FACT SHEET
10 Ballot Initiatives to VOTE YES on this November Shaping Orange County’s Future
This November, 10 new ballot initiatives will be up for a vote that could significantly shape the future of Orange County.
The Orange County Charter Review Commission, a group made up of dedicated community members, conducted thorough research and held multiple community meetings to understand the most pressing needs of our county. As a result of this comprehensive process, they have proposed 10 vital amendments to the Orange County Charter. These amendments will be on your ballot this year, offering you the chance to directly impact the direction of our community.
1. Lowering the Number of Signatures for Petitions
What is it?
This measure makes it easier for people to suggest changes to the county's rules by reducing the number of signatures needed.
Why it matters? It makes it easier for people to have a say in the county's laws.
Current Status: It’s not as easy to suggest changes right now.
Why Vote Yes? Voting yes helps everyone have a bigger voice in our community.
2. Affordable Housing Trust Fund
What is it? This measure ensures that there is a fund to help build homes that people can afford.
Why it matters? It helps people who don’t have a lot of money find a nice place to live.
Current Status: There’s a fund, but it’s not guaranteed to always be there and if we vote no it will not be there.
Why Vote Yes? Voting yes makes sure this fund continues to help families who need it.
3. Write-In Candidates in Elections
What is it?
This measure changes how we count candidates who aren't officially on the ballot but are written in by voters.
Why it matters? It ensures that elections are fair and clear.
Current Status: Write-in candidates can sometimes cause confusion in elections and be placed on purpose as a campaign strategy to take away votes from serious candidates.
Why Vote Yes? Voting yes makes elections smoother and less confusing.
4. Fiscal Sustainability Tool
What is it?
This measure requires the county to adopt a tool to make sure new projects, like building roads,takes in the future of our County infrastructure and natural systems.
Why it matters? It helps the county make smart choices that won’t waste our money.
Current Status: There’s no requirement to use anytool right now as development goes unchecked.
Why Vote Yes? Voting yes helps the county spend our money wisely.
5. County Attorney Office
What is it?
This measure creates a special office for the county’s lawyer, who gives legal advice to the county.
Why it matters? It ensures the county has proper legal help when needed.
Current Status: The county doesn't have a specific office for its lawyer.
Why Vote Yes? Voting yes makes sure the county gets the best legal advice.
6. More County Commission Districts
What is it?
This measure increases the number of districts in the county, so there will be more representatives, meaning more representation.
Why it matters? It gives more people a chance to be heard by their own representative.
Current Status: There are currently few districts, so each one covers a lot of people and can be hard for any one person to manage.
Why Vote Yes? Voting yes ensures that more voices are heard in the county decisions.
7. Transportation Mobility Advisory Commission
What is it?
This measure creates a group to help plan transportation, like buses and roads, in the county.
Why it matters? It helps make sure everyone can get around easily and the community is heard in important transportation decisions.
Current Status: There isn’t a special group focused on this right now.
Why Vote Yes? Voting yes helps improve how we get around in our community.
8. Protecting County Lands
What is it? This measure protects parks and other special lands by making it harder to change how they’re used.
Why it matters? It keeps parks and nature safe for everyone to enjoy.
Current Status: These lands can be changed more easily right now.
Why Vote Yes? Voting yes ensures our parks and nature spots stay beautiful.
9. Rural Boundary
What is it?
This measure creates a special boundary around rural areas to protect them from too much building.
Why it matters? It keeps rural areas peaceful and less crowded.
Current Status: These areas aren’t as protected from new buildings right now.
Why Vote Yes? Voting yes helps keep rural areas quiet and natural.
10. Annexation Process
What is it?
This measure sets rules for when rural land joins a nearby city.
Why it matters? It provides extra protections for rural areas to stay protected.
Current Status: Developers can annex easily into cities if they do not like current conservation rules.
Why Vote Yes? Voting yes keeps rural lands safe from too much change.