Local Tax, Bond Measures Pass At High Rate

Californian voters passed a record number of local tax and bond measures in last month’s election – despite the low turnout resulting in a more conservative electorate.

Voters approved more than 70 percent of California’s local tax and bond measures last month. That’s roughly the same passage rate as previous elections. But since there were a record high number of local revenue measures on the ballot – nearly 270 – a record high number passed … even though the electorate was more conservative due to the abysmal turnout.

“People are much more concerned about – and much more knowledgeable about – the particular needs in their community, it seems, and what those needs are and whether that’s worthwhile, than they are swayed, perhaps, by the overall economy or the overall electoral mood,” says Michael Coleman, who tracks local revenue measures each election cycle for the League of California Cities.

School bond and school parcel tax measures had the highest rates of success, followed by city general taxes. Measures requiring a two-thirds vote didn’t fare quite as well.