Get Out the Vote: Electoral Choices Will Shape Berkeley's Future

Berkeley Faces Critical Elections

Three candidates are running to replace termed-out Mayor Jesse Arreguín to lead Berkeley for the next four years. Nine candidates are vying for three open seats on the Berkeley City Council. Three candidates are competing for the District 7 seat on the Berkeley Unified School District Board of Education.

Why Vote in Local Elections?

Local elections have a direct impact on our daily lives. Berkeley's next mayor and city council will make decisions on housing, transportation, public safety, and climate change that will shape our city's future. The school board will make decisions on the quality of education our children receive.

Voters have a chance to weigh in on these important issues by casting their ballots on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Who Is Running?

The Berkeley mayoral candidates are:

• Sophie Hahn, a Democratic socialist and tenants' rights activist
• Rashi Kesarwani, a Democratic city councilmember
• Terry Taplin, an independent and former Republican who served on the city council from 1995 to 2002

What Are the Key Issues?

The key issues in the Berkeley mayoral race include:

• Housing: All three candidates have pledged to build more affordable housing, but they have different ideas about how to do it.
• Transportation: The candidates have different plans for improving public transportation and reducing traffic congestion.
• Public safety: The candidates have different approaches to policing and crime prevention.
• Climate change: All three candidates have pledged to take action on climate change, but they have different ideas about how to do it.

How to Vote

You can register to vote online, by mail, or in person at the Alameda County Registrar of Voters office. The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 24.

On Election Day, you can vote at any polling place in Berkeley. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

You can also vote by mail. The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is Oct. 31.

Your Vote Matters

Local elections are important. Your vote can make a difference in the future of Berkeley.

Make sure your voice is heard. Vote on Nov. 7.