting.
To the survey respondents, civil rights and inequality included protecting the LGBTQ community, addressing discrimination, and the civil rights and liberties of those in prison or having served their time already.
Another topic of high concern among City College students, faculty, staff and community members was criminal justice. Particularly as it pertains to persons formerly or currently incarcerated, there is a distinct overlap in issues on topics of civil rights and inequalities and criminal justice.
Below is the City Times Media voter’s guide for those concerned about civil rights and inequalities.
State Propositions:
Proposition 3
The aim of this proposition is to amend the California constitution to recognize a fundamental right to marry, regardless of sex or race. The proposition also seeks to repeal the 2008 Proposition 8, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman. – Cal Matters
- Proposition 3 – Constitutional right to marriage. Legislative constitutional amendment
- Reaffirm the right of same-sex couples to marry
Fiscal Impact:
No change in revenues or costs to state and local governments.
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Proposition 6
This proposition seeks to ensure people who are incarcerated retain their human rights and prevent forced labor within prisons. – California Official Voter Information Guide
- Proposition 6 – Eliminates Constitutional Provision Allowing Involuntary Servitude for Incarcerated Persons. Legislative Constitutional Amendment – California SOS
- Ballotpedia: California Proposition 6, Remove Involuntary Servitude as Punishment for Crime Amendment (2024)
Fiscal Impact
Any potential increase or decrease in state and local criminal justice costs likely would not exceed the tens of millions of dollars each year. – Legislative Analyst’s Office
Proposition 32
Prop 32 will raise the minimum wage for employers with 26 or more employees, to $17 immediately, $18 on Jan. 1, 2025. For employers with 25 or fewer employees, to $17 on Jan. 1, 2025, $18 on Jan. 1, 2026. – Cal Matters
- Prop 32 – Raise State Minimum Wage to $18 an Hour – Cal Matters
- Prop 32 – Raise Minimum Wage. Initiative Status – California SOS
Fiscal Impact:
Higher wages, likely higher prices, likely lower profits, government costs could go up or down and lower revenues – California Official Voter Information Guide
