ABOUT THIS ELECTION

When Californians cast their ballots for the November
8 election, they will decide the fate of 228 local tax
measures representing a cumulative tax increase of
more than $3 billion per year, along with 193 bonds that would
dramatically increase annual property taxes.
These local measures are in addition to the 17 statewide measures
that represent another $5.3 billion to $10.6 billion in potential
annual tax increases, according to the state’s fiscal estimates.
The 180 school bonds (totaling $24.63 billion) and 13 bonds for
other uses (totaling $7.27 billion), if approved and issued, will have
to be repaid – with significant interest – through higher annual
property taxes.
Voters in 50 of California’s 58 counties will see at least one local
tax or bond measure on the November ballot.
While local governments traditionally put more tax and bond
measures on the ballot during presidential election years, the
November 2016 election could be a historic record. The total of
86 sales tax measures on the ballot in this election is dramatically
higher than the 46 decided in both the primary and general
elections of 2012.
In addition to supporting local governments, local taxes have a
significant impact on the cost of living, and influence taxpayers’
decisions about where to live, shop, start a business or expand an
existing business.
The California Taxpayers Association has been monitoring local
taxes since its establishment 90 years ago, as part of its mission to
keep taxpayers informed.
ABOUT THIS ELECTION
Proposed Annual Tax Increase: OVER $3 BILLION
NOVEMBER 2016 LOCAL TAX AND BOND MEASURES
A report by the California Taxpayers Association
Number of Tax & Bond Measures Appearing on the Ballot: 421 IN 50 COUNTIES