Measure A
State law moved the election of District Attorneys and Sheriff to Presidential elections to maximize voter participation of these critical law enforcement officers. Measure A seeks to avoid state compliance.
What a "yes" vote means
A ‘yes’ vote approves amending Section 15 of the Fresno County charter to require the elections for district attorney and sheriff be conducted on the California gubernatorial cycle. If approved, Fresno County’s top cops would be eligible for re-election in 2026.
Arguments in favor:
Led by Fresno County Supervisor Steve Brandau, supporters of Measure A say California’s left-winged legislature overstepped its authority by trying to dictate charter county elections.
“My argument is that charter counties, among other powers, have the authority to determine the schedule of these officers,” Brandau said in a statement to Fresnoland. “We are fighting for our local autonomy.
Recommendation
Vote “No”
Keep elections in line with State law.
State legislation has shifted the scheduling of District Attorneys’ and Sheriffs’ elections to coincide with Presidential elections, aiming to increase voter turnout for these crucial law enforcement roles. Measure A aims to circumvent this state mandate.
What a "no" vote means
A ‘no’ vote opposes amending the Fresno County charter to specify the county law enforcement election cycles. If rejected by voters, the county’s next law enforcement elections would be held in 2028.
Arguments in opposition:
Arguments for moving law enforcement races to the presidential cycle essentially boil down to “more voters equals good.”
The law’s passage came with little fanfare in late 2022, earning a single sentence of acknowledgement from the governor’s office and a four-sentence statement from the bill’s author, Sacramento Democrat Kevin McCarty.
In August, shortly after county supervisors approved Brandau’s resolution, Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias slammed the move as a “power grab” by the conservative-leaning Board of Supervisors.
“With this hastily action the Board of Supervisors is asking voters to violate State law and taxpayers to pick up the legal bills it would generate,” Arias told Fresnoland in August. “Those public resources could be better spent on housing and mental health services to thousands of homeless residents.”
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This guide was produced from candidates voluntarily completion of a questionnaire provided by LGBTQ Fresno.