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CANDIDATE FORUMS & PRO/CONS

Educated and informed voters are the key to our democracy. We invite everyone to participate in our local Leagues’ nonpartisan candidate forums and pro/con ballot issues discussions. 
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Sign-up and View Candidate & Ballot Issue Forums


In advance of the General Election on November 5th, 2024 count on the League to help you.  Hear directly from candidates for local,  statewide and national office and hear analysis of propositions and other ballot issues.  All Forums will be posted on the League's YouTube channel. Get Prepared to Vote! 



Palo Alto Ballot Candidate Forums:

REGISTER for the CA Assembly District 23 Candidate Forum October 13th 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. (Zoom) hosted by Los Altos-Mountain View on behalf of all 5 Santa Clara County Leagues and the South San Mateo County League.  

CANCELED for the 16th Congressional District Candidate Forum Tuesday,  October 8th 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. (Zoom) hosted by LWV of Palo Alto and co-sponsored by LWV fo Cupertino-Sunnyvale; Los Altos-Mountain View; Southwest Santa Clara Valley; San Jose/Santa Clara; North & Central San Mateo County; South San Mateo County

Watch for the Santa Clara County Board of Education Area 1 Candidate Forum Tuesday,  October 1st 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. (Zoom)hosted by LWV of Palo Alto and co-sponsored by LWV of Cupertino-Sunnyvale; Los Altos-Mountain View

Watch for the Palo Alto Unified School District Governing Board Forum Monday, September 23rd 6:30-8:30 p.m.  (hybrid format: candidates meet in-person;  audience attends via Zoom). Hosted by the LWV of Palo Alto and co-sponsored by PTAC.  

Watch for the Foothill-DeAnza  Area 5 Forum Thursday, September 19th 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.  (Zoom). Hosted by LWV of Palo Alto.  

Watch  the Palo Alto City Council Forum Saturday,  September 14th 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.  (Zoom). Hosted by LWV of Palo Alto.  

Palo Alto Ballot & California Propositions:

Read
LWV of CaliforniaPros/Cons Ballot Propositions Analysis

Watch for Pros/Cons Ballot Propositions Discussion, September 25th 7 p.m.
(Zoom) Hosted by the LWV of Palo Alto.

Read about Measure D 
(Palo Alto Ballot only) - Municipal Code Amendment " Discontinuance of the Use of Portion of Park Land at El Camino Park"
 
Read about 
California Ballot Measures - League of Women Voters of California



View Recorded Forums & Pros/Cons Discussions

Palo Alto City Council Forum September 14, 2024

Foothill-DeAnza Governing Board District 5 September 19, 2024

Assembly District 23 Primary March 5th 2024


View Pros/Cons Discussions & Analysis for Ballot Measures

For every election cycle, the League chooses various local and state ballot issues and analyzes their pros and cons.   Check out vote411/california for more information about voting and your ballot.  

Here are some tips for evaluating a ballot proposal: 
  • Examine what the measure seeks to accomplish. Do you agree with those goals? Is the measure seeking changes that are consistent with your ideas about government?
  • Who are the real sponsors and opponents of the measure? Check where the money is coming from with vote411/california.
  • Is the measure written well? Is it “good government,” or will it cause more problems than it will resolve?
  • Does the measure create its own revenue source? Does it earmark, restrict or obligate government revenues?
  • Does the measure mandate a government program or service without addressing how it will be funded?
  • Does the measure deal with one issue that can be easily decided by a YES or NO vote? Or, is it a complex issue that should be thoroughly examined in the legislative arena?
  • If the measure amends the Constitution, consider whether it really belongs in the Constitution. Remember that all constitutional amendments require voter approval.
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