The San Jose City Council had the opportunity to dramatically improve how local democracy represents the people of San Jose. Moving San Jose’s mayoral election to take place in the same years as the nation’s presidential elections could dramatically increase voter turnout, increase representation of marginalized groups, and improve the strength of the city’s democracy.
But yesterday, a majority of the San Jose Council – led by Mayor Sam Liccardo and Vice Mayor Chappie Jones – voted it down. Council Members Lan Diep, Johnny Khamis, Dev Davis, and Pam Foley voted with the Mayor and Vice Mayor to suppress the voices of black, latino and young voters.
Council Members Magdalena Carrasco, Raul Peralez, Sergio Jimenez, Maya Esparza and Sylvia Arenas stood together to push the Mayor and Vice Mayor for more resources and investment in increasing voter turnout, and to have a workgroup come back in 120 days to report on implementation and funding recommendations for solid growth in civic engagement and voter outreach.
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