Democratic Club

by Mary Larson

LW contributor

Leisure World voters should be aware of a pending bill at the state level that is being co-sponsored by Democratic Sen. Tom Umberg. SB 286 would change the way many Orange County elections are held, beginning with the primary in 2022.

Currently, candidates for nonpartisan countywide offices need to receive a majority of votes cast in the primary election in order to win. When this happens, there is no run-off in the ensuing general election.

SB 286 would require elections for all such offices be held as toptwo runoffs in conjunction with the next statewide general election. It would also require school boards, which hold plurality elections in primaries, to instead be held in November.

Supporters of the bill say it would engage a larger share of the electorate in county level issues, including the election for Sheriff, DA, County Supervisor, Treasurer, Board of Education, and other county-related offices. It would also give greater opportunities to raise candidate name ID.

SB 286 is being supported by the League of Women Voters California. To show Umberg SB 286 has support, email him at https:// sd34.senate.ca.gov/contact or call his district office at (714) 558-3785. ••• The Democratic Club anticipates addressing the efforts to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom during its meeting on Wednesday, April 21. All Democrats are invited to participate, regardless of whether they are members. Those not already on the club’s outreach list should email lwsbdemocraticclub@gmail.com with their contact information in order to receive the login ID.

Final certification of the Newsom recall effort and setting an election date is not likely to occur before mid-September. Nevertheless, Newsom is taking the recall attempt against him seriously. LWers are encouraged to Google “What to Know about California’s Recall Process” for details concerning the recall. ••• In looking forward to the time when we can once again engage in face-to-face contact with one another, the club’s board is in the process of developing plans for the reopening of its weekly booth outside Clubhouse 6. When it opens, Democrats and supporters will have even more access to voter registration material, yard and window signs, club brochures, membership forms, and information about upcoming elections.

Opening and maintaining the club’s booth will need a significant number of volunteers. There is a job waiting for anyone interested in participating, either on a one-time basis or every week. Email lwsbdemocraticclub@gmail.com for more information. ••• Club members are reminded that dues are now calculated on a calendar-year basis. Those who have not renewed for 2021can find forms available at https://sblwdems.wordpress.com/democraticclubmembership- 2/ or by calling (562) 431-7275. New members are always welcome.

Leisure World Democrats and supporters can subscribe to the Club’s electronic newsletter by emailing democraticclubsblw@gmail. com or calling (562) 296-8521. Remember to include your full contact information.