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Proposition 5 would lower the municipal bond threshold for housing and roads from two-thirds to 55 percent. The two-thirds vote requirement for municipal bond measures has been part of the California Constitution since 1879.
In 2000, voters approved a municipal bond exception for school construction, and only 55% approval has been required since then. Proposition 5 would extend that carve-out to municipal bond measures for housing and infrastructure.
Yes: Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia says a 55% voting standard is more democratic than two-thirds. Proposition 5 would help the Bay Area face its biggest challenges and provide local control and accountability when spending tax dollars.
No: Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association President John Coupal says this ballot measure would accelerate tax increases and increase local debt. Owners of single-family homes, apartments, and commercial properties would end up paying higher taxes, leading to higher housing and business costs.
Editorial: Proposition 5 would make it easier to pass local tax bills without addressing repeated campaign fraud. Lawmakers should first correct the current deceptive voting and campaign practices of local agencies and businesses that benefit financially from the passage of bond legislation. If we reform the electoral process, we can debate whether to lower voting standards.
