Just around 20% of San Franciscans have returned their ballots in today’s primary election, which will determine the fate of District Attorney Chesa Boudin, decide on several anti-corruption measures and set the stage for November’s general election.
The most controversial item on the ballot this time is the potential recall of District Attorney Chesa Boudin. Elected in 2019 as a “progressive prosecutor” with goals to deemphasize incarceration in favor of more restorative criminal justice practices, he is now facing potential removal from his post. That’s Proposition H—the last item on San Franciscans’ ballots.
There’s a whole slew of other ballot measures in this election, including two—Propositions E and F—that target corruption in the city, stemming from the 2020 arrest of former Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru for fraud charges. Proposition A would renew a $400 million Muni bond; Prop. B would reorganize the building inspection department; Prop. C would reform the recall process; Prop. D would create a new office of Victims and Witness Services and Prop. G gives employees two weeks of paid health emergency leave. For a complete walk-through, check out these eight videos explaining each of the eight questions on the ballot.
Meanwhile, today is also a primary election, preparing the ballot for the November general. Voters are choosing from a slate of candidates for everything from Congress to the state school board. Several local Democratic incumbents are vying to keep their seats this fall, including Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, City Attorney David Chiu and state Assemblymember Phil Ting, although not all of them have the full endorsement of local dem clubs. The race begins for state Assembly Districts 15 and 11, both of which will send the top two candidates to the November general.
Speaking of endorsements, here’s a list of which local groups support what on this week’s ballot.
Polls close at 8 p.m. today, with initial results expected to roll in starting at 8:45 p.m. This is the third election for San Franciscans this calendar year—which may explain the low voter turnout so far. If you haven’t voted yet, there’s still time, and you can find your polling place or ballot drop box information here.